Metal Removal from Acid Waters by an Endemic Microalga from the Atacama Desert for Water Recovery

The Upcoming 6Li Isotope Requirements Might Be Supplied by a Microalgal Enrichment Process

Lithium isotopes are essential for nuclear energy, but new enrichment methods are required. In this study, we considered biotechnology as a possibility. We assessed the Li fractionation capabilities of three Chlorophyte strains: Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Tetraselmis mediterranea, and a freshwater Chlorophyte, Desmodesmus sp. These species were cultured in Li containing media and were analysed just after inoculation and after 3, 12, and 27 days. Li mass was determined using a Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer, and the isotope compositions were measured on a Thermo Element XR Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer. The maximum Li capture was observed at day 27 with C. reinhardtii (31.66 µg/g). Desmodesmus sp. reached the greatest Li fractionation, (δ⁶ = 85.4‰). All strains fractionated preferentially towards ⁶Li. More studies are required to find fitter species and to establish the optimal conditions for Li capture and fractionation. Nevertheless, this is the first step for a microalgal nuclear biotechnology.

Mine drainage: Treatment technologies and rare earth elements

The recent research and development on mine drainage published in 2018 was summarized in this annual review. In particular, this review was focused on two main aspects of mine drainage: (a) advances in treatment technologies and (b) rare earth elements in mine drainage and its recovery. The first section covers passive treatment technologies and active treatment options, including physiochemical treatment and biological treatment. The second section includes the characterization of rare earth elements in mine drainage and recovery technologies. Due to the importance of rare earth elements and the growing interest in their recovery from mine drainage, rare earth elements are reported as a separate section for the first time in this review. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Advances in treatment technologies for mine drainage are reviewed. Rare earth elements in mine drainage and its recovery are summarized. Reviewed technologies include passive, active, advanced and novel processes.