Extraction Of Metals Research Articles

Extracting metal ions from basic oxygen steelmaking dust by using bio-hydrometallurgy

This study aimed to optimise metal extraction from secondary hazardous sources, such as basic oxygen steelmaking dust (BOS-D). Initially, three batch systems approaches, including bioleaching using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, chemical leaching using choline chloride-ethylene glycol (ChCl-EG) and a combined approach were compared. Then, scaling up was evaluated through a semi-continuous bioleaching column system with varied leachate recirculation over 21 days, focusing on Y, Ce, Nd, Li, Co, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Al. Bioleaching outperformed the control experiments within 3 days in the batch, demonstrating the key role of A. ferrooxidans. Chemical leaching conducted with a solid concentration of 12.5 % (w/v) successfully dissolved over 50 % of all metals within 2 h. For rare earth elements (REE), both bioleaching and hybrid leaching outperformed chemical leaching. However, considering factors such as process duration, overall efficiency, and ease of extraction, chemical leaching was the most effective method. Leachate recirculation reached a plateau after 11 days, resulting in extraction efficiency of 39 % when semi-continuous column set-up was used. Interestingly, variations in recirculation rates did not influence the extraction efficiency. Overall, this study emphasizes the considerable potential of bioleaching for metal recovery, but also highlights the need for further studies for enhancing permeability for percolation methods and optimisation, particularly in parameters such as aeration rate, when transitioning to larger scale systems.

Bio-inspired metal extraction: Tailoring peptides for highly selective scandium recovery

Scandium, a pivotal metal with widespread applications, faces challenges in recovery due to its highly dispersed distribution. Biological molecules such as proteins and peptides have shown great potential in the field of metal recovery due to their unparalleled affinity and remarkable selectivity. This research aims to design a scandium-binding peptide by mutating the amino acids and optimizing the structure of the EF-hand peptide derived from lanmodulin, a naturally lanthanides-binding protein. Utilizing computer-aided techniques, three peptides-P1 and its two variants (P2 and P3), were screened and synthesized to characterize their interaction with scandium and other competing metals through circular dichroism (CD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as well as column adsorption experiments. Results showed that the peptide P2 and P3 exhibited higher affinity to scandium than P1, as a result of the more binding sites and the existence of hydrogen bonds in the peptides. Moreover, scandium could induce the significant change in backbone structure of these peptides, and coordinated with carboxyl groups of aspartic acid and glutamic acid. The column adsorption experiments with immobilized peptide P3 on microbeads revealed that a final scandium purity of 96.71 % was achieved and a enrichment coefficient of > 103 was obtained. This study offers a transformative strategy for selective scandium extraction from complex industrial matrices and lays the foundation for future innovations in green extraction technologies.

Micronucleus Assay and Hematological Parameters Study due to Presence of Heavy Metals in Four Different Species of Freshwater Fishes of River Mahanadi Cuttack Odisha

Mahanadi river water is highly polluted. Alkalinity, hardness, pH of water has changed in the last few years. Heavy metals like Pb , Fe, Cu, Mn, K quantity increases which causes hematological and genetic damage to the aquatic ecosystem. Fish are the best biomarkers to find out the threats towards aquatic ecosystem. Water pollution causes hematological damage as well as genetic damage and formation of micronucleus. Water sample analysis occurs by evaporation method for extraction of heavy metals. Fish species like Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Cirrhinus mrigala, Cirrihinus reba collected from the several stations of Cuttack 20.440N 85.880E to 20.460N -85.890E area and for Hematological study blood was collected by puncturing the caudal vein. Micronucleus assays done by use of Giemsa staining method as a result it shows formation of micronucleus and DNA damage which indicate the presence of high level of pollutants in water of River Mahanadi Cuttack Odisha.

