1
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Vo PHN, Kuzhiumparambil U, Kim M, Hinkley C, Pernice M, Nghiem LD, Ralph PJ. Biomining using microalgae to recover rare earth elements (REEs) from bauxite. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 406:131077. [PMID: 38971386 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Biomining using microalgae has emerged as a sustainable option to extract rare earth elements (REEs). This study aims to (i) explore the capability of REEs recovery from bauxite by microalgae, (ii) assess the change of biochemical function affected by bauxite, and (iii) investigate the effects of operating conditions (i.e., aeration rate, pH, hydraulic retention time) to REEs recovery. The results showed that increasing bauxite in microalgae culture increases REEs recovery in biomass and production of biochemical compounds (e.g., pigments and Ca-Mg ATPase enzyme) up to 10 %. The optimum pulp ratio of bauxite in the microalgae culture ranges from 0.2 % to 0.6 %. Chlorella vulgaris was the most promising, with two times higher in REEs recovery in biomass than the other species. REEs accumulated in microalgae biomass decreased with increasing pH in the culture. This study establishes a platform to make the scaling up of REEs biomining by microalgae plausible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phong H N Vo
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | | | - Mikael Kim
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Cora Hinkley
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Mathieu Pernice
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Long D Nghiem
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Peter J Ralph
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
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2
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Vítová M, Mezricky D. Microbial recovery of rare earth elements from various waste sources: a mini review with emphasis on microalgae. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:189. [PMID: 38702568 PMCID: PMC11068686 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03974-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are indispensable in contemporary technologies, influencing various aspects of our daily lives and environmental solutions. The escalating demand for REEs has led to increased exploitation, resulting in the generation of diverse REE-bearing solid and liquid wastes. Recognizing the potential of these wastes as secondary sources of REEs, researchers are exploring microbial solutions for their recovery. This mini review provides insights into the utilization of microorganisms, with a particular focus on microalgae, for recovering REEs from sources such as ores, electronic waste, and industrial effluents. The review outlines the principles and distinctions of bioleaching, biosorption, and bioaccumulation, offering a comparative analysis of their potential and limitations. Specific examples of microorganisms demonstrating efficacy in REE recovery are highlighted, accompanied by successful methods, including advanced techniques for enhancing microbial strains to achieve higher REE recovery. Moreover, the review explores the environmental implications of bio-recovery, discussing the potential of these methods to mitigate REE pollution. By emphasizing microalgae as promising biotechnological candidates for REE recovery, this mini review not only presents current advances but also illuminates prospects in sustainable REE resource management and environmental remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milada Vítová
- Department of Phycology, Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Třeboň, Czechia.
| | - Dana Mezricky
- Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, IMC Krems, Krems, Austria
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3
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Vo PHN, Danaee S, Hai HTN, Huy LN, Nguyen TAH, Nguyen HTM, Kuzhiumparambil U, Kim M, Nghiem LD, Ralph PJ. Biomining for sustainable recovery of rare earth elements from mining waste: A comprehensive review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168210. [PMID: 37924876 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are essential for advanced manufacturing (e.g., renewable energy, military equipment, electric vehicles); hence, the recovery of REEs from low-grade resources has become increasingly important to address their growing demand. Depending on specific mining sites, its geological conditions, and sociodemographic backgrounds, mining waste has been identified as a source of REEs in various concentrations and abundance. Yttrium, cerium, and neodymium are the most common REEs in mining waste streams (50 to 300 μg/L). Biomining has emerged as a viable option for REEs recovery due to its reduced environmental impact, along with reduced capital investment compared to traditional recovery methods. This paper aims to review (i) the characteristics of mining waste as a low-grade REEs resource, (ii) the key operating principles of biomining technologies for REEs recovery, (iii) the effects of operating conditions and matrix on REEs recovery, and (iv) the sustainability of REEs recovery through biomining technologies. Six types of biomining will be examined in this review: bioleaching, bioweathering, biosorption, bioaccumulation, bioprecipitation and bioflotation. Based on a SWOT analyses and techno-economic assessments (TEA), biomining technologies have been found to be effective and efficient in recovering REEs from low-grade sources. Through TEA, coal ash has been shown to return the highest profit amongst mining waste streams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phong H N Vo
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Soroosh Danaee
- Biotechnology Department, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology, Tehran 3353-5111, Iran
| | - Ho Truong Nam Hai
- Faculty of Environment, University of Science, 227 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Lai Nguyen Huy
- Environmental Engineering and Management, Asian Institute of Technology, Klongluang, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Tuan A H Nguyen
- Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Hong T M Nguyen
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Unnikrishnan Kuzhiumparambil
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Mikael Kim
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Long D Nghiem
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Peter J Ralph
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
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4
