Stannous and cuprous ion oxidation by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans.

Oxidation of stannous chloride by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans was studied manometrically. At low stannous ion concentrations, initial oxidation rate was proportional to concentration. Optimum pH for oxidation was 2.3 optimum temperature was 37-40 degrees C. Spectrophotometry showed reduction of cytochromes in suspensions of whole cells on addition of ferrous, stannous, or cuprous salts. Cytochrome c reductase activity in cell-free extracts was assayed with ferrous, stannous, or cuprous ions as electron donors. It appears unlikely that an essential non-biological reaction, the reduction of ferric ions by stannous or cuprous ions, is involved. Growth of T. ferrooxidans was not obtained with either stannous chloride or stannous sulphate as sole energy source.