Sequential-Anaerobic and Sequential-Aerobic Bioleaching of Metals (Ni, Mo, Al and V) from Spent Petroleum Catalyst in Stirred Tank Batch Reactor: A Comparative Study.

ABSTRACT: Spent petroleum catalyst as a repository of several toxic metals is recommended for metal removal before safe disposal. To evaluate an effective biotechnological approach for metal removal, a comparative study between sequential-aerobic and sequential-anaerobic bioleaching processes was conducted for the removal of metals from crushed-acetone-pretreated spent petroleum catalyst. The SEM-EDX and XPS analysis confirmed the presence of Ni, Al, Mo and V in their oxidic and sulphidic forms in spent catalyst. The bioleaching experiments were performed in stirred tank batch reactors (2.5 L), temperature 30 °C, pH 1.4 and stirring speed 250 rpm for the period of 160 h. Sulfuric acid acted as lechant for both sequential-aerobic (Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans oxidised sulfur to sulfuric acid

SUBMITTER: Srichandan H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8758881 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature