REMOVAL OF IRON FROM KAOLIN ORES USING DIFFERENT MICROORGANISMS. THE ROLE OF THE ORGANIC ACIDS AND FERRIC IRON REDUCTASE

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the present work the removal of iron, present as impurity in a kaolin of industrial interest, was performed. An effective iron reduction using microbial mixed cultures was attained (up to 81%) while a significant iron reduction in the presence of single microbial cultures was achieved (up to 37%). The active microorganisms belong to the genera Bacillus and Agrobacter. The enzymatic and un-enzymatic iron reduction was evaluated. Finally the molasses as carbon source for heterotrophic bacteria were succesfully tested.