Modeling of uranium bioleaching by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

Highlights: ► A mathematical model for the mesophilic bioleaching of uraninite is introduced. ► New rate expressions are used for the iron precipitation and uranium leaching rates. ► Good fits of the model are obtained, while the values of the parameters are within the range expected. ► The model can be applied to other bioleaching processes under the same conditions. - Abstract: In this paper, a mathematical model for the mesophilic bioleaching of uraninite is developed. The case of constant temperature, pH, and initial ore concentration is considered. The model is validated by comparing the calculated and measured values of uranium extraction, ferric and ferrous iron in solution, and cell concentration. Good fits of the model were obtained, while the values of the parameters were within the range expected. New rate expressions were used for the iron precipitation and uranium leaching rates. The rates of chemical leaching and ferric precipitation are related to the ratio of ferric to ferrous in solution. The fitted parameters can be considered applicable only to this study. In contrast, the model equation is general and can be applied to bioleaching under the same conditions.