A Critical Review on the Recovery of Base and Critical Elements from Electronic Waste-Contaminated Streams Using...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Electronic waste (E-waste) generation is a rapidly increasing global environmental concern.
• Improper disposal of E-waste leads to hazardous effects on ecosystems and living organisms.
• Current recycling techniques for E-waste are insufficient to handle the vast quantities produced.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the global E-waste scenario, including its generation, composition, and hazardous components.
• To explore the potential of bioleaching as an eco-friendly and efficient method for recovering valuable elements from E-waste.
• To summarize the mechanisms, microorganisms, and commercial applications of bioleaching in E-waste recycling.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of worldwide E-waste generation and composition.
• Analysis of bioleaching as a green technology for metal recovery from electronic scrap.
• Investigation of microbial biodiversity and metabolic pathways relevant to bioleaching.
• Summary of commercial bioleaching operations and future prospects.

Main Results:

• Bioleaching is identified as the most environmentally friendly process for metal recycling from spent electronics.
• This technique offers economic advantages, costing approximately 7 USD per kg for effective E-waste reuse compared to other methods.
• Understanding microbial biodiversity and metabolic pathways is crucial for optimizing metal extraction from E-waste.

Conclusions:

• Bioleaching presents a viable, green, and cost-effective solution for managing the escalating problem of electronic waste.
• Effective recycling of critical elements from E-waste reduces the need for primary resource mining and mitigates pollution.
• Further research into bioleaching microorganisms and processes can enhance metal recovery efficiency and promote a circular economy.