Living in a post‐industrial landscape: repeated patterns of genetic divergence in brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) across the British Isles

AbstractAimThe British Isles have been worked for millennia to extract metal ores to feed industrial development, leaving a legacy of mine water pollution that continues to impact freshwater communities in many regions. Brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) have long been observed to persist in these metal‐impacted systems as apex predators, with previous studies showing a small number of impacted populations to be highly genetically divergent. We sought to understand the scale of genetic diversity across regions and the repeatability of genetic divergence in trout populations affected by metal pollution.LocationWe examined four mine water‐impacted regions across the British Isles: west Wales, northeast England, southwest England and southeast Ireland.MethodsWe employed a panel of 95 SNP loci to screen 1236 individuals from 71 sites representing paired metal‐impacted and clean sites from across the four regions. From these, we obtained diversity statistics, assessed genetic structuring of populations and modelled historical demographic scenarios to understand which factors most credibly explain genetic variation in divergent populations.ResultsWe evidenced hierarchical population structure in the regions studied, in line with expectations from phylogeographic history. However, in a hierarchical analysis of genetic structuring the first level of differentiation was driven by the divergence of the metal‐impacted trout of Cornwall in southwest England. Within regions we observed reduced genetic diversity and repeated patterns of local genetic sub‐structuring between paired samples from metal‐impacted and relatively clean sites. Demographic history analyses suggested the timing of these splits to be relatively recent and to be associated with periods of peak mining activity.Main conclusionsOur findings demonstrate distinct patterns of genetic isolation and reduced diversity arising from legacy pollution in freshwater ecosystems, with impacts being most apparent where both chemical pollution and physical barriers are present. Management should focus on the amelioration of mine water wash‐out and the removal of barriers to fish movement to safeguard genetic diversity in impacted populations.

Development of Reagents - Blowing Agents Based on Local Raw Materials and their Research

The development and search for effective reagents and optimal technological conditions is one of the main factors for improving the coal flotation process. Solving these problems increases the technological and economic efficiency of flotation enrichment. The article discusses methods for producing foaming regents based on waste from the distillation process of cottonseed oil - gossypol resin and methods of flotation of various classes of fine coal. The advantages of this foaming agent include the availability of raw materials, which are a product of domestic industry, produced at the enterprises of the Kattakurgan MJK and amino alcohols (mono- , di- and triethanolamine) , sufficient resources and relative low cost. Conducted research to assess the effectiveness, surface activity and foaming ability of the resulting reagents - in foaming agents, according to the proposed technology of the studied technical products, the resulting product belongs to the surface-active reagents and has high flotation activity. The physico-chemical and foam-forming properties, foam stability, destruction kinetics and other properties of flotation reagents - foaming agents SK-1 and SK-2 - have been studied. The results of studies of the influence of foaming reagents in the process of flotation and extraction of precious and non-ferrous metals are presented. The optimal option for the effective composition of composite chemical flotation reagents - foaming agents and their parameters was selected. The results of scientific research conducted at JSC NMMC on the use of analogues of the foaming agents SK-1 and SK-2 are given in comparison with the reagents (Oxal) currently used at the plant. The elemental composition of man-made waste samples using reagents SK-1 and SK-2 was determined.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR PROCESSING TAILINGS OF A COPPER PROCESSING PLANT FOR THE EXTRACTION OF PLATINOIDS

The most important task of the mining and metallurgical industry in the world is the development of technology for the processing of industrial waste from metallurgical industries. In the world, balance ores of precious metals are practically available. This issue develops the processing of man-made waste, refractory ores, off-balance and low-grade dumps. The article considers studies of the material and rational compositions of the tailings of a copper concentrating plant in the conditions of JSC Almalyk MMC, determines the optimal method for tailings enrichment with an increase in the content of precious metals in the concentrate, and enhances an unconventional new scheme for processing platinum group concentrates with the extraction of platinum, palladium, silver and high recovery gold. Based on the learned subjects and analysis of studies results, the authors concluded that the centrifugal concentration of platinoids from the composition of the tailings was achieved due to accurate determinations of the particle size in the tailings with the selection of intense gravity modes. Combined hydrometallurgical methods for purifying platinoids and gold from impurities using combinations of chemical solvents have been developed. As a result, the developed technologies have achieved the possibility of complex extraction of platinum group metals from the tailings of concentrating plants of copper production with high degrees, through extraction of all precious metals.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR PROCESSING TAILINGS OF A COPPER PROCESSING PLANT FOR THE EXTRACTION OF PLATINOIDS