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Good N, Kang-Yun CS, Su MZ, Zytnick AM, Barber CC, Vu HN, Grace JM, Nguyen HH, Zhang W, Skovran E, Fan M, Park DM, Martinez-Gomez NC. Scalable and Consolidated Microbial Platform for Rare Earth Element Leaching and Recovery from Waste Sources. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:570-579. [PMID: 38150661 PMCID: PMC10785750 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Chemical methods for the extraction and refinement of technologically critical rare earth elements (REEs) are energy-intensive, hazardous, and environmentally destructive. Current biobased extraction systems rely on extremophilic organisms and generate many of the same detrimental effects as chemical methodologies. The mesophilic methylotrophic bacterium Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 was previously shown to grow using electronic waste by naturally acquiring REEs to power methanol metabolism. Here we show that growth using electronic waste as a sole REE source is scalable up to 10 L with consistent metal yields without the use of harsh acids or high temperatures. The addition of organic acids increases REE leaching in a nonspecific manner. REE-specific bioleaching can be engineered through the overproduction of REE-binding ligands (called lanthanophores) and pyrroloquinoline quinone. REE bioaccumulation increases with the leachate concentration and is highly specific. REEs are stored intracellularly in polyphosphate granules, and genetic engineering to eliminate exopolyphosphatase activity increases metal accumulation, confirming the link between phosphate metabolism and biological REE use. Finally, we report the innate ability of M. extorquens to grow using other complex REE sources, including pulverized smartphones, demonstrating the flexibility and potential for use as a recovery platform for these critical metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan
M. Good
- Department
of Plant and Microbial Biology, University
of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Christina S. Kang-Yun
- Physical
and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence
Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, United States
| | - Morgan Z. Su
- Department
of Plant and Microbial Biology, University
of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Alexa M. Zytnick
- Department
of Plant and Microbial Biology, University
of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Colin C. Barber
- Department
of Plant and Microbial Biology, University
of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Huong N. Vu
- Department
of Biological Sciences, San José
State University, San José, California 95192, United States
| | - Joseph M. Grace
- Department
of Biological Sciences, San José
State University, San José, California 95192, United States
| | - Hoang H. Nguyen
- Department
of Biological Sciences, San José
State University, San José, California 95192, United States
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Elizabeth Skovran
- Department
of Biological Sciences, San José
State University, San José, California 95192, United States
| | - Maohong Fan
- Department
of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, United States
| | - Dan M. Park
- Physical
and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence
Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, United States
| | - Norma Cecilia Martinez-Gomez
- Department
of Plant and Microbial Biology, University
of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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5
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Kohl J, Schweikert M, Klaas N, Lemloh ML. Intracellular bioaccumulation of the rare earth element Gadolinium in ciliate cells resulting in biogenic particle formation and excretion. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5650. [PMID: 37024513 PMCID: PMC10079679 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32596-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ciliates are abundant unicellular organisms capable of resisting high concentrations of metal ions in the environment caused by various anthropogenic activities. Understanding the cellular pathways involved in resistance to and detoxification of elements is required to predict the impact of ciliates on environmental element cycles. Here, we investigated the so far unknown process of tolerance, cellular uptake and bioaccumulation of the emerging rare earth element gadolinium (Gd) in the common ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis. Gd treatment results in the intracellular formation and excretion of biogenic Gd-containing particles. This cellular process effectively removes dissolved Gd from the organic growth medium by 53.37% within 72 h. Based on light and electron microscopic observations, we postulate a detoxification pathway: Cells take up toxic Gd3+ ions from the medium by endocytosis, process them into stable Gd-containing particles within food vacuoles, and exocytose them. Stable biogenic particles can be isolated, which are relatively homogeneous and have a diameter of about 3 µm. They consist of the elements Gd, C, O, P, Na, Mg, K, and Ca. These findings broaden the view of metal ion accumulation by protists and are of relevance to understand environmental elemental cycles and may inspire approaches for metal recovery or bioremediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Kohl
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Michael Schweikert
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- SRF AMICA, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Norbert Klaas
- IWS, Research Facility for Subsurface Remediation (VEGAS), University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Marie-Louise Lemloh
- SRF AMICA, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
- Materials Testing Institute, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
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Barros JMF, Fernandes GJT, Araujo MDS, Melo DMA, Gondim AD, Fernandes VJ, Araujo AS. Hydrothermal Synthesis and Properties of Nanostructured Silica Containing Lanthanide Type Ln-SiO 2 (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Dy, Yb, Lu). NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:382. [PMID: 36770344 PMCID: PMC9921768 DOI: 10.3390/nano13030382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The nanostructured lanthanide-silica materials of the Ln-SiO2 type (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Dy, Yb, Lu) were synthesized by the hydrothermal method at 100 °C, using cetyltrimethylammonium as a structural template, silica gel and sodium silicate as a source of silicon, and lanthanide oxides, with Si/Ln molar ratio = 50. The resulting materials were calcined at 500 °C using nitrogen and air, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform infrared absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry (TG), surface area by the BET method and acidity measurements by n-butylamine adsorption. The XRD and chemical analysis indicated that the SiO2 presented a hexagonal structure and the incorporation of lanthanides in the structure changes the properties of the Ln-SiO2 materials. The heavier the lanthanide element, the higher the Si/Ln ratio. The TG curves showed that the decomposition of the structural template occurs in the materials at temperatures below 500 °C. The samples showed variations in specific surface area, mean pore diameter and silica wall thickness, depending on the nature of the lanthanide. The incorporation of different lanthanides in the silica generated acid sites of varied strength. The hydrothermal stability of the Ln-SiO2 materials evaluated at high temperatures, evidenced that the properties can be controlled for application in adsorption and catalysis processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana M. F. Barros
