Bio-processing of solid wastes and secondary resources for metal extraction – A review

Metal containing wastes/byproducts of various industries, used consumer goods, and municipal waste are potential pollutants, if not treated properly. They may also be important secondary resources if processed in eco-friendly manner for secured supply of contained metals/materials. Bio-extraction of metals from such resources with microbes such as bacteria, fungi and archaea is being increasingly explored to meet the twin objectives of resource recycling and pollution mitigation. This review focuses on the bio-processing of solid wastes/byproducts of metallurgical and manufacturing industries, chemical/petrochemical plants, electroplating and tanning units, besides sewage sludge and fly ash of municipal incinerators, electronic wastes (e-wastes/PCBs), used batteries, etc. An assessment has been made to quantify the wastes generated and its compositions, microbes used, metal leaching efficiency etc. Processing of certain effluents and wastewaters comprising of metals is also included in brief. Future directions of research are highlighted.

► Review focuses on bio-extraction of metals from solid wastes of industries and consumer goods.
► Bio-processing of certain effluents/wastewaters with metals is also included in brief.
► Quantity/composition of wastes are assessed, and microbes used and leaching conditions included.
► Bio-recovery using bacteria, fungi and archaea is highlighted for resource recycling.
► Process methodology/mechanism, R&D direction & scope of large scale use are briefly included.