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Optimum Factors Estimation during Uranium Bioleaching Process from Three Different Samples using Two Different Fungal Strains |
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PP: 119-134 |
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doi:10.18576/jrna/090204
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Author(s) |
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Walaa S. Mohamed,
Yehia M.M. Abbas,
Amal A.A. Ammar,
Sameh H. Negm,
Nilly A. Kawady,
Mohamed M. Rezk,
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Abstract |
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| Bioleaching (biomining) is a mining and bio-hydrometallurgical technique that uses naturally existing microorganisms such as fungi to extract valuable metals from various ores. This process is beneficial for both humans and the environment. Uranium was bioleached using isolated fungal strains from Um Bogma formation in Gabal um Hamd, Southwestern Sinai, Egypt., Two fungal species were isolated from the different selected samples and, purified, then identified. The bio-dissolution studies revealed that Aspergillus hollandicus and Penicillium citrinum had the highest uranium leaching efficiency from the tested samples. The uranium grade and mineralogic elements of the ore material were discovered to have a vital role in the bioleaching process. By monitoring the process, the examined samples demonstrated that the optimal uranium leaching conditions are: 7 days incubation time, 3% pulp density at 30℃-35℃ incubation temperature, and the appropriate pH value equals 3. Both fungal strains produced organic acids that were identified as oxalic, maleic, quinic, lactic, citric, and butyric acids in the culture filtrate, which participated in the bioleaching process as well as total protein excretion. |
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