- Center of Education and Health, Academic Unit of Biology and Chemistry, Federal University of Campina Grande, Cuite 58175-000, PB, Brazil
| | - Glauber J. T. Fernandes
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Petrochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil
| | - Marcio D. S. Araujo
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Petrochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil
| | - Dulce M. A. Melo
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil
| | - Amanda D. Gondim
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Petrochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil
| | - Valter J. Fernandes
- Laboratory of Fuels and Lubricants, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil
| | - Antonio S. Araujo
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Petrochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil
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7
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Zhang DR, Chen HR, Xia JL, Nie ZY, Zhang RY, Pakostova E. Efficient dealkalization of red mud and recovery of valuable metals by a sulfur-oxidizing bacterium. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:973568. [PMID: 36106077 PMCID: PMC9465049 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.973568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Red mud (RM) is a highly alkaline polymetallic waste generated via the Bayer process during alumina production. It contains metals that are critical for a sustainable development of modern society. Due to a shortage of global resources of many metals, efficient large-scale processing of RM has been receiving increasing attention from both researchers and industry. This study investigated the solubilization of metals from RM, together with RM dealkalization, via sulfur (S0) oxidation catalyzed by the moderately thermophilic bacterium Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans. Optimization of the bioleaching process was conducted in shake flasks and 5-L bioreactors, with varying S0:RM mass ratios and aeration rates. The ICP analysis was used to monitor the concentrations of dissolved elements from RM, and solid residues were analyzed for surface morphology, phase composition, and Na distribution using the SEM, XRD, and STXM techniques, respectively. The results show that highest metal recoveries (89% of Al, 84% of Ce, and 91% of Y) were achieved with the S0:RM mass ratio of 2:1 and aeration rate of 1 L/min. Additionally, effective dealkalization of RM was achieved under the above conditions, based on the high rates (>95%) of Na, K, and Ca dissolution. This study proves the feasibility of using bacterially catalyzed S0 oxidation to simultaneously dealkalize RM and efficiently extract valuable metals from the amassing industrial waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo-rui Zhang
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Lab of Biometallurgy of Ministry of Education of China, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong-rui Chen
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Lab of Biometallurgy of Ministry of Education of China, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jin-lan Xia
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Lab of Biometallurgy of Ministry of Education of China, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Jin-lan Xia
| | - Zhen-yuan Nie
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Lab of Biometallurgy of Ministry of Education of China, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rui-Yong Zhang
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Lab of Biometallurgy of Ministry of Education of China, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Corrosion and Bio-fouling, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Open Studio for Marine Corrosion and Protection, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, China
| | - Eva Pakostova
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
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8
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Diatoms: Miniscule biological entities with immense importance in synthesis of targeted novel bioparticles and biomonitoring. J Biosci 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-021-00222-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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9
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Basturkcu H. Extraction of lanthanum and yttrium from red mud following elimination of ionic impurities. SEP SCI TECHNOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/01496395.2020.1813177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Huseyin Basturkcu
- R&D Center, Esan Eczacibasi Industrial Raw Materials Co., Istanbul, Turkey
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10
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Study of Microbial Cultures for the Bioleaching of Scandium from Alumina Industry By-Products. METALS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/met11060951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The disposal of voluminous, highly alkaline, bauxite residue (BR), the industrial by-product of alumina production by the Bayer process, constitutes an intricate global environmental problem. BR, containing valuable metals such as rare-earth elements (REEs)—in particular, scandium (Sc)—can be used as a secondary source for REE extraction. The scope of this study was the investigation of bioleaching as an innovative and environmentally friendly approach for the extraction of Sc from BR. The bioleaching parameters were studied on Greek BR and experiments were performed using different microbial cultures and solid to liquid ratios (S/L). The maximum extraction of Sc was 42% using Acetobacter tropicalis in a one-step bioleaching process at 1% S/L. The main organic acids produced were acetic, oxalic, and citric. The bioleaching data indicated a probable synergistic effect of the different organic acids produced by microorganisms along with a more targeted leaching mechanism.
