Multiple point's addition strategy of leaching copper from wastes printed circuit boards with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

The effect of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans on copper recovery in wastes printed circuit boards(PCBs) was investigated. PCBs addition times and amounts adversely inhibited bacterial growth and thus lowered copper leaching capacity, therefore multiple point's addition strategy could improve leaching copper and reduce inhibition of cell growth. The results showed that when multiple PCBs additions 18 g/L(4 g/L at 48 h, 6 g/L at 96 h and 8 g/L at 144 h) were developed, copper extraction reached 80% after 240 h cultivation. The suggesting strategy of copper leaching from waste PCBs was feasible and effective.