The application of microbiological methods to the extraction of metals from minerals is supported by several bioleaching and biooxidation processes operating in different sites over the world. This book details the basic aspects of the process with special emphasis on recent contributions regarding the chemical and microbial aspects of the bioleaching process and the use of microorganisms in the treatment of complex ores and concentrates.

Biomining is the use of microorganisms in the recovery of metals from ores. During bioleaching, metals such as copper, nickel or zinc are oxidized through microbial action from the water-insoluble sulfide to the soluble sulfate forms. Although gold is inert to microbial action, microbes can also be used in gold recovery from certain types of ores because as they oxidize the ore, they open up its structure, thereby allowing a gold-solubilizing agent such as cyanide to penetrate the ore. The book describes several industrial bioleaching and biooxidation processes as well as the underlying theory and biology of the microbes involved.

Although many available metal recycling methods are simple and fast, they are also expensive and cause environmental pollution. Biohydrometallurgical processing of metals offers an alternative to overcome these issues, as the use of biological means not only helps to conserve dwindling ore resources but also fulfills the need for the unambiguous need to extract metals in nonpolluting, low-energy, and low-cost way. This book covers biohydrometallurgy and its application in the recovery of metals from secondary sources like wastes. It aims to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of different wastes for metal recovery and biological treatment methods that are both environmentally friendly and economically viable.

Comprehensive Biotechnology, Third Edition, Six Volume Set unifies, in a single source, a huge amount of information in this growing field. The book covers scientific fundamentals, along with engineering considerations and applications in industry, agriculture, medicine, the environment and socio-economics, including the related government regulatory overviews. This new edition builds on the solid basis provided by previous editions, incorporating all recent advances in the field since the second edition was published in 2011. Offers researchers a one-stop shop for information on the subject of biotechnology Provides in-depth treatment of relevant topics from recognized authorities, including the contributions of a Nobel laureate Presents the perspective of researchers in different fields, such as biochemistry, agriculture, engineering, biomedicine and environmental science

Proper waste disposal is still a serious concern worldwide. This book addresses various types of wastes such as industrial, agricultural, and municipal solid and liquid wastes, their generation, and the status of waste management in developed and developing countries. It discusses advanced green technologies used in harnessing energy and bioproducts from wastes such as electricity, biofuel, biopolymers, fertilizers, and chemicals without damaging the quality of the environment but rather creating a source that is an added value to the environment. Through many applications and case studies, this comprehensive book helps readers build a state-of-the-art knowledge on waste utilization and energy generation. FEATURES Provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art coverage of waste management practices, their challenges, and solutions from a global perspective Discusses conceptual principles and practices of various green technologies that can be used to generate valuable products from waste and improve environmental quality Includes case studies from the United States and Japan, providing detailed explanations of advanced bioremediation technologies Takes a holistic approach to waste management and bioproducts recovery Offers an easy-to-understand and target-oriented approach that helps both students and professionals advance their knowledge in creating wealth from waste Written for undergraduate and graduate students taking courses in environmental biotechnology, environmental microbiology, non-conventional energy sources, waste treatment technologies, environmental waste utilization, energy, and environment taught in universities and colleges. The book can also be used by professionals and researchers at different levels in related fields.

This book presents an overview of the characterization of electronic waste. In addition, processing techniques for the recovery of metals, polymers and ceramics are described. This book serves as a source of information and as an educational technical reference for practicing scientists and engineers, as well as for students.

This book review series presents current trends in modern biotechnology. The aim is to cover all aspects of this interdisciplinary technology where knowledge, methods and expertise are required from chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, chemical engineering and computer science. Volumes are organized topically and provide a comprehensive discussion of developments in the respective field over the past 3-5 years. The series also discusses new discoveries and applications. Special volumes are dedicated to selected topics which focus on new biotechnological products and new processes for their synthesis and purification. In general, special volumes are edited by well-known guest editors. The series editor and publisher will however always be pleased to receive suggestions and supplementary information. Manuscripts are accepted in English.

Better Understand the Connection between Microbiology and the Inorganic WorldMicrobiology for Minerals, Metals, Materials and the Environment links chemical, metallurgical, and other metal inherent systems with microbes, and analyzes the interdependence between them. Specifically intended to underscore the importance of microbes in environmental re

Advances in Microbial Physiology is one of the most successful and prestigious series from Academic Press, an imprint of Elsevier. It publishes topical and important reviews, interpreting physiology to include all material that contributes to our understanding of how microorganisms and their component parts work. First published in 1967, it is now in its 54th volume. The Editors have always striven to interpret microbial physiology in the broadest context and have never restricted the contents to "traditional views of whole cell physiology. Now edited by Professor Robert Poole, University of Sheffield, Advances in Microbial Physiology continues to be an influential and very well reviewed series. - 2006 impact factor of 7.818, placing it 7th in the highly competitive category of microbiology - Contributions by leading international scientists - The latest research in microbial physiology

This book describes the phases for innovative metallurgical process development, from concept to commercialization. Key features of the book include: • Need for process innovation • Selection and optimization of process steps • Determination of the commercial feasibility of a process including engineering and equipment selection • Determination of the environmental footprint of a process • Case-study examples of innovative process development