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11
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Extraction of Valuable Elements from Red Mud with a Focus on Using Liquid Media—A Review. RECYCLING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/recycling6020038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bauxite residue, known as red mud, is a by-product of alumina production using the Bayer process. Currently, its total global storage amounts to over 4.6 billion tons, including about 600 million tons in Russia. The total global storage of red mud occupies large areas, leading to environmental damage and increasing environmental risks. Moreover, it contains a significant amount of sodium, which is easily soluble in subsoil water; therefore, a sustainable approach for comprehensive recycling of red mud is necessary. The bauxite residue contains valuable elements, such as aluminum, titanium, and scandium, which can be recovered using liquid media. In recent years, many methods of recovery of these elements from this waste have been proposed. This paper provides a critical review of hydrometallurgical, solvometallurgical, and complex methods for the recovery of valuable components from red mud, namely, aluminum, titanium, sodium, and rare and rare-earth elements. These methods include leaching using alkaline or acid solutions, ionic liquids, and biological organisms, in addition to red mud leaching solutions by extraction and sorption methods. Advantages and disadvantages of these processes in terms of their environmental impact are discussed.
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12
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Martínez-Alesón García P, García-Balboa C, Romero-López J, López-Rodas V, Costas E, Baselga-Cervera B. Fluctuation analysis to select for Samarium bio-uptaking microalgae clones the repurposing of a classical evolution experiment. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 215:112134. [PMID: 33721662 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rare Earth Elements (REE) increasing demand prompts the research of biotechnological approaches to exploit secondary resources. We made use of the adapted Fluctuation analyses experiment to obtain Chlamydomonas reinhardtii ChlA strains resistant to Samarium (Sm) as the reference REE. The starting hypothesis was that adaptation to metal-containing media leads to an enhanced metal uptake. ChlA was able to adapt to 1.33·10-4 Sm M and pH~3 by pre-existing genetic variability, allowing the evolutionary rescue of 13 of the 99 populations studied. The rescuing resistant genotypes presented a mutation rate of 8.65·10-7 resistant cells per division. The resulting resistant population contradicted the expected fitness cost associated with the adaptation to Sm, selection resulted in larger and faster-growing resistant cells. Among the three isolated strains studied for Sm uptake, only one presented uplifted performance compared to the control population (46.64 μg Sm g-¹ of wet biomass and 3.26·10-7 ng Sm per cell, mainly bioaccumulated within the cells). The selection of microalgae strains with improved tolerance to REEs by this methodology could be a promising solution for REES sequestration. However, increased tolerance can be independent or have negative effects on uptake performance and cellular features studied are not directly correlated with the metal uptake. SUMMARY SENTENCE: Repurposing a classic laboratory evolution experiment to select for microalgae Samarium adapted strains for metals recovery and biotechnology approaches. DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT: All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article (and its raw files).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camino García-Balboa
- Animal Science (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Julia Romero-López
- Animal Science (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Victoria López-Rodas
- Animal Science (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Eduardo Costas
- Animal Science (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Beatriz Baselga-Cervera
- Animal Science (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain; Ecology, Evolution and Behavior Department, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, United States; Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States.
