GCSE Chemistry 1-9: What are Bioleaching and Phytoextraction?

4.8 Evaluate alternative biological methods of metal extraction (bacterial and phytoextraction)

[lavsh]

Review Question ; It is much more beneficial to use phytoextraction & bioleaching instead of electrolysis due to electrolysis being expensive as a large current/energy is needed for electrolysis, whereas bioleaching is much cheaper and less energy is wasted - though bioleaching and pytoextraction are slower. Advantages of bioleaching are : it conserves high grade ores and doesn’t damage the soil. However bioleaching can lead to toxic chemicals like sulphuric acid being released & it is a very slow process, in comparison to electrolysis etc. Advantages of phytoextraction : it reduces soil contamination as the plant absorbs the metal compounds, which then be acquired through burning the plant in a furnace and using a displacement metal to attain the desired metal. However it is too a very slow process & can sometimes cost MORE than electrolysis, therefore being a less efficient process at times.

[Txmzz]

just watched this vid and found out your channel just wanted to say to keep up the good work!!

[anee]

Why is bioleaching and phytoextraction very slow ?

[fahri]

Very slow, usually takes how long for the plant can be harvested?