Biolixiviación de arsénico de un concentrado mineral rico en arsenopirita

Abstract

Abstract: Mining activity generates large volumes of tailings with high levels of toxic metals and metalloids, including arsenic, whose mobilization poses a significant environmental and health risk. This study evaluated the bioleaching of arsenic from mining tailings using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans as a biological agent. The mineral was characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, and atomic absorption spectrometry, confirming a high concentration of total arsenic. Progressive bacterial adaptation tests were carried out at concentrations of up to 10 ppm of arsenic, followed by bioleaching tests with mineral loads of 5% w/v and 10% w/v, using adapted and non-adapted bacteria. The results showed that prior adaptation greatly improves the metabolic activity of microorganisms and the efficiency of the process, achieving arsenic bioleaching yields of up to 70%. This demonstrates that bioleaching is a viable alternative for the treatment of arsenic tailings.