Leaching of Mn, Co, and Ni from manganese nodules using an anaerobic bioleaching method

An anaerobic bioleaching of a manganese nodule by anaerobic Mn-reducing bacteria was evaluated for the leaching of metals, Mn, Co, and Ni. Insoluble Mn⁴⁺ in the nodule could be reduced to soluble Mn²⁺ by dissimilatory Mn-reducing bacteria that use a carbon source and Mn⁴⁺ as an electron donor and acceptor, respectively. As a result of the Mn reduction, Co and Ni could be leached from the loosed Mn matrix. Leaching experiments were carried out to optimize various process parameters, such as inoculation, pH, temperature, mineral salts, and particle size of the nodule used. The leaching efficiencies of Mn, Co, and Ni increased from 18, 7, and 10% to 77, 70, and 75%, respectively by the inoculation of the Mn-reducing enrichment culture broth. Metals could be efficiently recovered from the nodule in the ranges of pH from 5.0 to 6.5 and temperature from 30 to 45°C by anaerobic bioleaching. External addition of mineral salts was not necessary for Mn, Co, and Ni leaching from the nodule. The optimum ratio of nodule to glucose was 0.1 (w/w). To obtain a leaching efficiency above 70%, the particle size of the nodules must be less than 0.6 mm.