Tailings are a fine-grained waste product produced during the metal recovery process. Tailings consist mostly of different silicates but also sulfides (e.g. pyrite), since 100 % metal recovery is not possible. Freshly processed tailings are deposited in large impoundments. If the mine tailings in the impoundments are exposed to water and oxygen, the sulfides will oxidize and release acidity and metals such as Fe, Cu, Zn, and Pb. The sulfide mineral oxidation reactions are catalyzed by sulfur and iron oxidizing bacteria (principally Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans) that oxidize ferrous iron to ferric iron, which then oxidizes pyrite. When the leachate produced by this process discharges from the impoundment, it is called acid mine drainage, which may lead to the pollution of adjacent streams and lakes. The intention with this thesis is to investigate and quantify mineral weathering processes and element release rates occurring in water-saturated and soil-covered sulfidic mine tailings. The study was performed in different batch and column experiments in room temperature and in the laboratory. The batch experiments were conducted for ca. three months and investigated: a) microbial and abiotic sulfide oxidation in freshly processed tailings under oxic conditions at pH 2-3 and pH 8, b) microbial oxidation of pure pyrite grains at pH 2-3 under different oxygen concentrations ranging from anoxic to oxic conditions. The column experiments, consisting of unoxidized tailings in water-saturated columns, were conducted for up to three years. In these experiments, an oxygen-saturated solution was continually pumped into the column inlet, and investigated: a) differences in oxidation rates between tailings of two different grain sizes, b) factors affecting element discharge rates, acid neutralization, and sulfide oxidation, c) the effect of ions released in a soil cover on release rates in the tailings. Sulfide oxidation processes within the batch experiments were limited by surface kinetics. The microbial oxidation of pure pyrite at atmospheric conditions produced the most rapid rate, while the microbial oxidation of pure pyrite at anoxic conditions was slower by 1.8 orders of magnitude. Microbial and abiotic oxidation of pyrite in freshly-processed tailings resulted in pyrite oxidation rates that were intermediate between these two extremes. The results from the microbial experiments with pure pyrite indicated a positive correlation between the concentration of dissolved oxygen, ferric iron and bacterial cells (at a total cell concentration > 106 cells/mL and a dissolved oxygen concentration ≥ 13.2 µM), which implies an interdependence of these factors. The results from these batch experiments support the indirect mechanism for microbial oxidation by the ferric oxidation pathway. Pyrite oxidation rates estimated from the batch experiments may be comparable with oxidation rates in the unsaturated zone and at the groundwater table in a tailings impoundment. Acid neutralization reactions in the column experiments resulted in the release of base cations to the column leachate. Calcite was the most important neutralizing mineral despite that it was only present in minor amounts in the tailings. It was confirmed that acidity forced the calcite dissolution. Element release rates in the column experiments were controlled by the availability of dissolved oxygen, which was a function of the water flow rate into the column. These column experiments also showed that the results are comparable with results from field studies, justifying the use of column experiments to study processes within tailings impoundments.

Techn. University, Diss., 2001--Berlin.

