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

88 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

Keywords

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

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Waste Management and Disposal

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