Hydrophilicity of Ferroplasma acidiphilum and its effect on the depression of pyrite

Hydrophilic property of Ferroplasma acidiphilum strain was investigated through direct contact angle measurements, interaction with hydrocarbons and with the determination of its surface energy components. The contact angles of three different liquids drops (water, chloroform, and 1-bromonaphthalene) positioned on the bacterial lawn were measured. Hamaker constant, electron donor and electron acceptor parameters were calculated. The results of contact angles and those of the interaction with organic solvents showed that the microbe has hydrophilic property. The value of interaction energy, ΔGbwb, between two microbial cells (b) immersed in water (w) was found to be +29.53 mJ/m2 confirming the hydrophilic nature of the microbial cells. The floatability of pyrite under xanthate conditions with and without the microbial cells was examined. The results showed that, when the mineral sample was treated with the microbial cells, the cells rendered their own hydrophilic nature to the mineral surface and the floatability of the mineral decreased dramatically over all pH regions.

Depression of pyrite by F. acidiphilum at different pH regions (the cell concentration was 5 × 108 cells/ml and xanthate concentration was 2.5 × 10−5 M.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Ferroplasma acidiphilum cells have hydrophilic nature.
► Pyrite lost its hydrophobic nature after being treated with F. acidiphilum cells.
► F. acidiphilum strain can act as a good depressant for pyrite.