El presente trabajo de título tiene por objetivo el estudio de la biolixiviación de pirita por un cultivo puro de Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans y por un consorcio de cepas nativas provenientes de la solución lixiviante de la pilas de biolixiviación de Minera Escondida (PLS). El estudio se efectuó con una muestra de pirita purificada y de fina granulometría proveniente de relaves de Minera Escondida, la cual fue lixiviada en reactores de frascos agitados. El porcentaje de disolución del mineral se determinó a partir del monitoreo del hierro disuelto desde el mineral, cuantificado como la suma del hierro en solución más el hierro precipitado como jarositas. Los resultados de conversión del mineral en el tiempo se analizaron según el modelo del núcleo sin reaccionar. Se comparó también la eficiencia de la adherencia a pirita y la capacidad de oxidar azufre de ambos tipos de microorganismos. Los resultados indicaron que la cinética de biolixiviación de pirita con At. ferrooxidans en soluciones con 2,4g/l de férrico se comporta de acuerdo a un control por difusión. El tiempo para alcanzar disolución total del sulfuro, τ, en estas condiciones es de 833 días. Al aumentar la concentración de ion férrico a 5g/l la cinética de disolución de la pirita con este microorganismo pasa a ser controlada por reacción química y el valor de τ se reduce a 141 días. Por otra parte la cinética de biolixiviación de pirita con las cepas nativas en soluciones con 1,8g/l de férrico se comporta de acuerdo a un control por reacción química y el valor de τ en estas condiciones es de 122 días. Los experimentos de adherencia mostraron que el 100% de las cepas nativas se adhiere a pirita mientras que la adherencia máxima de At. ferrooxidans alcanza a solo un 30% de los microorganismos presentes. Por otra parte la capacidad oxidativa de azufre a sulfato en las cepas nativas se registró de forma inmediata en los experimento de oxidación de azufre, mientras que para At. ferrooxidans la actividad se observó posterior a la semana de monitoreo. Los resultados indican que la velocidad de biolixiviación de la pirita con los microorganismos nativos es mucho mayor que con la cepa pura de At. ferrooxidans. Este resultado parece estar determinado por la mayor capacidad de adherencia y de oxidación de azufre de los microorganismos nativos, lo que posibilita una eficiente disolución de subproductos pasivantes desde la superficie de la pirita. Sin embargo, esta capa también puede ser removida en presencia de At. ferrooxidans si se aumenta la concentración de ion férrico a 5g/l. Finalmente, los resultados indicaron que la adherencia bacteriana en el caso de las cepas nativas favorece la disolución de la pirita, alcanzando una recuperación y velocidad de lixiviación más alta que en el caso sin adherencia.

Submitted by (lucia.rodrigues@ufrpe.br) on 2016-08-03T12:10:09Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Fernando Luiz Nunes de Oliveira.pdf: 831947 bytes, checksum: 99a48498cc62d5306d1df10cb02c56c2 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-03T12:10:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Fernando Luiz Nunes de Oliveira.pdf: 831947 bytes, checksum: 99a48498cc62d5306d1df10cb02c56c2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-07-30 / Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) Is currently considered one of the most important crops in the Brazilian social and economic. In Pernambuco, the sugar cane industry occupies an important agricultural area with high sugar and ethanol, generating many direct and indirect jobs. For increased productivity becomes necessary the use of management technologies that foster the development of culture. Currently, the productivity of plants has been basically ensured by the use of mineral fertilizers soluble, which may result in environmental risk and high production cost. It has been common in plants using sugarcane filter cake as a way to increase the nutrition of plants, and consequently the yield. However, an alternative to replacement of the NPK fertilizer mixture is soluble commercial rock biofertilizer with addition of elemental sulfur Acidithiobacillus inoculated with the bacteria in admixture with organic matter inoculated with free-living bacteria diazotrophic NFB 10001. The objective of this study was to evaluate, against the commercial soluble fertilizer (NPK) and by whether or not the filter cake, the effect of biofertilizer mixed (BNPK), production and technological characteristics of sugar cane, as well as evaluation of the input chemical characteristics of soil. The experiment was a randomized block design with four