Article
Microbiology
Bence Farkas, Marek Bujdos, Filip Polak, Michaela Matulova, Martin Cesnek, Eva Duborska, Ondrej Zverina, Hyunjung Kim, Martin Danko, Zuzana Kisova, Peter Matus, Martin Urik
Summary: This study found that the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger effectively disintegrated the crystal structure of selected mineral manganese phases and extracted manganese into the culture medium, sometimes transforming it into a new biogenic mineral. The Mn(II,III)-oxide was the most susceptible to fungal biodeterioration, with up to 26% of manganese content extracted into the medium. Variabilities in biogenic oxalate and gluconate accumulation in the medium may be related to fungal sensitivity to manganese.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sahar Keshavarz, Fariborz Faraji, Fereshteh Rashchi, Mohammad Mokmeli
Summary: Bioleaching was used to efficiently extract manganese from low-grade ores, with a maximum recovery rate of over 80%. The optimal conditions were determined to be a two-step approach, in a glucose medium, with a pulp density of 1 g.L-1. Kinetic studies revealed a mixed leaching mechanism involving diffusion and chemical reactions.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Mahsa Fakharpour, Jalal Hajihoseini
Summary: This study aimed to remove iron from kaolin using a biological method by two different species of Bacillus sp. and the combination of A. niger isolated from pistachio skin & Bacillus subtilis. The results showed that Bacillus subtilis treatment at 30 degrees C achieved better performance in iron removal compared to treatment at 25 degrees C. The combination treatment of A. niger & Bacillus subtilis at 27 degrees C for 14 days resulted in a significant decrease in iron content and improved whiteness in kaolin powder.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shuai Zhao, Bo -Wen Zheng, Yu-Cang Wang, Fei He, Li-Juan Wang, Xiong Lin, Xue-Mei Luo, Jia-Xun Feng
Summary: This work successfully isolated, screened, and characterized a novel fungal strain with high Mn-bioleaching efficiency from electrolytic manganese (Mn) residue (EMR), and studied its kinetics and mechanism. The strain selectively bioleached Mn from EMR, achieving a maximum Mn2+ recovery of 93.3% after 7 days. The bioleaching efficiency was primarily dependent on acidolysis of bio-organic acids and mycelial biosorption, and the fungus was induced to produce gluconic acid and oxalic acid by EMR.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Victor Manuel Lopez-Lorca, Maria Jesus Molina-Luzon, Nuria Ferrol
Summary: Transporters of the NRAMP family play a key role in metal homeostasis, and the NRAMP family members of Rhizophagus irregularis are involved in the transport and sensing of Mn and Fe. They are sensitive to external metal concentrations and can affect hyphal development under Mn and Fe-deficient conditions.
Article
Microbiology
Wenqing Mao, Juan Mei, Huan He, Cheng Liu, Xiuxiang Tao, Zaixing Huang
Summary: This study focuses on the use of Aspergillus flavus(M-3) to bioleach mercury from coal, providing an alternative and environmentally friendly method for its clean utilization. The findings showed that the M-3 fungus exhibited a significant capacity for coal bioliquefaction and mercury leaching from LYS coal. The study highlights the efficacy of bioliquefying coal using Aspergillus flavus (M-3) as a method for clean coal utilization while simultaneously bioleaching mercury.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Trung Hau Nguyen, Sangmin Won, Myung-Gyu Ha, Dinh Duc Nguyen, Ho Young Kang
Summary: The industrial evolution has led to the release of a large amount of toxic metals and metalloids into the environment, posing risks to both ecological systems and human health. Bioleaching is a preferable, cost-effective and environmentally safe option for removing these toxic substances.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Neha Sharma, Timothy C. Eisele
Summary: Bioleaching has shown potential for efficient manganese extraction, with the use of mixed bacterial strains collected from natural anaerobic environments. The study demonstrated high concentrations of dissolved manganese without the addition of mineral acids.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nahyeon Lee, Seung-Hee Hong, Chang-Gu Lee, Seong-Jik Park, Jechan Lee
Summary: Pyrolysis of cattle manure was used to synthesize biochar for removing heavy metals like selenium from water. Iron-impregnated cattle manure biochar showed superior adsorption capacity for selenate compared to other adsorbents. The adsorption process was influenced by factors such as temperature, pH, and co-existing anions.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tannaz Naseri, Fatemeh Pourhossein, Seyyed Mohammad Mousavi, Anna H. Kaksonen, Kerstin Kuchta
Summary: This paper discusses the bioleaching methods for extracting manganese from spent batteries, aiming at environmentally friendly and economically feasible practices, with lower operating costs and energy consumption, and reduced generation of hazardous by-products.
REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND BIO-TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
A. R. Possinger, K. A. Heckman, M. M. Bowman, A. C. Gallo, J. A. Hatten, L. M. Matosziuk, L. E. Nave, M. D. SanClements, C. W. Swanston, T. L. Weiglein, B. D. Strahm
Summary: This study explores the role of manganese (Mn) in soil biogeochemical cycles and its relationship with soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration. The findings suggest that Mn can influence SOC cycling independently of moisture-driven properties and that its effects vary based on depth, soil, and other factors.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jesus Ivan Salinas, Diola Marina Nunez-Ramirez, Octavio Manero, Fernando Bautista, Luis Medina-Torres
Summary: This study models and describes the bioleaching process in the silver-manganese (Ag-Mn) system, revealing its main stages and basic issues. The results show that bacteria dissolve manganese and form biofilms in two stages to dissolve and precipitate silver and manganese. The maximum concentration of extracellular polysaccharides and the viscosity of the pulp are positively correlated.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ying Lv, Jia Li, Xingyu Liu, Bowei Chen, Mingjiang Zhang, Zhenxing Chen, Tian C. Zhang
Summary: A strain with superior silicon-activating ability, Ochrobactrum sp. T-07-B, was isolated and identified from EMR in this study. It showed significantly higher silicon leaching efficiency compared to commercially available pure culture strains. The newly isolated strains have the potential to be used for more efficient silicon activation in silicate minerals.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaojian Liao, Maoyou Ye, Jialin Liang, Zhijie Guan, Shoupeng Li, Yanghong Deng, Qiaowei Gan, Zihang Liu, Xiaodi Fang, Shuiyu Sun
Summary: This study developed a mixed culture to improve the efficiency of metal recovery from spent LiCoO2 batteries. By using Fe2+ as a reductant in the presence of the mixed culture, cobalt and lithium could be leached efficiently, overcoming the issue of low leaching efficiency. Mechanism analysis revealed that the release of electrons by Fe2+ reduced refractory Co(III) to soluble Co(II), enabling effective metal extraction.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hong-Rui Chen, Duo-Rui Zhang, Xiao-Juan Zhao, Qian Li, Yu-Ting Liang, Eva Pakostova, Yan Zhang, Yong-Bin Yang
Summary: This study aims to investigate the mechanisms by which Fe2+/Fe3+ and major medium components affect arsenopyrite bioleaching. The results show that the costs of arsenopyrite bio-processing can be reduced when the amended BSM or dilute H2SO4 are used.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sadia Ilyas, Rajiv Ranjan Srivastava, Hyunjung Kim
Summary: A cradle-to-cradle recycling process for post-consumer NMC batteries was demonstrated, achieving a focused separation of cobalt over nickel using an ionic liquid. The optimized conditions resulted in over 99% cobalt extraction in the organic phase with a separation factor of 1097. The extracted cobalt was stripped and crystallized to obtain high-purity CoCl2•xH2O crystals. Similarly, around 99% nickel was extracted from the Co-depleted solution using acetophenone, and the stripped nickel was crystallized to yield high-purity NiSO4•6H2O crystals. The recycled products were further used to synthesize a new ternary precursor, showing similar electrochemical behavior and compatibility with precursors made from virgin materials. The overall recycling process was determined to be suitable for sustainable development with a sustainable process index value of 0.0006 cap.t-1.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Allan Gomez-Flores, Scott A. Bradford, Li Cai, Martin Urik, Hyunjung Kim
Summary: In this study, a comprehensive Alpha database was built from experimental data and a machine learning model was developed to predict Alpha. The accuracy of the model was verified through training and validation. The model also evaluated the significance of 22 input variables.
