Biomining is the use of microorganisms to catalyze metal extraction from sulfide ores. However, the available water in some biomining environments has high chloride concentrations and therefore, chloride toxicity to ferrous oxidizing microorganisms has been investigated. Batch biooxidation of Fe2+ by a Leptospirillum ferriphilum dominated culture was completely inhibited by 12gL(-1) chloride. In addition, the effects of chloride on oxidation kinetics in a Fe2+ limited chemostat were studied. Results from the chemostat modeling suggest that the chloride toxicity was attributed to affects on the Fe2+ oxidation system, pH homeostasis, and lowering of the proton motive force. Modeling showed a decrease in the maximum specific growth rate (mu(max)) and an increase in the substrate constant (K-s) with increasing chloride concentrations, indicating an effect on the Fe2+ oxidation system. The model proposes a lowered maintenance activity when the media was fed with 2-3 g L-1 chloride with a concomitant drastic decrease in the true yield (Y-true). This model helps to understand the influence of chloride on Fe2+ biooxidation kinetics. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;106: 422-431. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.