Extremophilic Patagonian microorganisms working in biomining

CHIACCHIARIN P.; ULLOA R.; URBIETA M.S.,; GIAVENO A.; LAVALLE A.; DONATI E.R.

Biology and Biotechnology of Patagonian Microorganisms

SPRINGER

Año: 2016; p. 185 - 204

Abstract The microorganisms known as extremophiles have become a powerful tool in the field of biotechnology. Among them, acidophilic and thermophilic microorganisms capable of oxidizing iron(II) and/or sulfur compounds are very important in ore processing operations as they are able to enhance the dissolution of sulfides ore. The aim of this Chapter is to describe the physiological and phylogenetic characteristics of the main acidophilic species and communities found in geothermal and mining environments in Neuquén Province, Patagonia Argentina, and the advances done by our research group in their application to biomining and bioremediation of heavy metals. Additionally, the Chapter includes the description of a novel thermoacidophilic archaeon from the genus Acidianus (Acidianus copahuensis) autochthonous of Copahue geothermal area isolated and characterized by our research group.