Formatıon of Jarosıte Durıng Bacterıal Oxıdatıon of Sulfıde Mınerals

The formation of jarosite-group minerals during bacterial oxidation of sulfide minerals is a common but insufficiently controlled phenomenon in biohydrometallurgical systems. In this study, jarosite precipitation is analyzed as a consequence of redox-driven iron cycling under acidic conditions typical for biooxidation processes. Particular attention is paid to the role of solution Eh–pH parameters, Fe³⁺ activity, and mineral surface evolution during oxidation. Experimental observations demonstrate that jarosite formation is not a direct biological process, but rather a chemically induced mineral transformation triggered by microbially maintained oxidizing conditions. The results show that jarosite precipitation significantly modifies the mineralogical composition of solid residues and affects the kinetics of sulfide oxidation by forming passivating surface layers. The obtained data provide a basis for controlled management of jarosite formation in biooxidation and bioleaching systems.