replications. The survey was conducted in an area belonging to the Usina Santa Teresa, located in the city of Goiás, forest area north of the state of Pernambuco in the geographical coordinates 07 º 33 'S and 35 º 00' W and altitude of 13 m. It was cultivated variety RB 92579 sugarcane ajacentes in two areas, one with and one without filter cake on the foundation. The rock biofertilizer (BPK) is produced by mixing parts of apatite and biotite in the presence of Acidithiobacillus and sulfur, while the production of biofertilizer mixture was made by mixing BNPK worm humus and inoculated with free living diazotrophic 1:3 ratio, respectively. The mixture of the soluble fertilizer (FNPK) was performed using ammonium sulfate (20% N), single superphosphate (20% P2O5) and anhydrous potassium (60% K2O), according to the analysis of soil and the recommendation for the culture . The application of filter cake, in general, positive influence on plant height, stem diameter, shoot dry matter, yield and technological characteristics of sugar cane, and the BNPK in larger doses presented the best results, the BNPK showed results similar to commercial fertilizer in supplying soluble N, P, K, Ca and Mg of sugarcane having its effect enhanced by the application of filter cake on the foundation, the BNPK was equivalent to commercial fertilizer in the supply of N, P and K the soil, but also demonstrated a greater ability to supply Ca and Mg, and the filter cake helped to increase these nutrients in the soil in all treatments. / A cana de açúcar (Saccharum spp.) atualmente é tida como uma das culturas mais importantes no cenário socioeconômico brasileiro. Em Pernambuco, a indústria da cana de açúcar ocupa uma elevada área agrícola com relevante produção de açúcar e etanol, gerando diversos empregos diretos e indiretos. Para a elevação da produtividade se faz necessário à utilização de tecnologias de manejo que favoreçam o desenvolvimento da cultura. Atualmente a produtividade das plantas tem sido garantida basicamente pela utilização de fertilizantes minerais solúveis, o que pode resultar em risco ambiental e elevação do custo de produção. Tem sido comum nas usinas de cana de açúcar a utilização de torta de filtro como forma de elevar a nutrição das plantas e consequentemente a produtividade da cultura. No entanto, uma alternativa para substituição da mistura NPK com fertilizantes comerciais solúveis é o biofertilizante de rochas com adição de enxofre elementar inoculado com a bactéria Acidithiobacillus em mistura com matéria orgânica inoculado com bactéria diazotrófica de vida livre NFB 10001. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar, frente ao fertilizante comercial solúvel (NPK) e mediante aplicação ou não de torta de filtro, o efeito do biofertilizante misto (BNPK), na produção e características tecnológicas da cana de açúcar, bem como na avaliação do insumo nas características químicas do solo. O experimento foi conduzido em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. A pesquisa foi realizada em área pertencente à Usina Santa Tereza, localizada no Município de Goiana, zona da mata norte do Estado de Pernambuco nas coordenadas geográficas 07º33' S e 35º00' W e altitude de 13 m. Foi cultivada a variedade RB 92579 de cana de açúcar em duas áreas adjacentes, uma com e outra sem torta de filtro em fundação. O biofertilizante de rochas (BPK) foi produzido pela mistura de partes iguais de apatita e biotita na presença de Acidithiobacillus e enxofre, enquanto que a produção do biofertilizante misto se deu pela mistura de BNPK e húmus de minhoca inoculado com bactéria diazotrófica de vida livre na proporção de 1:3, respectivamente. A mistura dos fertilizantes solúveis (FNPK) foi realizada utilizando: sulfato de amônio (20% de N); superfosfato simples (20% de P2O5) e cloreto de potássio (60% de K2O), de acordo com a análise do solo e a recomendação para a cultura. A aplicação de torta de filtro, de maneira geral, influenciou positivamente na altura de plantas, diâmetro de colmo, matéria seca da parte aérea, produtividade e características tecnológicas da cana de açúcar, tendo o BNPK nas maiores doses apresentado os melhores resultados; o BNPK mostrou resultados semelhantes ao fertilizante comercial solúvel no fornecimento N, P, K, Ca e Mg à cana de açúcar tendo seu efeito potencializado pela aplicação de torta de filtro em fundação; o BNPK apresentou equivalência ao fertilizante comercial no fornecimento de N, P e K ao solo, como também demonstrou maior capacidade de fornecimento de Ca e Mg, tendo a torta de filtro contribuído para elevação destes nutrientes no solo em todos os tratamentos estudados.

