Dissimilatory reduction of marine nodules with heterotrophic microbes

Four heterotrophic microbes were separated from deep sea floor sediment of the Pacific Ocean. The dissimilatory reduction principles of these heterotrophic microbes were explored after their acclimatization to acid and metals. The results indicate that anaerobic leaching is better than aerobic condition, the optimum pH range is 2.5 to 3, the leaching time is 3 d, and the leaching rate is up to 98%. It shows that dissimilatory reduction of marine nodules with heterotrophic microbes has such advantages as higher leaching rate, no ventilation, lower investment, easier operation and better environment. The solid and organic waste can be treated at the same time coupling valuable metal recovery.