Bio- and Hydrometallurgy and Bio-Crystallization of Secondary Minerals

A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (22 September 2021) | Viewed by 4855

Special Issue Editors

Department of Process Engineering and Technology of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50 370 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: biohydrometallurgy; biogeochemistry; colloid chemistry; surface chemistry; adsorption; bionanotechnology; mineral processing
Department of Process Engineering and Technology of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50 370 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: biohydrometallurgy (bioleaching, biosorption); nanoparticle biosynthesis; surfactant/biosurfactant adsorption on minerals; mineral processing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past three decades, there has been systematic growth in the application of bio- and hydrometallurgical methods. Depletion of the primary metal resources and stricter environmental regulations have triggered a need for the use of low-grade ores and waste. This Special Issue focuses on bioleaching as an alternative method of metal extraction from ores, concentrates, slags, and mine tailings involving microorganisms. In a natural environment, bacteria associated with minerals are also responsible for bio-weathering and biocorrosion. The result of all presented processes is acid mine drainage (AMD), which is a source of a wide variety of metal ions. Leachate generated from bio- and chemical processes is a metal-rich solution. There is still a need to propose systems and operations for selective recovery of metals from polymetallic solutions but also to develop other applications of this kind of solutions, e.g., in nanoparticle synthesis. Another critical issue is waste management.  

Schwertmannite, jarosite, ferrihydrite, and goethite as secondary iron hydroxysulfates are formed in acidic and sulfate-rich environments. They affect the bioleaching process but can also serve as sorbents for toxic metals to prevent environmental pollution, e.g., via the immobilization of arsenic ions. Therefore, the role of secondary minerals in leaching and bioleaching processes is worth explaining.

Prof. Dr. Zygmunt Sadowski
Dr. Agnieszka Pawlowska
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • Mineral leaching
  • Bioleaching
  • Acid mine drainage (AMD)
  • Bio-precipitation
  • Schwertmannite
  • Jarosite
  • Goethite
  • Nanoparticles
  • Biosynthesis
  • Arsenic

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 3140 KiB  
Article
Effect of Rhamnolipids and Lipopolysaccharides on the Bioleaching of Arsenic-Bearing Waste
by Agnieszka Pawlowska, Zygmunt Sadowski and Katarzyna Winiarska
Minerals 2021, 11(12), 1303; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/min11121303 - 23 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1544
Abstract
The adsorption of biosurfactants and polysaccharides changes the surface properties of solid particles, which is important for controlling the release of arsenic compounds from the solid phase and preventing undesirable bioleaching. Microbial leaching and scorodite adhesion experiments, including pure and modified mineral material, [...] Read more.
The adsorption of biosurfactants and polysaccharides changes the surface properties of solid particles, which is important for controlling the release of arsenic compounds from the solid phase and preventing undesirable bioleaching. Microbial leaching and scorodite adhesion experiments, including pure and modified mineral material, were conducted in a glass column with a mineral bed (0.8–1.2 mm particle size) to test how rhamnolipids (Rh) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) affect surface properties of mineral waste from Złoty Stok (Poland) and secondary bio-extraction products (scorodite). Adsorption tests were conducted for both solid materials. The adsorption of Rh and LPS on the solids was shown to modify its surface charge, affecting bioleaching. The highest bio-extraction efficiency was achieved for arsenic waste with adsorbed rhamnolipids, while the lowest, for the LPS-modified mineral. Under acidic circumstances (pH~2.5), the strongly negative zeta potential of arsenic-bearing waste in the presence of Rh creates conditions for bacteria adhesion, leading to the intensification of metal extraction. The presence of a biopolymer on the As waste surface decreases leaching efficiency and favours the scorodite’s adhesion. Full article
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7 pages, 1248 KiB  
Article
Lead Recovery from Solid Residues of Copper Industry Using Triethylenetetramine Solution
by Mateusz Ciszewski, Andrzej Chmielarz, Zbigniew Szołomicki, Michał Drzazga and Katarzyna Leszczyńska-Sejda
Minerals 2021, 11(5), 546; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/min11050546 - 20 May 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2552
Abstract
Industrial processing of mineral ores and concentrates generates large amounts of solid residues, which can be landfilled or further processed to recover selected elements depending on its economical profitability. Pressure leaching is a technology enabling high recovery of base metals like copper and [...] Read more.
Industrial processing of mineral ores and concentrates generates large amounts of solid residues, which can be landfilled or further processed to recover selected elements depending on its economical profitability. Pressure leaching is a technology enabling high recovery of base metals like copper and zinc, transferring others like lead and iron to the solid residue. High temperature and pressure of such leaching leads to formation of sparingly soluble lead jarosite (plumbojarosite). The load of lead landfilled as solid residues resulting from such operation is so big that its recovery is perspective and crucial for waste-limiting technologies. This paper is devoted to lead extraction from pressure leaching residues using triethylenetetramine solution and then its precipitation as a commercial lead carbonate. The highest obtained recovery of lead was 91.3%. Additionally, presented technology allows to manage and recycle amine solution and reuse solid products. Produced pure lead carbonate can be directly added to smelting, not increasing temperature within the furnace. Full article
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