Pyrite biomining proficiency of sulfur dioxygenase (SDO) enzyme extracted from Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans

Minerals are the most important content for many organisms, including humans. Secondary pollution is produced as a result of chemical-based element extraction. Thus, an eco-friendly approach to extracting elements from various ores is an urgent requirement. Hence, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the biomining potential of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans (pre isolated) and their enzyme involved in the elements solubilization process using the biomining concept. According to the findings, the previously identified A. thiooxidans from bauxite mine tailings have reasonable biomining competence and produced sulfur as a core element and iron as a byproduct from powder for pyrite ore. Under optimal biomining reaction conditions (culture density 5 x 105, pH 4, 30 degrees C, and 80 h) the A. thiooxidans produced the 8.7 and 4.2 mg mL(-1) of sulfur and iron from pyrite ore, respectively. Furthermore, the enzyme responsible for this biomining potential in A. thiooxidans was extracted and identified as sulfur dioxygenase (SDO) with a molecular weight of about 26 kDa using SDS PAGE analysis. Through the oxidation process, the extracted SDO leached the sulfur and produced 4. 9 mg of sulfite after 30 min of biomining. These findings suggested that A. thiooxidans and their intracellular enzyme SDO enzyme could be useful for using in the biomining process on pyrite ore as an environmentally friendly approach.

Automated summary

Minerals are essential for many organisms, but chemical-based element extraction can lead to secondary pollution. This study focused on evaluating the biomining potential of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and their enzyme involved in the elements solubilization process. Findings showed that A. thiooxidans has reasonable biomining competence, with its enzyme sulfur dioxygenase playing a key role in the process.