The most important task of the mining and metallurgical industry in the world is the development of technology for the processing of industrial waste from metallurgical industries. In the world, balance ores of precious metals are practically available. This issue develops the processing of man-made waste, refractory ores, off-balance and low-grade dumps. The article considers studies of the material and rational compositions of the tailings of a copper concentrating plant in the conditions of JSC Almalyk MMC, determines the optimal method for tailings enrichment with an increase in the content of precious metals in the concentrate, and enhances an unconventional new scheme for processing platinum group concentrates with the extraction of platinum, palladium, silver and high recovery gold. Based on the learned subjects and analysis of studies results, the authors concluded that the centrifugal concentration of platinoids from the composition of the tailings was achieved due to accurate determinations of the particle size in the tailings with the selection of intense gravity modes. Combined hydrometallurgical methods for purifying platinoids and gold from impurities using combinations of chemical solvents have been developed. As a result, the developed technologies have achieved the possibility of complex extraction of platinum group metals from the tailings of concentrating plants of copper production with high degrees, through extraction of all precious metals.

Assembly of core-shell Fe3O4 @CD-MOFs derived hollow magnetic microcubes for efficient extraction of hazardous substances: Plausible mechanisms for selective adsorption

Hazardous heavy metals and organic substances removal is of great significance for ensuring the safety of aquatic-ecosystem, yet the highly effective and selective extraction always remains challenging. To address this problem, magnetic hollow microcubes were fabricated through thermal carbonization of Fe3O4-COOH@ γ-CD-MOFs, and core-shell structured precursors were in-situ greenly constructed on a large scale via microwave-assisted self-assembly strategy. As noted, the development of secondary crystallization was utilized to achieve uniform dispersion of cores within MOFs frameworks and thus improved magnetic and adsorption ability of composites. Acquired magnetic Fe3O4 @HC not only can harvest excellent extraction of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, and Cu of 129.87, 151.05, and 106.98 mg·g−1) but also exhibit highly selective adsorption ability for cationic organics (separation efficiency higher than 95.0 %). Impressively, Fe3O4 @HC achieved outstanding adsorption (60–80 %) of Cd in realistic mussel cooking broth with no obvious loss in amino acid. Characterizations better offer mechanistic insight into the enhanced selectivity of positively charged pollutants can be attributed to synergistic effect of ions exchange and electrostatic interaction of abundant oxygen-containing functional groups. Our study provides a feasible route by rationally developing core-shell structured composites to promote the practical applications of sustainable water treatment and value-added utilization of processing by-products.

Trace Elements Distribution in the k7 Seam of the Karaganda Coal Basin, Kazakhstan

We investigated the distribution patterns and evaluated the average contents of trace elements in the k7 seam of the Karaganda coal basin in Central Kazakhstan. This paper presents the results of studying the geochemistry of 34 elements in 85 samples of the k7 seam. The study employed a suite of advanced high-resolution analytical methods, including atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP–OES) and mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP–MS), along with their processing and interpretation. It was determined that the concentrations of trace elements in the k7 seam are primarily associated with lithophile elements, revealing high concentrations of Li, V, Sc, Zr, Hf, and Ba. Additionally, increased concentrations of Nb, Ta, Se, Te, Ag, and Th were observed compared to the coal Clarke. Specific Nb(Ta)–Zr(Hf)–Li mineralization accompanied by a group of associated metals (Ba, V, Sc, etc.) was identified. The study revealed lateral and vertical heterogeneity of the rare elements’ distributions in coals, attributed to the formation dynamics of the coal basin. A correlation between Li and Al2O3 with a less positive relationship with K2O suggests the affinity of certain elements (Li, Ta, Nb, and Ba) to kaolinite. Clay layers showed increased radioactivity, with Th—13.2 ppm and U—2.6 ppm, indicating the possible presence of volcanogenic pyroclastic rocks characterized by radioactivity. Taken together, these data reveal the features of the rock composition of the source area, which is considered a mineralization source. According to geochemical data, it was found that the source area mainly consists of igneous felsic rocks, indicating that the formation occurred under conditions of a volcanic arc. This study’s novelty lies in estimating the average trace elements in the k7 seam, with elevated concentrations of certain elements that suggest promising prospects for industrial extraction from coals and coal wastes. These findings offer insights into considering coal as a potential source of raw material for rare metal production, guiding the industrial processing of key elements within coal. The potential extraction of metals from coal deposits, including from dumps, holds significance for industrial and commercial technologies, as processing critical coal elements can reduce disposal costs and mitigate their environmental impact.