Orientador: Laura Maria Mariscal Ottoboni / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-12T18:47:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Rodrigues_VivianeDrumond_M.pdf: 728061 bytes, checksum: 4bc4757d5fadae7450f0f4ff77e4ae1b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / Resumo: Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans é uma bactéria Gram negativa, anaeróbica facultativa, acidofílica, quimiolitotrófica e mesofílica. A. ferrooxidans é capaz de utilizar ferro e enxofre como fonte de energia e é um dos microrganismos mais utilizados no processo de biolixiviação. Durante este processo a bactéria pode estar sujeita a diversos tipos de estresse, entre eles, o estresse oxidativo. Entre os principais sensores relacionados à resposta antioxidante estão: a enzima SOD e as proteínas dos sistemas tiorredoxina e glutarredoxina. A SOD atua como defesa primária na remoção de espécies reativas do oxigênio. O sistema tiorredoxina é composto por NADPH, TrxR e Trx. O sistema glutarredoxina é formado por NADPH, GR, GSH e Grx. Os sistemas tiorredoxina e glutarredoxina desempenham um papel fundamental contra espécies reativas do oxigênio e na manutenção do ambiente redutor da célula. No primeiro capítulo, a linhagem brasileiraA. ferrooxidans LR foi utilizada para o estudo da expressão de genes dos sistemas tiorredoxina e glutarredoxina, por PCR em tempo real, em diferentes condições: (a) nas taxas de 50, 75 e 100% de oxidação de Fe2+, (b) em um e dois dias após a taxa de 100% de oxidação de Fe2+, (c) na presença de calcopirita e (d) após diferentes tempos de heat shock. Em geral, nas diferentes taxas de oxidação de Fe2+, os genes do sistema tiorredoxina foram mais expressos que os do sistema glutarredoxina. Em um dia após 100% de oxidação de Fe2+, a maioria dos genes teve expressão induzida. Em dois dias a partir desta taxa de oxidação de Fe2+, apenas os genes trxB e gor foram induzidos em relação ao controle, sugerindo que os produtos desses genes podem exercer a função de chaperona durante o estresse oxidativo. Na presença de calcopirita, apenas o gene gor foi induzido, indicando que GR pode estar envolvida no controle da homeostase celular. Esta enzima também pode ser necessária para a atividade de GSH, proteína envolvida no metabolismo de enxofre. Após o heat shock, os níveis de expressão do gene que codifica a proteína Grx3 aumentaram significativamente, possivelmente devido à propriedade de co-chaperona da proteína. No segundo capítulo foram feitas análises in silico das sequências de aminoácidos das proteínas GR, TrxR e SOD de A. ferrooxidans. A análise de in silico mostrou que existem muitas semelhanças entre as proteínas TrxR e GR, como por exemplo, estrutura secundária, peso molecular, sítio ativo, motivos funcionais e domínios. Foi realizada a quantificação de proteínas totais, a determinação da atividade em espectrofotômetro das enzimas GR e TrxR, a atividade em PAGE não desnaturante das proteínas GR e SOD e a caracterização de SOD durante o crescimento de A. ferrooxidans LR em ferro e em células mantidas em contato com a calcopirita por 1 e 10 dias. A concentração de proteínas totais foi menor em células mantidas por 10 dias em contato com a calcopirita, e uma das razões pode ser o maior estresse oxidativo. A atividade das enzimas GR, TrxR e SOD aumentou neste mesmo período de tempo, sugerindo a presença de estresse. A caracterização com KCN e H2O2 mostrou que a enzima SOD de A. ferrooxidans era do tipo FeSOD. / Abstract: Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is a Gram-negative, anaerobic facultative, acidophilic, chemolithoautotrophic and mesophilic bacterium. A. ferrooxidans is able to use iron and sulfur as energy source and is one of the microorganisms used in the bioleaching process. During this process, the bacterium may be subjected to several stressful situations including the oxidative stress. Among the proteins involved in the antioxidant response are the enzyme SOD and the proteins from the thioredoxin and the glutaredoxin systems. SOD removes the reactive oxygen species. The thioredoxin system is composed by NADPH, TrxR and Trx. The glutaredoxin system consists of NADPH, GR, GSH and Grx. The thioredoxin and the glutaredoxin systems play a key role against the reactive oxygen species and maintain the reducing environment of the cell. In the first chapter, the Brazilian strain A. ferrooxidans LR was used to study the expression of genes from the thioredoxin and the