Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans enhanced heavy metals immobilization efficiency in acidic aqueous system through bio-mediated coprecipitation

Abstract This study investigated the promotion effect of A. ferrooxidans on complex heavy metals coprecipitation process. A. ferrooxidans significantly enhanced the ferrous oxidation, which also promoted the formation of iron-oxyhydroxysulphate. Cu(II) concentration reduced to 0.058 mmol/L in A. ferrooxidans inoculated system, and Cd also reduced to the lowest concentration (0.085 mmol/L). Pb was mainly immobilized as anglesite and iron-oxyhydroxysulphate promoted the removal of remanent Pb in solution. The precipitates are characterized by XRD, SEM, and FTIR analysis. The main component of the iron-oxyhydroxysulphate was well crystallized jarosite. A. ferrooxidans contributed to the formation of schwertmannite in later monovalent cation lack stage. Higher ferrous iron oxidation rate and Fe(III) supply rate in A. ferrooxidans inoculated system facilitated polyhedron crystal formation and the increase of particle diameter. Complex heavy metals could be incorporated into iron oxyhydroxysulphate crystal, and efficiently removed from acidic wastewater through A. ferrooxidans mediated coprecipitation.