Mechanistic deduction of gallium(III) extraction using halogenated secondary amides: Spectroscopic interpretation

Secondary amides act as bifunctional compounds to extract metal anionic species due to the presence of N–H hydrogen and protonated carbonyl oxygen atoms. To exclude the latter function with stronger interaction and less extraction selectivity for metal anionic species, two secondary amide compounds with halogen atoms, namely N-(2-ethylhexyl)-2,2,2-trichloroacetamide as TCAA and N-(2-ethylhexyl)-2,2,2-tribromoacetamide as TBAA, have been synthesised to investigate the efficiency and mechanism of Ga(III) extraction for comparison with N-(2-ethylhexyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (TFAA). The 1H NMR spectroscopy results indicated the absence of proton extraction from the carboxylic oxygen atoms of both halogen-containing amides at sufficiently high concentrations of HCl. The three amides exhibited preferential extraction of Ga(III) compared to other metals in highly acidic media. A slope analysis was conducted to assess the stoichiometry for the extraction of Ga(III). The FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopies were employed to elucidate the extraction mechanism of GaCl4– using TCAA and TBAA. Therefore, the hydrogen atoms of the N–H group of both amides, with extremely weak δ+ nature, exhibited a distinct extractive preference for anionic GaCl4–. Following the forward extraction, Ga(III) was effectively separated from the organic phase through stripping with distilled water. The extraction efficiencies of GaCl4– among the three amides are not followed by the strength of electron-withdrawing nature of halogen atoms, but the strength of intra- or intermolecular interactions of the amides. This argument was substantiated by calculations using density functional theory (DFT).

Effective recovery of Ni and Cu from low-grade nickel sulfide concentrate: Process kinetics and preparation of Ni80Cu20O material

In this work, NaCl was used to synchronously extract metal from a low-grade nickel sulfide concentrate. Optimized process parameters were determined as follows: particle size 80–96 μm, temperature 400 °C, time 100 min, and NaCl dosage 100 %. The transformation mechanism of mineral phase was clarified using the means of XRD, SEM and EDS. The roasting process contained solid–solid and gas–solid reactions, and the valuable metal was effectively extracted by the combined action of sulfation of sodium sulfate and chlorination of chlorine gas. The kinetic study of the roasting process showed that the transformation of metals depends on the diffusion control between solid and solid phases. The reaction activation energies of valuable metal were calculated to be 9.15 kJ/mol for Ni, 11.14 kJ/mol for Cu, and 12.72 kJ/mol for Co. Nickel and copper were recovered from the leaching solution by purification and solvent extraction process to prepare Ni80Cu20O material. The Ni80Cu20O electrode material prepared at calcination temperature of 400 °C has excellent electrochemical performance. A new process of recovering metals from minerals to prepare Ni80Cu20O cathode material was established, which was proved to be a clean and promising technology.

Analysis of effects and factors linked to soil microbial populations and nitrogen cycling under long-term biosolids application

Information about impacts of long-term biosolids application on soil microbial populations and functional groups and N cycling is important for evaluating soil health and agroecosystem sustainability under long-term biosolids application. Mine spoil plots received annual biosolids application from 1973 to 2010 at low (16.8 Mg ha−1 yr−1), medium (33.6 Mg ha−1 yr−1), and high rates (67.2 Mg ha−1 yr−1). A no-biosolids control received chemical fertilizer at the agronomic rate. Soil samples were collected in three seasons per year spanning 2003–2005 for measuring soil moisture, pH, soil organic C (SOC), total and extractable heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn), NO3−, N mineralization potential (NMP), microbial biomass C (MBC), and populations of three N-cycling bacteria (NCB) groups: ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), and denitrifying bacteria (DNB). Soil samples were collected again in 2008 and 2010 for quantifying total and extractable heavy metals, and in 2018 (eight years after biosolids applications ended) for measuring SOC, MBC, NMP, and microbial respiration. During 2003–2005, mean MBC was 315, 554, 794, and 1001 mg kg−1 in the control, low, medium, and high biosolids treatments, respectively. Populations of NCB did not differ among treatments. Biosolids application increased total and extractable metal concentrations but the effect of biosolids rates were much lower on extractable than total concentrations. Soil extractable Cd and Cu concentrations decreased from medium to high applications, likely due to complexing with biosolids organic matter. Partial least squares regression analysis identified a strong positive effect on MBC of SOC and a weak negative effect of Cu, explaining the strong net positive effect of biosolids on MBC. In 2018, the medium and high biosolids treatments maintained higher SOC, MBC, NMP, and microbial respiration than the control. This study provided further evidence that long-term biosolids application has positive effects on soil microbes that persist for years after ending application.

