Species and strain composition of microbial associations oxidizing different types of gold-bearing concentrates

Quantitative abundance of microbial species within an association was found to depend on the energy substrate and the oxidation temperature of sulfide minerals. The number of microbial cells varied depending on the position of reactor in the chain, i.e., the stage of the energy substrate oxidation. Microbial associations oxidized the energy substrate more efficiently than any of their individual components. The increase in pulp density up to the solid: liquid ratio of 1: 2.5 had an unfavorable effect on microorganisms comprising microbial associations.