Bioleaching of spent Zn-Mn or Ni-Cd batteries by Aspergillus species

Min Ji Kim, Ja Yeon Seo, Yong Seok Choi, Gyu Hyeok Kim

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    116 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This research explores the recovery of metals from spent Zn-Mn or Ni-Cd batteries by a bioleaching using six Aspergillus species. Two different nutrients, malt extract and sucrose, were used to produce different types of organic acids. Oxalic acid and citric acid were shown to be the dominant organic acid in malt extract and sucrose media, respectively. In the bioleaching, the metal removal was higher in sucrose media than malt extract. All species, except A. niger KUC5254, showed more than 90% removal of metals from Zn-Mn battery. For Ni-Cd battery, more than 95% of metals was extracted by A. niger KUC5254 and A. tubingensis KUC5037. As a result, A. tubingensis KUC5037 which is a non-ochratoxigenic fungus was considered to have the greatest potential for improving the safety and efficiency of the bioleaching.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)168-173
    Number of pages6
    JournalWaste Management
    Volume51
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2016 May 1

    Bibliographical note

    Funding Information:
    This research was supported by a Korea University Grant ( K1421041 ).

    Publisher Copyright:
    © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.

    Copyright:
    Copyright 2017 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

    Keywords

    • Aspergillus
    • Bioleaching
    • Heavy metal
    • Ni-Cd battery
    • Zn-Mn battery

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Waste Management and Disposal

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Bioleaching of spent Zn-Mn or Ni-Cd batteries by Aspergillus species'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this