Efficient Metal Extraction from Dilute Solutions: A Review of Novel Selective Separation Methods and Their Applications

Notable increases in metal consumption and declining ore grades in recent decades have stressed the significance of dilute solutions as secondary sources of valuable metals. Moreover, environmental considerations and the imperative of sustainable development have further emphasized their treatment. Therefore, finding an efficient solution for separating metals from dilute solutions has attracted the attention of numerous researchers. This paper reviews the purification processes of dilute solutions and highlights key achievements of published research works. Although this study focuses on evaluating the efficiency of recently developed aqueous-phase purification methods, such as immobilized ligands, ionic liquids, and air-assisted solvent extraction, the application of conventional processes to treat these solutions, such as solvent extraction, ion exchange, membranes, chemical precipitation, and adsorption are also briefly outlined. To provide a comprehensive assessment, more than 200 research articles were reviewed, and their key findings are stated in this study. This research contributes to the advancement of knowledge of metal recovery from dilute solutions and sheds light on the dynamic evolution of this field.

A tandem approach for precipitant-free highly selective recovery of valuable metals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries using a green deep eutectic solvent

Recently, recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) waste and the efficient recovery of valuable metals has become crucial for the circular economy. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have shown immense potential for metal extraction from end-of-life (EoL) LIBs. However, a complicated subsequent separation process is required due to the non-selectivity of the DES components for metal. Herein, we propose a tandem precipitant-free hydrometallurgical process for the selective recovery of Li and other valuable metals (Ni, Co, Mn) from EoL LIBs using a green DES. The process parameters, viz., reaction temperature (T), time (t), pulp density (S/L), and molar ratio (MR) of ethylene glycol to tartaric acid, were optimized via the statistical optimization technique of response surface methodology. The results revealed maximum extraction efficiencies of 99.2 ± 0.5%, 96.1 ± 1.4%, 95.2 ± 1.2%, and 97.8 ± 1.5% for Li, Ni, Co, and Mn, respectively, under the optimized process conditions of T = 118 °C, t = 17 min, S/L = 42 g/L, and MR = 3:1. The kinetic study showed that interfacial reaction governed the extraction process. A plausible mechanism depicting the role of DES constituents in synergistically facilitating the extraction reaction was elucidated. Moreover, Li and other metals (Ni, Co, and Mn) were selectively separated and recovered with an overall efficiency of ∼99%. The reusability of the recovered metal products and the DES were also assessed for a closed-loop recycling process. At the outset, the proposed process paves the way for a greener alternative for recycling valuable metals from EoL LIBs rather than conventional acid-based leaching processes.

Comprehensive extraction study using N,N-dioctylthiodiglycolamic acid: effect of S donor on metal extraction.

