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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
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Published on: December 30, 2021
One-Step Lithium Bioleaching from a Mineral Concentrate: Comparison Between Consortium and Isolated Native Strains.
María Guadalupe Quezada-Aldaco1, Gloria Abigail Martinez-Rodriguez1, Juan Antonio Rojas-Contreras1
1Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Bioquímica, TecNM/Instituto Tecnológico de Durango, Blvd. Felipe Pescador 1830 Ote., Durango 34080, Mexico.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 15, 2026
Summary
This study explores a one-step bioleaching method for lithium recovery from mineral concentrates. Native microbial consortia achieved high lithium solubilization, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional extraction.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Growing global energy demands necessitate increased lithium production for batteries and electric vehicles.
- Conventional lithium extraction methods pose significant environmental challenges.
- Developing sustainable and eco-friendly lithium recovery techniques is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a one-step bioleaching approach for efficient lithium recovery from mineral concentrates.
- To investigate the performance of native microbial consortia and isolated bacterial strains in lithium bioleaching.
- To optimize bioleaching conditions for maximizing lithium solubilization.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of native bacterial strains from mineral concentrates.
- Bioleaching experiments utilizing a Box-Behnken experimental design.
- Assessment of lithium solubilization, cell density, and mineral phase changes under varying conditions (agitation, pulp concentration, pH).
Main Results:
- Optimal lithium solubilization (99%) achieved at non-agitated conditions, 30% pulp concentration, and pH 6.
- Native microbial consortium (94.5%) and biotic control (96.3%) showed superior lithium solubilization compared to individual strains (91.73%-93.27%).
- X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed mineral phase alterations post-bioleaching, indicating successful lithium recovery.
Conclusions:
- The one-step bioleaching process using native microbial consortia is a promising, environmentally friendly alternative for lithium extraction.
- Bioleaching offers a sustainable solution to meet the increasing demand for lithium.
- Further research can optimize this method for industrial-scale lithium recovery.
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