Application Potentials of Geobiotechnology in Mining, Mineral Processing, and Metal Recycling

This chapter highlights the huge and manifold possibilities of reactions which result from the interactions between microorganisms and the geosphere and which are used for mining, mineral processing, and metal recycling. Besides the introduction (Sect. 1) the contribution is divided into five different sections describing the mobilization (Sect. 2) and immobilization (Sect. 3) of valuable substances, the processes of biosorption and bioaccumulation (Sect. 4), as well as transformation of metals into metal organic compounds (Sect. 5). A special topic (Sect. 6) addresses the application of CO2 as an important component for the formation of energy-rich compounds and chemicals. Each section starts with an overview of the relevant reactions and an explanation of the reaction condition. Afterward information about applications and different technological processes as well as sustainability aspects are provided. [GRAPHICS] .