glutaredoxin systems, by real-time PCR, in different conditions: (a) at 50, 75 and 100% of Fe2+ oxidation, (b) in one a and in two days after 100% of Fe2+ oxidation, (c) in the presence of chalcopyrite and (d) after different periods of time of heat shock. In general, on the different rates of Fe2+ oxidation, the genes of the thioredoxin system showed a higher expression than the genes from the glutaredoxin system. In one day after 100% of oxidation of Fe2+, the majority of the genes had their expression induced. In two days after 100% of oxidation of Fe2+, only the genes trxB and gor were induced suggesting that the product of these genes may act as chaperones during the oxidative stress. In the presence of chalcopyrite, only the gene gor was induced, indicating that GR may be involved in the control of the cell homeostasis since it is necessary for GSH activity, a protein that participates in sulfur metabolism. After the heat shock, the expression of the gene that encodes the protein Grx3 increased, probably because this protein can act as a cochaperone. In the second chapter, an in silico analysis of the proteins GR, TrxR and SOD amino acids sequences from A. ferrooxidans was performed. This analysis showed that there are several similarities between TrxR and GR including, secondary structure, molecular weight, active site, functional motives and domains. Total protein content in cells grown until 80% of oxidation of Fe2+ and in cells kept for 1 and 10 days in the presence of chalcopyrite was determined. Also, in these conditions, the activities of GR and TrxR were determined in a spectrophotometer and the activities of GR and SOD were determined in gel. The total protein content was higher in control cells and in the contrary, enzyme activities were higher at 10 days of bacteria contact with chalcopyrite indicating the presence of oxidative stress. Assays with KCN and H2O2 showed that the A. ferrooxidans LR SOD was in fact a FeSOD. / Mestrado / Genetica de Microorganismos / Mestre em Genética e Biologia Molecular

O presente estudo investigou a participação do H2S04, como agente corrosivo no carste do Grupo Una, na bacia de Irecê e na bacia do rio Salitre, tendo como base o monitoramento hidroquímico e a determinação de fácies hidroquímicas. A fácies escoamento superficial alogênico é caracterizada por baixos valores de pH (\'X BARRA\'=4,79 ; CV=3,15%) e dos principais cátions e ânions, com destaque para S\'O IND. 4 POT. 2-\' (x=0,57 mg/L ; CV10,32%); A fácies fluxo freático profundo carbonático representa a maior concentração de HC\'O IND. 3 POT. -\' de todo conjunto amostrado, com média igual a 359,08 mg/L. Na média as águas desta fácies encontram-se saturadas para calcita (S\'l IND. c\' = 0,02) e insaturadas para gipsita (S\'l IND. g\' = -1,51). A concentração de S\'O IND. 4 POT. 2-\' também é alta (\'X BARRA\'=204,50 mg/L ; CV 135,00%), destacando-se um ponto de amostragem que exibe elevado valor médio para \'SO IND. 4 POT. 2-\' (\'X BARRA\'= 746,07 ; CV = 13,79%); Na fácies percolação vadosa a concentração de S\'O IND. 4 POT. 2-\' é expressiva, com média igual a 305,09mg/L; Nos reservatórios subterrâneos destaca-se a alta concentração de HC\'O IND. 3\'(média - 305,10 mg/L), Índice de Saturação para calcita muito próximo do equilíbrio (S\'l IND. c\'=-0,02) e concentração média para S\'O IND. 4 POT. 2-\' (\'X BARRA\'=17,79 mg/L; CV = 52,03%); Nas nascentes cársticas observou-se alto teor de HC\'O IND. 3 POT. -\' (\'X BARRA\'=246,96 mg/L ; CV = 11,0%), S\'l IND. c\'=0,00 (0,28 a -0,37), em equilíbrio de saturação para o mineral calcita e concentração de S\'O IND. 4 POT. 2-\' (\'X BARRA\'= 19,30mg/L ; CV = 31,47%). As águas meteóricas são caracterizadas por baixas concentrações dos principais cátions e ânions, com médias inferiores a 0,5mg/L. Cálculos estequiométricos foram aplicados aos dados hidroquímicos e conclui-se que no balanço molar as águas não seguem as razões clássicas para dissolução exclusiva por ácido carbônico, mas sim, adequam-se ao sistema \'H IND. 2\'S\'O IND. 4\' - CaMgC\'O IND. 3\'. Minerais secundários de cavernas foram analisados e detectou-se ocorrências expressivas de gipsita, sob a forma de crostas, estalactites e filamentos, que, vinculadas ao ambiente de formação, indicam a participação de soluções ricas em sulfato em seus processos. O evento principal de deposição de gipsita foi associado ao rebaixamento do NA após fase de ampliação paragenética dos condutos. Análises isotópicas de \'\'delta\' POT. 13\'CHC\'O IND. 3 POT. -\' em amostras de águas subterrâneas indicam valores enriquecidos (-10,4%o PDB-V) em relação ao esperado para a reação de dissolução da rocha carbonática por ácido carbônico (-17,1%o), condição relacionada à influência de \'ANTPOT. 