Biohydrometallurgy: a meeting point between Microbial Ecology, Metal Recovery Processes and Environmental Remediation

DONATI E.; VIERA M,; TAVANI E.; GIAVENO A.; LAVALLE L.; CHIACCHIARINI P.

Trans Tech Publication Ltd

Lugar: Stafa-Zurich; Año: 2009 p. 760

Foreword This book presents the Proceedings of the 18thInternational Biohydrometallurgy Symposium (IBS-09) held in Bariloche, Argentina, on September 13-17, 2009. The IBS meetings have been the forum where basic scientists and industrial experts meet to interchange experimental results and ideas about this interdisciplinary field. The IBS-09 Organizing Committee decided to focus the meeting on three different aspects of biohydrometallurgy, Ø     microbial ecology which is the key to answer central questions not only about the diversity and behavior of microorganisms in commercial operations but also about possible applications on biohydrometallurgy of extremophiles coming from very different environments Ø     metal recovery bioprocesses including basic and applied studies about bioleaching and biooxidation but also bioflotation. Large space has been given to interfacial studies which are contributing to the understanding of the interaction between surfaces and microorganisms in those processes Ø     remediation of mining activities and environmental protection connected with mining and mining industries Therefore, the Symposium was organized around these main topics through invited lectures that can be found at the beginnings of sections II, IV and V respectively. In addition, we have mainly dedicated section III and an invited plenary to biological studies at molecular level and bioinformatics which contribution to elucidate microbial mechanisms grows every day. Physiological and biochemical studies about mining microorganisms were also added to this section. Section V includes studies about new biomaterials which seem to be the new border in this field; it also contains new technological applications of the biomasses, especially those from extremophiles, and the conversion of wastes into new materials for environmental applications which deserved a plenary lecture. All papers included in this book were previously reviewed by members of the International Scientific Committee who are prestigious researchers and experts in the Biohydrometallurgy field. In such way, we are sure all the articles within this book have the appropriate requirements of scientific quality. Finally, the Editors hope that this book provide a research update but also it means a light where next great efforts should be put in the field of Biohydrometallurgy.   Edgardo R. Donati Marisa R. Viera Eduardo L. Tavani