Selective recovery of critical metals from environmental and anthropogenic waste by biologically mediated fractionation

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Critical metals (CMs) such as zinc, copper, lead, cobalt, as well as rare earth elements (REEs) are under increasing global demand as the consumption of devices dependent upon such metals continues to grow. However, the long-term supply and availability of such metals are under strain, with extremely low rates of recycling meaning that more sustainable methods for CM recovery are required. The use of sorbent materials such as reactive, magnetic nanoparticles offers a promising solution for the extraction of CMs from a range of sources such as in ash material, from mine tailings, or wastewater. Magnetic nanoparticles, such as magnetite, are naturally occurring and can be produced via biogenic approaches which are low cost and sustainable alternatives to harsher chemical extraction methods. This project will investigate how biogenic magnetic minerals can be used to selectively extract, i.e. fractionate, different metals and CMs from different sources. The candidate will collaborate with the University of Bristol, The University of Exeter, and an industrial CASE partner (Indivus) to develop innovative solutions to a complex problem, as well as exploring the wider issue of metal contamination in environmental field sites.