Copper Mining Using Acidothiobacillus

A copper bioleaching plant in Uganda. (http://promine.gtk.fi/about/WorkPackage4.html)

Introduction

By Andrew Gipson

Other examples:
Bold
Italic
Subscript: H₂O
Superscript: Fe³⁺

Introduce the topic of your paper. What microorganisms are of interest? Habitat? Applications for medicine and/or environment?

Section 1

Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.

Mechanism of Bacterial Leaching

Copper is not a metabolite of At. ferrooxidans, so the bacteria is not directly responsible for the solubilization of copper. Rather, it occurs through an abiotic reaction between the copper ores and the ferric ions and protons produced by the metabolic activities of the bacteria.

Bacterial Metabolic Reactions

At. ferrooxidans has a diverse set of metabolic processes that allow it to be a lithoautotroph, but the most economically important activity this bacterium performs is the oxidation of ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) to ferric iron (Fe³⁺) and the oxidation of elemental sulfur (S^o) to sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄).

Section 3

Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.

Conclusion

Overall text length at least 3,000 words, with at least 3 figures.

References

Iasillo E (1999) Metallurgical test program for copper leaching projects. In Copper Leaching, Extraction, and Electrowinning Techniques, ed. Jergensen GV. 124-128. Littleton: SME

Edited by student of Joan Slonczewski for BIOL 238 Microbiology, 2011, Kenyon College.