Alternative Extraction & Recycling

What is bacterial extraction?

Using bacteria to help extract metals from ores or waste materials.

What is one advantage of bacterial extraction?

It can extract metals from low-grade ores using less energy than some traditional methods.

What is one disadvantage of bacterial extraction?

It can be slow.

What is phytoextraction?

Using plants to absorb metal compounds from contaminated soil so the metals can later be recovered.

What is one advantage of phytoextraction?

It can extract metals from contaminated soil without traditional mining.

What is one disadvantage of phytoextraction?

It can be slow and requires suitable plants and conditions.

Why is recycling metals important?

It reduces the need for mining and preserves supplies of valuable raw materials.

What are the economic advantages of recycling metals?

It can reduce extraction costs and provide valuable materials for reuse.

How does recycling metals help the environment?

It reduces mining, energy use, habitat destruction and waste.

How does recycling preserve raw materials?

Existing metals can be reused instead of extracting more from limited ores.