Present and future commercial applications of biohydrometallurgy

Metals can be removed and concentrated from solutions by using biomass material. Conservative estimates give new biosorbents the potential share amounting to US$27 million/year of the currently existing environmental market in North America alone. Very high cost-effectiveness of biosorption technology would tend to open new opportunities currently untapped. Biosorbents can be regenerated for multiple reuse, offering the metal recovery possibility from concentrated wash solutions. Relatively simple metal biosorption processes can meet the progressively stricter environmental discharge criteria. As with any up-start technology, the continuing R&D is crucial. The interdisciplinary nature on both sides, application as well as R&D, poses quite a challenge. While there are numerous potential industrial clients, a successful biosorption enterprise will have to have courage, multidisciplinary skills and adequate financing.