Jose Fernando Sandoval-Niebles

Mr. Jose Fernando Sandoval-Niebles

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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9 November 2025 in Applied Microbiology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Francisco Eduardo Zea GamboaFrancisco Eduardo Zea Gamboa
Francisco Eduardo Zea Gamboa
Claudia Vanessa Clavijo-KocClaudia Vanessa Clavijo-Koc
Claudia Vanessa Clavijo-Koc
JSJose Fernando Sandoval-Niebles
Jose Fernando Sandoval-Niebles
Virginia Chipana-LauraVirginia Chipana-Laura
Virginia Chipana-Laura
JPJhonny Angelo Paredes-Escobar
Jhonny Angelo Paredes-Escobar
Daladier Miguel Castillo CotrinaDaladier Miguel Castillo Cotrina
Daladier Miguel Castillo Cotrina
Bioleaching represents a sustainable and economically viable method for recovering metals from sulfide ores. This study evaluates the bioleaching potential of eight native mesophilic strains isolated from chalcopyrite ore sourced from the Toquepala mine in Peru. The strains were molecularly and phylogenetically identified as Leptospirillum ferriphilum based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Bioleaching process was evaluated over 648 h in triplicate flask assays at 30 °C and 120 rpm. All strains demonstrated leaching activity, achieving an average copper recovery above 30%. Notably, strains M1D and M3E demonstrated superior performance, with iron oxidation reaching approximately 50%, copper recoveries of 34.78% and 32.61%, respectively, and peak cell counts of up to 2.45 × 109 cells/mL. Specific growth rates were determined as 0.03469 h−1 for M1D and 0.03651 h−1 for M3E. A positive correlation was observed among microbial growth, iron oxidation, and copper recovery. These results confirm the potential of native mesophilic L. ferriphilum strains as efficient agents for chalcopyrite bioleaching at moderate temperatures, supporting their application in biotechnological metal recovery processes.