13 C\' oriundo da rocha por ação do ácido sulfúrico. O \'delta\' POT. 34\'S de sulfato em água subterrânea (\'X BARRA\'=17,7%o CDT) é levemente empobrecido em relação à pirita (\'X BARRA\'=21,3%o), com valores na faixa de amplitude prevista para o processo de oxidação, condição que atesta a participação de ácido sulfúrico na dissolução da rocha carbonática. Análises microbiológicas na água subterrânea do aqüífero cárstico indicaram a presença de bactérias do gênero Acidithiobacillus e bactérias redutoras de sulfato (BRS), ambas presentes no ciclo do enxofre e responsáveis pela produção de ácido sulfúrico. Neste sentido, as variáveis estudadas possibilitam a confirmação da participação do ácido sulfúrico na dinâmica do sistema cárstico do Grupo Una no Estado da Bahia. / The main goal of this study is to determine the effectiveness of sulfuric acid as a corrosive agent in the karst system of the Una Group (lrecê geological basin and Salitre river basin), based on hydrochemical monitoring and the respective hydrochemical facies. The allogenic surface runoff is characterized by low ion concentrations and pH (ph=4,79 ; CV=3,15%). Sulfate is also low for this facies (\'X BARRA\'=0,57 mg/L ; CV 10,32%). With respect to the HC\'O IND. 3 POT. -\' content, the deep phreatic flux in the carbonate aquifer has the highest concentration compared to the other facies, with a mean of 359,08 mg/L. This deep phreatic flux is saturated with respect to calcite and undersaturated with respect to gypsum, showing average concentrations of 204,5 mg/L (CV 135,00%) for S\'O IND. 4 POT. 2-\', including one sampling site with average concentration of 746,07 mg/L (CV = 13,79%). Expressive sulfate concentration was also detected in the vadose seepage, with a mean of 305,09 mg/L. Underground reservoirs have high HC\'O IND. 3 POT. -\' content (\'X BARRA\'=305,10 mg/L) together with calcite saturation index close to equilibrium (S\'l IND. c\'=-0,02) and lower sulfate concentration (mean of 17,79 mg/L; CV = 52.03%). The karst springs revealed similar chemistry to the underground reservoirs, with high HC\'O IND. 3 POT. -\' content (\'X BARRA\'=246,96 mg/L ; CV = 11,0%), saturated with respect to calcite (mean of S\'l IND. c\' = 0,00; varying between 0,28 and -0,37) and mean sulfate concentration of 19,30mg/L (CV = 31.47%). The meteoric recharge has a very low solute load, with means of all ions lower than 0.5 mg/L. Stoichiometric balance calculations applied to the hydrochemical results showed that the molar balances of the various water facies do not follow the classical ratios of carbonate dissolution only due to carbonic acid, but on the contrary, they follow better the chemical system of \'H IND. 2\'S\'O IND. 4\' - CaMgC\'O IND. 3\'. The study of the expressive secondary gypsum deposits in caves, represented by crusts, stalactites and filaments, showed that their origin is related to the deep phreatic water and that the major deposition event of these deposits occurred during the water table lowering after the high water table period related to the paragenetic conduit enlargement. Isotopic composition of dissolved inorganic carbon in groundwater samples showed values of \'\'delta\' POT. 13\'CHC\'O IND. 3 POT. -\' around -10,4%o PDB-V, which are relatively enriched with respect to the predicted \'\'delta\' POT. 13\'CHC\'O IND. 3 POT. -\' of -17,1%o, if the system would be affected only by carbonic acid. This enrichment is attributed to the \'ANTPOT. 13 C\' originated by the reaction between carbonate rock and sulfuric acid. The \'delta\' POT. 34\'S of sulfate in water (\'X BARRA\'=17,7%o CDT) is slightly depleted than that of pyrite disseminated in carbonate rock (\'X BARRA\'=21,3%o), but still in the range predicted for the fractionation due to pyrite oxidation, indicating that carbonate rock is dissolved by sulfuric acid. Microbiological analysis of groundwater in the karstic aquifer revealed the presence of bacteria of the genera Acidithiobacillus and sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB). Both are typical of the sulfur cycle and produce sulfuric acid. Finally, it can be stated, based on the above described results, that sulfuric acid is an important agent in the dynamics of the studied karst.

