Green Gold: Using Bacteria to Extract Valuable Metals from E-Waste

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of electronic devices has led to a substantial increase in electronic waste (e- waste), which contains valuable metals and hazardous substances. Traditional recycling methods, reliant on chemical processes, are often inefficient and environmentally damaging. This study investigates bioleaching, a process that employs bacteria to extract metals from e-waste, as a more sustainable alternative. By utilizing bacteria such as Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, bioleaching promises to recover valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper while minimizing environmental harm. The research focuses on optimizing bacterial strains and environmental conditions to enhance metal recovery rates and reduce processing times. A comparative analysis with traditional recycling methods highlights bioleaching’s potential benefits and challenges. The study also examines the feasibility of scaling bioleaching for industrial applications and assesses its overall environmental impact. Findings suggest that bioleaching could offer an eco-friendly solution to e-waste management, contributing to more sustainable recycling practices and resource conservation.