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A Review of the Application of Ultrasound in Bioleaching and Insights from Sonication in (Bio)Chemical Processes

Author

Listed:
  • Shruti Vyas

    (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117585, Singapore)

  • Yen-Peng Ting

    (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117585, Singapore)

Abstract

Chemical and biological leaching is practiced on a commercial scale for the mining of metals from ores. Although bioleaching is an environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical leaching, one of the principal shortcomings is the slow rate of leaching which needs to be addressed. The application of ultrasound in bioleaching, termed sonobioleaching, is a technique which has been reported to increase the rate and extent of metal extraction. This article reviews efforts made in the field of sonobioleaching. Since bioleaching is effectively a biological and chemical process, the effects of sonication on chemical leaching/reactions and biological processes are also reviewed. Although sonication increases metal extraction by increasing the metabolite production and enhanced mixing at a micro scale, research is limited in terms of the microorganisms explored. This paper highlights some shortcomings and limitations of existing techniques, and proposes directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Shruti Vyas & Yen-Peng Ting, 2017. "A Review of the Application of Ultrasound in Bioleaching and Insights from Sonication in (Bio)Chemical Processes," Resources, MDPI, vol. 7(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:7:y:2017:i:1:p:3-:d:124229
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