Utilisation of Inorganic Substrates by Alicyclobacillus - Like Strain FP1

As Alicyclobacillus-like strain FP1 was isolated from copper heap process water (pH 1.5), this research was directed towards its bioleaching attributes, specifically ferrous ion (Fe (II)) and reduced inorganic sulfur compound (RISC) oxidation, and bioleaching of sulfide minerals. Strain FP1 oxidised iron (II) but not tetrathionate or elemental sulfur in growth media containing yeast extract as growth factor. The addition of tetrathionate (2.5 mM) suppressed iron (II) oxidation. Strain FP1 grew on pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and pentlandite in BSM-YE medium at 30 °C and pH 1.8 (35 days), enhancing Zn, Co (in cobaltiferous pyrite), Fe and As recovery, but not Cu or Ni, relative to abiotic controls.