A Study on the Dissolution of Autunite Minerals by Facultative Bacteria in Bicarbonate Media

Abstract

and phosphorous (P) released as a result of autunite mineral biodissolution were determined as a function of time; changes in cell density and protein assay were performed to evaluate cells viability. Results suggested that higher bicarbonate concentrations increased aqueous U, Ca and P concentrations while also allowing cells to withstand U toxicity and, additionally suggested the possibility of secondary minerals formation. This research provides a better understanding on the stability of uranyl phosphate minerals in the presence of facultative bacteria in bicarbonate-amended media solutions.