Bevilaqua, D. [UNESP]Garcia, O. [UNESP]Tuovinen, O. H.2014-05-202014-05-202010-01-01Process Biochemistry. Oxford: Elsevier B.V., v. 45, n. 1, p. 101-106, 2010.1359-5113http://hdl.handle.net/11449/25301The oxidation of finely ground (-200 mu m) bornite (Cu(5)FeS(4)) by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was evaluated in oxygen uptake and shake flasks experiments. The oxidation was a net acid-consuming reaction. Residual bornite was not detected by X-fray diffraction in solids after 2 days of contact in acid leach solution, indicating that the chemical and biological oxidation of bornite was relatively fast. Virtually 100% of copper solubilization was achieved in A. ferrooxidans cultures with or without ferrous iron, while in abiotic controls the copper extraction was around 30%. Bornite was not oxidized by Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans in respirometric or shake flasks experiments. Covellite (CuS) was detected as a secondary phase under all experimental conditions. Sulfur and jarosite were formed only in the presence of A. ferrooxidans. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.101-106engAcidithiobacillusBorniteLeachingIron oxidationSulfur oxidationCovelliteArtigo10.1016/j.procbio.2009.08.013WOS:000274071200015Acesso restrito