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13
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Mattocks JA, Cotruvo JA. Biological, biomolecular, and bio-inspired strategies for detection, extraction, and separations of lanthanides and actinides. Chem Soc Rev 2020; 49:8315-8334. [PMID: 33057507 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00653j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lanthanides and actinides are elements of ever-increasing technological importance in the modern world. However, the similar chemical and physical properties within these groups make purification of individual elements a challenge. Current industrial standards for the extraction, separation, and purification of these metals from natural sources, recycled materials, and industrial waste are inefficient, relying upon harsh conditions, repetitive steps, and ligands with only modest selectivity. Biological, biomolecular, and bio-inspired strategies towards improving these separations and making them more environmentally sustainable have been researched for many years; however, these methods often have insufficient selectivity for practical application. Recent developments in the understanding of how lanthanides are selectively acquired and used by certain bacteria offer the opportunity for a newer, more efficient take on these designs, as well as the possibility for fundamentally new designs and strategies. Herein, we review current cell-based and biomolecular (primarily small-molecule and protein-based) methods for detection, extraction, and separations of f-block elements. We discuss how the increasing knowledge regarding the selective recognition, uptake, trafficking, and storage of these elements in biological systems has informed and will continue to promote development of novel approaches to achieve these ends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Mattocks
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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14
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Comparison of Three Approaches for Bioleaching of Rare Earth Elements from Bauxite. MINERALS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/min10080649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 300 million tonnes of bauxite are processed annually, primarily to extract alumina, and can contain moderate rare earth element (REE) concentrations, which are critical to a green energy future. Three bioleaching techniques (organic acid, reductive and oxidative) were tested on three karst bauxites using either Aspergillus sp. (organic acid bioleaching) or Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (reductive and oxidative bioleaching). Recovery was highest in relation to middle REE (generally Nd to Gd), with maximum recovery of individual REE between 26.2% and 62.8%, depending on the bauxite sample. REE recovery occurred at low pH (generally < 3), as a result of organic acids produced by Aspergillus sp. or sulphuric acid present in A. ferrooxidans growth media. Acid production was seen when A. ferrooxidans was present. However, a clear increase in REE recovery in the presence of A. ferrooxidans (compared to the control) was only seen with one bauxite sample (clay-rich) and only under oxidative conditions. The complex and varied nature of REE-bearing minerals in bauxite provides multiple targets for bioleaching, and although the majority of recoverable REE can be leached by organic and inorganic acids, there is potential for enhanced recovery by bioleaching.
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Mowafy AM. Biological leaching of rare earth elements. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 36:61. [PMID: 32285218 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-020-02838-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The distinctive physico-chemical features of rare earth elements (REEs) have led to an increase in demand by the global market due to their multiple uses in industrial, medical and agricultural implementations. However, the scarcity of REEs and the harsh eco-unfriendly leaching processes from primary sources beside obliviousness to their recycling from secondary sources, together with the geopolitical situation, have created the need to develop a more sustainable mining strategy. Therefore, there is a growing interest in bio-hydrometallurgy, which may contribute to the scavenging of these strategic elements from low-grade resources in an environmentally friendly and economically feasible way as with copper and gold. Several prokaryotes and eukaryotes show the ability to leach REEs, however, the success in employing these microorganisms or their products in this process relays on several biotic and abiotic factors. This review focuses on the differences made by microorganisms in REEs leaching and fundamentally explains microbes-REEs interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr M Mowafy
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt.
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Mineralogical and Geochemical Constraints of the REE Accumulation in the Almásfüzitő Red Mud Depository in Northwest Hungary. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9183654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Detailed mineralogical and geochemical study of red mud samples from Hungary suggests geological and geochemical processes that determine the spatial distribution of certain elements inside the red mud pitfalls. The major processes are the following: (1) Heavy mineral grains (anatase, rutile, titanomagnetite, etc.) tend to subside due to gravitational differentiation and at present accumulate in the deepest horizons of the pitfalls. (2) Kaolinite reacts to cancrinite under hyperalkaline conditions. (3) Due to diagenetic processes, goethite-cancrinite aggregates form in situ. (4) Light mineral grains (e.g., cancrinite) move upward. (5) Cancrinite transforms to calcite at the shallowest horizons, due probably to the reaction with atmospheric CO2. All these processes have a significant role in accumulation tendencies of different groups of elements inside the pitfalls. The behaviour of chalcophile elements and the HFSE elements follow common geochemical rules and remind features of the host bauxite or even its precursor igneous or metamorphic lithologies. The REEs and Sc are possibly adsorbed on goethite and in the channels of cancrinite. Based on linear mixing model calculations, the major container of these elements is cancrinite. The proportion of the REEs and Sc in the Ti-phases, carbonates, phosphates, zircon, etc. is subordinate relative to the amount accumulated by goethite and cancrinite.
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