MICROBIOLOGICAL FORMATION OF BASIC FERRIC SULFATES

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Abstract
The iron-oxidizing bacterium Thiobacillus ferrooxidans was isolated from yellow-brown deposits found in soil, shale, metamorphic rock, and a uranium mine. In addition to the bacterium and pyrite, jarosite (K Fe3(SO4)2(OH)6), a basic ferric sulfate, was found to be present in the deposits. Oxidation of ferrous sulfate by the organism in liquid medium resulted in the formation of jarosite. On a solid medium of agar containing ferrous sulfate, ammoniojarosite (NH4Fe3(SO4)2(OH)6) was formed. Because jarosite can be synthesized at 25 C and 1 atm, it" is suggested that under natural conditions T. ferrooxidans plays a role in the formation of basic ferric sulfates.