This thesis focuses on the study of the influence of selected parameters on the course of microbial cultivation and evaluation of bioprocess. It is divided into two parts. The first part deals with the production of mutant forms of the protein cryptogein yeast Pichia pastoris. The theoretical part summarizes the findings of the yeast P. pastoris and its expression. It also deals with cryptogein that induces defense reactions in plants. In the experimental part was produced mutant cryptogein X24, in which the concentration of each fraction and the ability to transfer sterols. The second part of this thesis is focused on aerobic and anaerobic oxidation of elemental sulfur by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. In the theoretical section, our knowledge on A. ferrooxidans, its metabolism and the importance of ATP in cell metabolism was summarized. In the experimental part, the above bioprocess was monitored using pH, biomass concentration, the rate of oxidation of elemental sulfur the cellular ATP content.

No description available.

Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. f.) est un modèle bactérien parfaitement adapté à l’étude de la survie en milieu acide. Si plusieurs métalloprotéines ont été identifiées et caractérisées d’un point de vue biochimique, le fonctionnement de la chaîne respiratoire couplant l’oxydation du Fe(II) à la réduction de l’oxygène dans cet organisme n’est pas élucidée. Au cours de ce travail de thèse, après avoir optimisé les conditions de croissance de la bactérie et de production des protéines redox impliquées, nous avons reconstitué sur interface électrochimique une partie de la chaîne respiratoire d’A. f. dans le but de déterminer étape par étape le chemin de transfert d’électrons (TE). Notre attention s’est portée sur trois protéines qui interagissent dans la chaîne respiratoire: la cytochrome c oxidase (CcO), la cuprédoxine AcoP, qui copurifie avec la CcO mais de fonction inconnue, et un cytochrome dihémique (Cyt c4) proposé comme interagissant avec la CcO. La mise en évidence, puis la quantification d’un TE intermoléculaire entre le Cyt c4 et AcoP, puis entre le Cyt c4 et la CcO nous a permis de proposer un rôle pour AcoP et un nouveau chemin de TE vers la CcO. Nous avons ensuite étudié les propriétés électrochimiques de la CcO vis à vis de la réduction catalytique de l’O2, en particulier avec une forte affinité. Nous avons ainsi pu montrer que la CcO de A. f. réduisait l’O2 à des potentiels 500 mV plus anodiques que les CcO neutrophiles par une connexion directe de l’enzyme sur nanomatériaux carbonés. Affinité pour O2 et haut potentiel redox font de cette CcO une enzyme de choix pour développer une nouvelle génération de piles à combustible enzymatique. / Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is one of the most studied bacterial models to understand how to survive in an acid environment. Although several metalloproteins have been identified and characterized from a biochemical point of view, the electron transfer pathway (ET) of the respiratory chain coupling the oxidation of ferrous iron with the reduction of oxygen in this organism has not been elucidated.During this thesis work, after having optimized the growth conditions of the bacterium and the production of the redox proteins involved, we reconstituted on the electrochemical interface part of the respiratory chain of A. ferrooxidans for the purpose of determining step by step the ET. Our attention focused on three proteins that interact in the respiratory chain: cytochrome c oxidase (CcO), the cupredoxin AcoP, which co-purifies with CcO but of unknown function, and a cytochrome dihemic (Cyt c4) proposed as interacting with the CcO. The demonstration, then the quantification of an intermolecular ET between the Cyt c4 and AcoP, then between the Cyt c4 and the CcO allowed us to propose a role for AcoP and a new pathway for the ET to the CcO. We then studied the electrochemical properties of CcO with respect to the catalytic reduction of O2. We have demonstrated the strong affinity of this oxidase for O2. We have established the chemical functions required to obtain a direct wiring of the enzyme on carbon nanomaterials. This showed that A. ferrooxidans CcO reduced O2 at potentials 500 mV more anodic than neutrophilic CcOs. Affinity for O2 and high redox potential make this CcO an enzyme of choice to develop a new generation of enzymatic fuel cells.

