Question

Which one of the following is not included in the mechanism of bioleaching?

(a) Acidolysis

(b) Complexolysis

(c) Redoxolysis

(d) Hydrolysis

The question was posed to me during a job interview.

I'm obligated to ask this question of Microbes in Bioleaching Process topic in section Bioleaching and Biomining for Recovery of Resources of Environmental Biotechnology

Answer 1

Right answer is (d) Hydrolysis

To elaborate: The mechanisms of bioleaching includes acidolysis, complexolysis and redoxolysis. Acidolysis is the formation of organic and inorganic acids while hydrolysis is the formation of water. In bioleaching the mechanism is mostly involved with the formation of organic and inorganic acid instead of formation of water. Hence, hydrolysis is not included as one the major mechanism.