Econ. Environ. Geol. 2009; 42(5): 457-469

Published online October 31, 2009

© THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY

Bioleaching of Heavy Metals from Shooting Range Soil Using a Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacteria Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans

Hyeop-Jo Han1, Jong-Un Lee1*, Myoung-Soo Ko2, Nag-Choul Choi3, Young-Ho Kwon4, Byeong-Kyu Kim4 and Hyo-Taek Chon5

1Department of Energy and Resources Engineering, Chonnam National University
2Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
3Engineering Research Institute, Chonnam National University
4Halla Engineering and Construction Co.
5Department of Energy Resources Engineering, Seoul National University

Correspondence to :

Jong-Un Lee

jongun@chonnam.ac.kr

Received: August 16, 2009; Accepted: October 10, 2009

Abstract

Applicability of bioleaching techniques using a sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, for remediation of shooting range soil contaminated with toxic heavy metals was investigated. The effects of sulfur concentration, the amount of bacterial inoculum and operation temperature on the efficiency of heavy metal solubilization were examined as well. As sulfur concentration and the amount of bacterial inoculum increased, the solubilization efficiency slightly increased; however, significant decrease of heavy metal extraction was observed with no addition of sulfur or bacterial inoculum. Bacteria solubilized the higher amount of heavy metals at 26oC than 4oC. Lead showed the highest removal amount from the contaminated soil but the lowest removal efficiency when compared with Zn, Cu and Cr. It was likely due to formation of insoluble PbSO4(s) as precipitate or colloidal suspension. Sequential extraction of the microbially treated soil revealed that the proportion of readily extractable phases of Zn, Cu and Cr increased by bacterial leaching, and thus additional treatment or optimization of operation conditions such as leaching time were required for safe reuse of the soil. Bioleaching appeared to be a useful strategy for remediation of shooting range soil contaminated with heavy metals, and various operating conditions including concentration of sulfur input, inoculum volume of bacteria, and operation temperature exerted significant influence on bioleaching efficiency.

Keywords bioleaching, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, heavy metals, shooting range soil, Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans

Article

Econ. Environ. Geol. 2009; 42(5): 457-469

Published online October 31, 2009

Copyright © THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY.

Bioleaching of Heavy Metals from Shooting Range Soil Using a Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacteria Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans

Hyeop-Jo Han1, Jong-Un Lee1*, Myoung-Soo Ko2, Nag-Choul Choi3, Young-Ho Kwon4, Byeong-Kyu Kim4 and Hyo-Taek Chon5

1Department of Energy and Resources Engineering, Chonnam National University
2Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
3Engineering Research Institute, Chonnam National University
4Halla Engineering and Construction Co.
5Department of Energy Resources Engineering, Seoul National University

Correspondence to:

Jong-Un Lee

jongun@chonnam.ac.kr

Received: August 16, 2009; Accepted: October 10, 2009

Abstract

Applicability of bioleaching techniques using a sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, for remediation of shooting range soil contaminated with toxic heavy metals was investigated. The effects of sulfur concentration, the amount of bacterial inoculum and operation temperature on the efficiency of heavy metal solubilization were examined as well. As sulfur concentration and the amount of bacterial inoculum increased, the solubilization efficiency slightly increased; however, significant decrease of heavy metal extraction was observed with no addition of sulfur or bacterial inoculum. Bacteria solubilized the higher amount of heavy metals at 26oC than 4oC. Lead showed the highest removal amount from the contaminated soil but the lowest removal efficiency when compared with Zn, Cu and Cr. It was likely due to formation of insoluble PbSO4(s) as precipitate or colloidal suspension. Sequential extraction of the microbially treated soil revealed that the proportion of readily extractable phases of Zn, Cu and Cr increased by bacterial leaching, and thus additional treatment or optimization of operation conditions such as leaching time were required for safe reuse of the soil. Bioleaching appeared to be a useful strategy for remediation of shooting range soil contaminated with heavy metals, and various operating conditions including concentration of sulfur input, inoculum volume of bacteria, and operation temperature exerted significant influence on bioleaching efficiency.

Keywords bioleaching, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, heavy metals, shooting range soil, Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans

    KSEEG
    Oct 29, 2024 Vol.57 No.5, pp. 473~664

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