Extraction ability of N,N-dioctylthiodiglycolamic acid (T-DODGAA), a soft-base sulfur donor ligand with an amide group and a carboxylic acid connected by a thioether chain, for 56 metal ions have been comprehensively investigated and compared with that of N,N-dioctyldiglycolamic acid (DODGAA) with an etheric oxygen atom, a hard-base donor. The acid dissociation constant (pKa) of the thiodiglycolamic acid framework was determined to be 3.71 ± 0.06 in water (0.1M LiCl, 25°C) by potentiometric titration, indicating that T-DODGAA is a slightly weaker acid than DODGAA (pKa = 3.54 ± 0.03). T-DODGAA can quantitatively extract various metal ions from the 56 metal ions into the organic phase (isooctane) through a proton-exchange reaction. T-DODGAA provided higher extraction performance than DODGAA for Hf(IV), Cr(III), Fe(III), Ni(II), Cu(II), Pd(II), Ag(I), Au(III), Hg(II), Al(III), and Ga(III), especially for soft metal ions. Furthermore, to demonstrate the practical feasibility of T-DODGAA for hydrometallurgy and metal recycling, we performed selective separation tests of rare metal ions such as Sc(III), Ni(II), Co(II), Pd(II), Au(III), In(III), and Ga(III) in metal-mixed extraction systems.

Leaching of NMC industrial black mass in the presence of LFP

This study focuses on the effect of an emerging source of waste, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode materials, on the hydrometallurgical recycling of the currently dominant industrial battery waste that is rich in transition metals (Ni, Co, Mn, and Li). The effects of the dosage of LFP, initial acidity, and timing of LFP reductant addition were investigated in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) leaching (t = 3 h, T = 60 °C, ω = 300 rpm). The results showed that addition of LFP increased both transition metal extraction and acid consumption. Further, the redox potential was lowered due to the increased presence of Fe2+. An initial acidity of 2.0 mol/L H2SO4 with acid consumption of 1.3 kg H2SO4/kg black mass provided optimal conditions for achieving a high leaching yield (Co = 100%, Ni = 87.6%, Mn = 91.1%, Li = 100%) and creating process solutions (Co 8.8 g/L, Ni 13.8 g/L, Li 6.7 g/L, Mn 7.6 g/L, P 12.1 g/L) favorable for subsequent hydrometallurgical processing. Additionally, the overall efficiency of H2O2 decreased due to its decomposition by high concentrations of Fe2+ and Mn2+ when H2O2 was added after t = 2 h, leading to only a minor increase in final battery metals extraction levels.

Thermogravimetry as a research tool for the development of an ammonium sulphate roasting process for selective metal extraction from minerals

AbstractThe ammonium sulphate roasting process involves reacting mineral-bearing materials with ammonium sulphate via a solid–solid roasting process and subjecting the resulting roast residue to aqueous leaching. This process enables the simultaneous, non-selective co-extraction of strategic metals from the starting materials. However, effective separation of the extracted metals is often mandatory to produce quality products of high purity. In this study, the combined application of thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray powder diffraction and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry confirmed the non-selectivity of the process when applied to a South African diamond mine residue residue roasted with ammonium sulphate in a 1:2 mass ratio (m/m) at 450 °C for 2 h, with magnesium, iron and aluminium being co-extracted into water-soluble metal sulphates. Thermogravimetry was then applied to develop a multi-step, multi-temperature selective roasting process using mixtures of pure commercial metal sulphate salts. The first step of the modified process successfully separated iron and aluminium sulphates from magnesium-sulphates in the roast residues by thermally decomposing soluble iron and aluminium sulphates into insoluble oxides via calcination at 750 °C for 2 h. This temperature was lower than the one at which magnesium sulphates convert into magnesium oxide. In the second and final step, iron and aluminium were recovered from the oxide minerals via solid–solid re-roasting with ammonium sulphate at 450 °C for 1 h, causing the oxides to revert back to their water-soluble sulphate forms. The effectiveness of the modified process was subsequently verified using a diamond mine residue, showing that the soluble iron and aluminium contents in the magnesium-bearing leachate could be reduced by over 90%.

Unveiling the chemical profile, synergistic antibacterial and hemolytic effects of Cymbopogon citratus and Tachyspermum ammi leaves

