Phytoextraction of Heavy Metals from Complex Industrial Waste Disposal Sites

Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Mechanism of Cu(II) Ion Sorption by Biogenic Iron Precipitate: Using the Lens of Wastewater Treatment to Diagnose a Typical Biohydrometallurgical Problem

“…Extensive literature studies have shown that iron precipitation during the dissolution of sulfide minerals using hydro- and bio-hydrometallurgical treatment is an inevitable phenomenon. , Authors have suggested that precipitate formation serves as the outlet path for unwanted iron, alkali ions, or sulfate ions from the processing circuit. , While precipitate formation can be minimized, , significant accumulation over continuous long-term operation may lead to slow kinetics and reduce the efficiency of bioleaching processes by occluding desired metals within the precipitate residue. , In recent times, due to the absence of efficient technologies to treat these iron residues, they are stored in waste dams, occupying large acres of land . This poses an environmental risk with the potential for heavy metal pollution of the soil and groundwater systems …”

“…8 This poses an environmental risk with the potential for heavy metal pollution of the soil and groundwater systems. 9 Due to the continuous increase in industrialization and urbanization, the world's copper mining capacity has been on the increase, with approximately 20% of the global copper production through biohydrometallurgy. 10 It is well known that the production of iron precipitate is unavoidable and would continue to persist in biohyrometallurgical operations; however, there is an opportunity to harness these waste residues as a low-cost precursor for the recovery of heavy metal ions.…”