The chemolithotrophic bacterium Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

Abstract

The iron-oxidizing bacterium ThiobaciUus ferrooxidans is the most important microorganism in mineral leaching. It plays the dominant role in bioextractive processes because of its ability to oxidize both iron and reduced sulfur compounds. T. ferrooxidans is also an important microorganism in acid rock/mine drainage, a serious environmental problem. In this article, the current status of this bacterium is described with particular emphasis on the biomining industry. © 1994.