Green Chemistry on the Ores Leaching Processes Using Organic Acids: A Qualitative Pedagogical Content Analysis Study

Abstract

Ores leaching projects aimed to recover toxic and valuable metals from industrial residues. Organic acids like acetic acid and methanesulfonic acid were chosen as leaching agents because they have high selectivity on low concentrations of metals and low toxicity. This study aimed to obtain scientists’ conceptions of ores leaching using organic acids presented in concept maps and Teaching Learning Sequence (TLS). The method used in this study was qualitative content analysis consisting of literature collection, descriptive analysis, category selection, and material evaluation from textbooks, review articles and research articles. The result of this study was in the form of a concept map, and TLS illustrate five sequences of learning materials consisting of mineral products in Indonesia, valorization of industrial process residue with green chemistry-oriented, industrial process residue treatment steps, organic acid properties, and examples of the ores leaching process. The leaching process of ores using organic acids in learning is contextual learning that integrates the concepts of acids and bases, redox reactions, and the principles of solubility learned by high school students. This process also applies the principles of green chemistry, preventing waste in the process and using safe solvents. The results of the concept map and Teaching Learning Sequence (TLS) showed the application of green chemistry in learning, which is expected to be used as a design for teaching materials and didactic designs that can support education for sustainable development. Keywords: Green Chemistry, Organic Acids, Pedagogical Content Analysis