Leptospirillum ferrooxidans

Leptospirillum ferrooxidans is a type of tiny microorganism, specifically a bacterium, that plays a key role in natural and industrial processes. It thrives in acidic environments like underground mines and helps break down mineral deposits, especially iron sulfides, by oxidizing iron and sulfur compounds. This process releases energy the bacterium uses to survive and grow. Because of its ability to oxidize metals, Leptospirillum ferrooxidans is also used in bioleaching—an environmentally friendly way to extract metals like copper from ore. It is an important organism in both environmental science and metallurgy.