The development of an integrated process flowsheet for the sequential extraction and recovery of valuable metals from WEEE
Grant holder: Prof S Harrison
Institution: University of Cape Town
Grant: CSIR/IU/WRIU/2017/013
Duration: 30 January 2017 to 31 March 2020
Status: Complete
Project outline: The aim of the research is to develop technology around the portion of the process flow sheet for the extraction and recovery of base metals from WEEE, particularly printed circuit boards and cable waste as model systems, through the use of biohydrometallurgy and subsequent selective precipitation in reductive microbial environments. The project aims to develop a processing framework suitable for application on a range of scales, including the SMME entrepreneurial scale, in line with the NDP and IPAP.
| » | Briefing note: Kotsiopoulos et al. (2020). The development of an integrated process flowsheet for the sequential extraction and recovery of valuable metals from WEEE |
| » | Publication: Maluleke, MD., Kotsiopoulos, A., Govender-Opitz, E., Harrison, STL. (2023). Microbial immobilisation and adaptation to Cu2+ enhances microbial Fe2+ oxidation for bioleaching of printed circuit boards in the presence of mixed metal ions. Research in Microbiology, 175(1–2), 1-12. |
| » | Dissertation: Strauss, AR. (2023). Process design and optimisation of e-waste bioleaching. Master’s dissertation. Cape Town: University of Cape Town. |
| » | Conference poster: Govender et al., (2020). Kinetic evaluation of the mesophilic culture in the presence of waste PCBs: Inhibition of the microbial culture. |
| » | Dissertation: Mabuka, T. (2019). The recovery of valuable base metals from electronic waste using a biological matrix extracted from Black soldier flies. Master’s thesis. University of Cape Town. |