Abstract: The adsorption of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans on the surface of pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena and sphalerite are studied. The results indicate that .Thiobacillus ferrooxidans has unobvious selective adsorption on the surface of these four sulphide minerals. The initial pH of solution has little influence on the adsorption of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans on the surface of sulphide minerals, but an acidic medium will be more propitious to the adsorption. A bacterium density of 0.1~1.0 g/L, mineral slurry concentration above 15 g/L and temperature between 20～30 ℃ are favorable to the adsorption. SEM result indicates that the ectoblast on the surface of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans is the important site for the adsorption. IR spectrum shows that the functional groups such as —OH, —NH2, C=O, C—O play an important role in the adsorption process.

Key words: Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, Sulphide mineral, Selective adsorption