Microbial recovery of uranium using native fungal strains

Native microorganisms were isolated from water samples collected from uranium mines of Jaduguda, Bhatin and Nawapahar of UCIL India. Ten fungal strains isolated in pure cultures were selected, identified and used in this study. The strains were used for in situ leaching of mainly oxide low grade uranium ore of Turamdih mine. The maximum recovery of 71% uranium was obtained with the strain Cladosporium oxysporum. The other two strains belonging to Aspergillus flavus and Curvularia clavata gave 59% and 50% of metal recovery respectively from the same ore. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.