Phytomining of rare earth elements - A review
Truong Dinh1, Zsolt Dobo1, Helga Kovacs1
1Institute of Energy and Quality, University of Miskolc, 3515, Miskolc, Hungary.
Chemosphere
|March 10, 2022
Summary
Phytomining offers an eco-friendly method to recover rare earth elements (REEs) from contaminated soils. This technique uses plants for phytoextraction, enrichment, and extraction, making low-grade mineral recovery viable.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Rising demand for rare earth elements (REEs) fuels mining, increasing environmental contamination.
- Contaminated habitats offer opportunities for REE recovery from low-grade minerals.
- Traditional mining is not competitive for low-grade REE sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concept of rare earth element (REE) phytomining.
- To present REE phytomining from three scientific perspectives.
- To highlight an ecologically sound technique for REE extraction.
Main Methods:
- Phytoextraction: Accumulation of rare earth metals in plants.
- Enrichment: Elevating REE concentrations into bio-ores.
- Extraction: Final step for REE reclamation from brownfield land.
Main Results:
- Phytomining is a viable ecological technique for REE recovery.
- The process involves phytoextraction, enrichment, and extraction.
- Successful REE reclamation from contaminated soils is achievable.
Conclusions:
- Phytomining presents a sustainable approach to REE extraction.
- This method addresses environmental concerns associated with REE mining.
- It offers economic viability for recovering REEs from low-grade sources.