Current study was performed to investigate the antioxidant, synergistic antibacterial and hemolytic potential of aqueous (AC & AT) and ethanolic (EC & ET) extracts of Cymbopogon citratus and Trachyspermum ammi leaves. The investigated extracts were characterized by FT-IR, HPLC, GCMS and ICP analyses. FT-IR data verified the existence of N–H, O–H, C–O, C=O, S=O, C–N, C=N, C–H(aromatic), Si–C and Si–O moieties in extracts. The highest values of TPC (97.09 mg/100g GAE) and TFC (75.76 mg/100gCE) were shown by the ethanolic extract of T. ammi whereas the aqueous extract of C. citratus showed the lowest quantities of TPC (4.07 mg/100g GAE) and TFC (2.43 mg/100g CE). GC-MS analysis showed the existence of 45, 30, 24 and 8 compounds in AC, EC, ET and AT extracts, respectively. The highest concentrations in AC, EC, ET and AT were observed for 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid (11.99%), lupeol (23.26%), phytol (15.53%) and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (58.49%). ICP analysis determined the concentration of 26 metals in extracts. AC possessed the highest concentrations of Na, Ca, Mg and K and may find uses as a nutritional/medicinal supplement of these metals. The ethanolic extract of each plant was richer in antioxidant contents; the ethanolic extract of T. ammi being the richest with 69.07% radical scavenging activity relative to BHT (83.54%). Mixtures of plant extracts exhibited higher biofilm inhibitions than their ingredients or ciprofloxacin against S. aureus and E. coli. Hemolytic activities of all the investigated leaf extracts were found in the safe range.

Ingenious approach for retrieving valuable metals from gypsum via dehydration–rehydration two-step phase transition

Retrieving valuable metals (VMs) from industrial waste is an attractive approach to reduce the continuous consumption of metallic resources and prevent the environmental contamination by heavy metals. However, metal extraction efficiencies are extremely low due to their entrapment in crystal lattices. Herein, a universal strategy for extracting VMs from gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O), a common industrial waste, was reported using a two-step phase transition of dehydration–rehydration; metal extraction was achieved by designing an appropriate phase transition route and controlling the phase transformation kinetics. As the phase transition route to CaSO4·0.5H2O (path-0.5) proceeded faster than that to CaSO4 (path-0), higher extraction efficiencies were realized for Cr (99.9%) and Cd (98.8%) from gypsum. Mechanistic investigations indicated that during the selected path-0.5 dehydration, water molecule loss from gypsum initiated a direct solid-state transformation, triggering the first rearrangement of local atoms and excluding partially incorporated metals from the CaSO4·0.5H2O lattice. The subsequent rehydration from CaSO4·0.5H2O to CaSO4·2H2O, with a phase transition rate faster than that of path-0, triggered the secondary atom rearrangement. The synergism between the two atomic rearrangements finally led to the complete release of trapped metals. Additionally, this strategy was used for retrieving other metals (e.g., Pb, Zn, Hg, As, and Sr) from gypsum, thereby potentially offering a new approach for designing an appropriate phase transition route for extracting VMs from other hydrous minerals.

Biochar – a sustainable soil conditioner for improving soil health, crop production and environment under changing climate: a review

Land degradation and climate change, two intricately intertwined phenomena, demand appropriate management solutions to effectively tackle the escalating issues of food and nutritional security. In this context, the realm of agriculture confronts formidable challenges in its pursuit of soil resource reclamation, improving water quality, mitigating climate change, and maintaining soil and natural resources for posterity. Central to these aspirations is the preservation of an optimum organic matter, serving as a linchpin threshold is crucial for protecting the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the soil, while simultaneously sustaining agricultural productivity. To address these multifaceted challenges, the introduction of diverse organic amendments has emerged as a crucial strategy. Noteworthy among these is the application of biochar, which functions as a soil conditioner capable of bolstering soil health, mitigating the impact of climate change, and securing global food security. Biochar is a carbon-enriched substance produced through pyrolysis of assorted biomass waste. It has a larger surface area, higher cation exchange capacity, and an extended carbon storage capability. The strategic integration of biochar production and subsequent soil application engenders an array of benefits, encompassing the amelioration of soil physical properties, augmented retention and the availability of nutrients, and the enhancement of biological activity, resulting in higher agricultural yields and societal benefits through the curtailment of soil to atmosphere greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, biochar demonstrates its efficacy in the realm of environmental restoration by serving as a medium for extraction and elimination of heavy metals, which often pervade aquatic ecosystems and soil matrices. This review addressed the need for biochar production, characterization, soil health, the possibility for environmental restoration, and crop yield fluctuations owing to climate change.