Review
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Rajiv Ranjan Srivastava, Dilip Kumar Rajak, Sadia Ilyas, Hyunjung Kim, Pankaj Pathak
Summary: The incessant generation and mismanagement of industrial waste, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation have led to the unsustainability of human life. Industrial waste, regardless of its hazardous nature, is often open dumped, resulting in adverse environmental and health impacts. However, this waste can be recycled and help alleviate resource scarcity.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bence Farkas, Hana Vojtkova, Zuzana Farkas, Domenico Pangallo, Peter Kasak, Antonio Lupini, Hyunjung Kim, Martin Urik, Peter Matus
Summary: Manganese oxides are crucial in natural geochemical barriers, as they have reactive properties towards essential and potentially toxic trace elements. Microorganisms can actively alter conditions in their microenvironment and dissolve minerals, as well as precipitate bioavailable manganese ions into biogenic minerals. These microbial transformations significantly impact the geochemistry of manganese and elements associated with its oxides, potentially leading to environmental consequences.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Peter Matus, Pavol Littera, Bence Farkas, Martin Urik
Summary: The use of pesticides in agriculture has raised concerns about their toxic effects in the environment, making their application in crop production challenging. This review focuses on the performance of filamentous fungi, specifically Aspergillus and Penicillium strains, in biodegrading organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides. These fungi have demonstrated high rates of degradation and tolerance to pesticides, making them excellent candidates for remediating pesticide-contaminated soils.
Article
Plant Sciences
David Ernst, Marek Kolencik, Martin Sebesta, Luba Durisova, Hana Duranova, Samuel Ksinan, Ramakanth Illa, Ivo Safarik, Ivan Cerny, Gabriela Kratosova, Veronika Zitniak Curna, Jana Ivanic Porhajasova, Maria Babosova, Huan Feng, Edmund Dobrocka, Marek Bujdos, Kristyna Zelena Pospiskova, Shadma Afzal, Nand K. K. Singh, Sasikumar Swamiappan, Elena Aydin
Summary: Gold nanoparticles and zinc oxide nanoparticles enhance sunflower physiology and yield, while iron oxide nanoparticles have insignificant effects. Further research is needed to understand the long-term environmental and agricultural sustainability of nanoparticle applications.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Sadia Ilyas, Rajiv Ranjan Srivastava, Suhyeon Jin, Hyunjung Kim
Summary: In this study, the complete separation of copper over nickel from an ammoniacal leach liquor of nickel laterite ore was achieved using a combination of phenolic oxime (LIX 84-IC) and tributyl phosphate (TBP). The antagonistic effect of TBP was confirmed by the distribution coefficients and negative increment D values. The highest separation was obtained at a molar ratio of LIX 84-IC:TBP = 0.4:0.6 and an organic-to-aqueous phase ratio of 1, with a separation factor (beta(Cu/Ni)) of >1329.
GEOSYSTEM ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Allan Gomez-Flores, Scott A. Bradford, Gilsang Hong, Hyunjung Kim
Summary: The aggregation attachment efficiency (alpha) is the fraction of particle-particle collisions resulting in aggregation. Despite significant research, alpha predictions have not accounted for the full complexity of systems due to constraints imposed by particle types, dispersed matter, water chemistry, quantification methods, and modeling. Experimental alpha values are often case-specific, and simplified systems are used to rule out complexity. Building a comprehensive alpha database can enable the development of more accurate empirical models for prediction.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martin Sebesta, Hana Vojtkova, Veronika Cyprichova, Avinash P. Ingle, Martin Urik, Marek Kolencik
Summary: Fungi are a diverse source of biomolecules that can be used for biotechnological processes. Ascomycetes and basidiomycetes are commonly used to synthesize metal-containing nanoparticles with advantages such as non-toxicity, energy efficiency, and control over NP properties. This review summarizes the synthesis of different metal-based NPs by fungi-derived media and explores their practical applications in various fields. Future research should focus on understanding the mechanisms of NP formation and scaling up production for large-scale application.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michaela Matulova, Eva Duborska, Peter Matus, Martin Urik
Summary: Selenium is highly toxic in excess for both animals and humans. Its mobility in the natural oxic environment is generally not an issue due to adsorption with ferric minerals. However, the removal and immobilization of the long-lived radioactive isotope Se-79 from contaminated anoxic waters is currently a significant concern.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Hana Horvathova, Katarina Schwarzkopfova, Hana Vojtkova, Eubomir Jurkovic, Tomas Farago, Katerina Boturova, Edgar Hiller, Martin Urik, Martina Vitkova
Summary: Bioremediation of soils contaminated with co-existing As and Sb through bioleaching is an attractive research area. The results showed that bioleaching with biostimulation and bioaugmentation effectively removed these hazardous metals from the heavily co-contaminated soils at a former mining site.
