P Mishra*, S Padhi & N Behra
Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences,
Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla, Sambalpur 768 019, India
Received 15th May 2006; Revised 27th August 2006
Abstract: Bioleaching is a cost effective, eco-friendly and novel method of extraction of metals from their ore involving a variety of microorganisms. In the present experiment Aspergillus niger, a soil borne fungi has been used to recover metals from a low grade laterite ore. It is observed that in situ leaching, adapted strain of the fungus and roasting of ore results in better nickel recovery as compared to culture filtrate, unadapted strain and unroasted ore. Increase in pulp density i.e. the concentration of ore particle in the culture medium does not increase the Nickel recovery percentage significantly.
