Li Dou and Li Dongwei Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 401122, CHINA College of Resource and Environmental Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, CHINA Abstract Copper mine tailings are harmful to environment because of generating acid mine drainage (AMD). Bioleaching is not only the cause of AMD but also can be regarded as an appropriate disposal of tailings if the toxic elements were oxidized by bacteria and then dissolved in the treatment facilities before discharging into the tailings ponds. The residual floatation agents, such as oxalic acid, are ubiquitous in copper mine tailings and the information of their effects on bioleaching is few . Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was used in bioleaching tests with oxalic acid at 200 mg/L and 500 mg/L respectively . |
