Thiobacillus ferrooxidans cells grown on sulphur, pyrite and chalcopyr
ite exhibit higher hydrophobicity than ferrous iron-grown cells. The i
soelectric points of sulphur, pyrite and chalcopyrite-grown cells were
at a pH higher than that for ferrous iron-grown cells The effect of d
uration of biotreatment under static and agitation conditions on bacte
rial adhesion is reported. Further, scanning electron microscopy was c
arried out to visualize the process of bacterial adhesion to the miner
al surfaces.