Model experiments with multicomponent solutions and fungal biomass: the possibility of metalliferous biomineralization in coal accumulation

The results of model experiments on the extraction of chemical elements from multicomponent solutions by microscopic fungi biomass are presented in the article. The data obtained indicate that the chemical elements sorption affinity to the fungal biomass as a sorbent accords with following series: Bi ≈ Sn ≈ Pb ≈ Fe ≈ Hg ≈ (Sb) ≈ Cr> Cd ≈ Zn ≈ Cu ≈ V ≈ Se> Co ≈ Mn ≈ (Sb) ≈ As ≈ Ni ≈ Sr, which reflects the complex nature of the elements interaction and interinfluence in the multicomponent system. Polymetal neoplasms of complex composition, represented by thin xenomorphic particles (phases, grains), as well as well-faceted crystals, their intergrowths and twin son fungal biomass, were discovered by the method of analytical scanning electron microscopy, which proves the potentiality of extensive metal-bearing biomineralization in organogenic sedimentolites. The extraction complex mechanism of chemical elements from multicomponent solutions is implemented in stages: initial physicochemical sorption (due to electrostatic and Van der Waals interactions), further ion exchange or complexation, followed by some sorbed metal ions recovery.