Guanzhou Qiu

Biohydrometallurgy of Rare Earth Ores offers an in-depth exploration of innovative bioleaching techniques for the extraction of rare earth elements, critical for various high-tech applications. The book begins with foundational concepts in bioleaching, explaining how microorganisms and their metabolites can facilitate the extraction of REEs from ores. It examines different biological approaches, including the use of native and genetically improved microorganisms, and highlights the role of coordination chemistry in enhancing leaching processes. The text further discusses comparative analyses of chemical versus bioleaching methods, emphasizing the advantages of biological techniques in terms of efficiency and environmental sustainability. It details the recovery processes of REEs from bioleaching solutions, exploring various methods such as inorganic and organic precipitation, biosorption, and the utilization of waste-derived metabolites. Additionally, the book addresses the environmental impacts of bioleaching practices, providing a holistic view of the sustainability of these methods. By integrating cutting-edge research and practical applications, this book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and industry professionals interested in the sustainable extraction of rare earth elements. Ultimately, it highlights the potential of biohydrometallurgy to contribute to the responsible management of natural resources and the advancement of green technologies.

Bioleaching of chalcopyrite is always a challenge and research hotspot. The low copper extraction and dissolution kinetics restricted the industrial application of chalcopyrite bioleaching. To solve this problem, the dissolution process and passivation mechanism of chalcopyrite in bioleaching should be first studied, then the rate-limiting steps should be analysed explicitly, and finally the intensifying method can be put forward. Many scholars have made efforts to investigate the dissolution mechanism of chalcopyrite in bioleaching. However, there is no congruence of opinion as yet. Biohydrometallurgy of Chalcopyrite summarizes and discusses the reported research findings. In addition, this book publishes the related results found by the authors’ research. Then, the dissolution mechanism of chalcopyrite in bioleaching is interpreted. Finally, the process intensification techniques of chalcopyrite bioleaching are provided and discussed. Hence, this book provides useful reference and guidance in both laboratory research and industrial production.