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a worldwide environmental problem associated with the mining wastes, generated from active and inactive mining sites from mineral processing activities. AMD is defined as the drainage that occurs as a result of oxidation of sulphide minerals/wastes/tailings when exposed to air and water in the presence of chemolithotrophs namely the Acidithiobacillus sp. AMD is characterised by low pH and increased acidity due to elevated heavy metals and sulphate concentration. The acid production potential was carried out for sulphide minerals such as pyrite and chalcopyrite and copper tailings sample in the absence and presence of bacteria namely Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans. Acidity was generated in all the cases due to the oxidation of the mineral samples. The oxidation was found to occur at a higher rate in the presence of the bacteria compared to the control samples. Bioremediation experiments were conducted on acid mine water collected from the Ingaldahl Mines, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India, using organic and inorganic substrates. In the experiments with rice husk, complete removal of metal ions from the acid mine water was achieved with an attendant increase in the pH of the acid mine water from 2.3 to 5.5. About 21% of sulphate could be removed using Dsm. nigrificans from acid mine water pretreated with rice husk at pH 5.5 and this was further increased to 40% by the supplementation of organic components. The rice husk filtrate was found to serve as a good growth medium for Dsm. nigrificans. About 96 % of Fe, 75 % of Zn, 92 % of Cu and 41 % of sulphate removal was achieved from the acid mine water of pH 2.4 with a concomitant increase in the pH value by two units after interaction with the tree bark. About 56 % and 71 % of sulphate reduction could be achieved at initial pH values of 4.1 and 5.5 respectively of the acid mine water pretreated with E. tereticornis (Sm) bark, after inoculation with Dsm. nigrificans. The complete removal of Fe2+ and Fe3+, 80% of Zn, 83% of Cu and 62% of sulphate could be removed from acid mine water using fly ash as the substrate with an increase in pH of acid mine water from 2.3 to 7. About 68% of sulphate reduction at pH 6.8 could be achieved in acid mine water pretreated with fly ash in the presence of Dsm. nigrificans. With red mud as the substrate, complete removal of all the metal ions namely Fe2+, Fe3+, Zn, and Cu from acid mine water was achieved with a concomitant increase in the pH from 2.3 to 8. The sulphate reduction was increased to about 51% at pH 7.2 when the acid mine water pretreated with red mud was inoculated with Dsm. nigrificans. The adsorption experiments carried out on the acid mine water using either organic or inorganic substrates indicated that the free energy of adsorption was negative for all the chosen metal ions attesting to favorable interaction. The adsorption isotherms of the metal ions for rice husk exhibited Langmuirian behaviour, while those for the other substrates adhered to both Langmuir and Freundlich relationships. The adsorption process was found to be endothermic in nature for rice husk, fly ash and red mud. On the contrary, the adsorption onto tree bark showed exothermic behaviour. The adsorption kinetics of the metal ions onto the various substrates adhered to the first order Lagergren equation. The metal uptake processes by the organic and inorganic substrates chosen for this study involve ionic, chemical and physical forces of adsorption. The different types of functional groups present on the surface of the substrates such as carboxyl, hydroxyl and carbonyl, as revealed by FTIR spectroscopic studies, partake in metal binding. The metal ions will also be adsorbed by complexing with the negatively charged reaction sites on the substrate surfaces. Furthermore, the complex solution chemistry of the metals as a function of pH has also to be taken into consideration. The mechanism of sulphate reduction by Dsm. nigrificans in the presence of organic carbon can be illustrated as: 2CH2O + SO42- + 2H+  2CO2 + 2H2O + H2S M2 + H2S  MS  + 2H+ where, CH2O represents the organic matter and M represents the metal ion.