Abstract

Aim To assess the effectiveness of Bacillus subtilis strain LN8B as a bio-collector for recovering pyrite (Py) and chalcopyrite (CPy) in both seawater (Sw) and deionized water (Dw), and to explore the underlying adhesion mechanism in these bioflotation experiments. Materials and methods The bioflotation test utilized B. subtilis strain LN8B as the bio-collector through microflotation experiments. Additionally, frother methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) and conventional collector potassium amyl xanthate (PAX) were introduced in some experiments. The zeta potential (ZP) and Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) was employed to explore the adhesion mechanism of Py and CPy interacting with the bio-collector in Sw and Dw. The adaptability of the B. subtilis strain to different water types and salinities was assessed through growth curves measuring optical density. Finally, antibiotic susceptibility tests were conducted to evaluate potential risks of the bio-collector. Results Superior outcomes were observed in Sw where Py and CPy recovery was approximately 39.3 ± 7.7% and 41.1 ±5.8%, respectively, without microorganisms’ presence. However, B. subtilis LN8B potentiate Py and CPy recovery, reaching 72.8 ± 4.9% and 84.6 ± 1.5%, respectively. When MIBC was added, only the Py recovery was improved (89.4 ± 3.6%), depicting an adverse effect for CPy (81.8 ± 1.1%). ZP measurements indicated increased mineral surface hydrophobicity when Py and CPy interacted with the bio-collector in both Sw and Dw. FT-IR revealed the presence of protein-related amide peaks, highlighting the hydrophobic nature of the bacterium. The adaptability of this strain to diverse water types and salinities was assessed, demonstrating remarkable growth versatility. Antibiotic susceptibility tests indicated that B. subtilis LN8B was susceptible to 23 of the 25 antibiotics examined, suggesting it poses minimal environmental risks. Conclusions The study substantiates the biotechnological promise of B. subtilis strain LN8B as an efficient sulfide collector for promoting cleaner mineral production. This effectiveness is attributed to its ability to induce mineral surface hydrophobicity, a result of the distinct characteristics of proteins within its cell wall.