Effect of temperature on the activity of mineral-bioleaching microorganisms and the bioleaching rate of copper

Bioleaching test of Ziiinshan copper sulfide ore in a shake flask was conducted at different temperatures. Bacteria culture from Zijinshan copper mine bioheap was applied in this test. The highest copper leaching rate of 87.62 % in 10 d was achieved at 30 ℃. Microbial community at 15 ℃ and 30 ℃ was analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. The dominant bacteria groups at 15℃ and 30 ℃ are Leptospirillum ferriphilum and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans respectively, together with Acidithiobacillus caldus accounting high proportion at both the temperatures. The change in microbial community with temperature is correlated with its characteristics.