Inhibition of bacterial oxidation of ferrous iron by lead nitrate in sulfate-rich systems

► Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was grown with Fe2+ in the presence of 0-24 mM Pb(NO3)2. ► Jarosite precipitated upon iron oxidation but Pb-jarosite was not detected. ► Pb precipitated as anglesite and dissolved Pb remained below 20 μM levels. ► Bacterial iron oxidation was inhibited by nitrate (up to 48 mM) instead of Pb. ► The lack of Pb-jarosite was consistent with the PHREEQC geochemical model.