Innovative Biomining: Metal Recovery from Valuable Residues

CASTRO C.; DONATI E.R.

Heavy Metals in the Environment: Microorganisms and Bioremediation

Taylor & Francis Group

Año: 2018; p. 172 - 181

Metal?bearing residues are potential pollutants if not treated properly. But they also represent an important resource of metals. Application of a suitable extraction process to recover valuable metals present in the wastes is an appropriate approach to abate their toxicity. Various treatment options based on conventional physical, hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes are available for the metal extraction from such resources. The use of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and archaea could provide innovative, eco?friendly and cost effective alternatives for recycling resources and pollution mitigation. This chapter explores the potential applications of microbial biotechnologies in the recovery of valuable metals from metal?bearing residues.