Study of Microbial Cultures for the Bioleaching of Scandium from Alumina Industry By-Products

The disposal of voluminous, highly alkaline, bauxite residue (BR), the industrial by-product alumina production by Bayer process, constitutes an intricate global environmental problem. BR, containing valuable metals such as rare-earth elements (REEs)—in particular, scandium (Sc)—can be used a secondary source for REE extraction. scope this study was investigation bioleaching innovative and environmentally friendly approach extraction Sc from BR. parameters were studied on Greek BR experiments performed using different microbial cultures solid to liquid ratios (S/L). maximum 42% Acetobacter tropicalis in one-step process at 1% S/L. main organic acids produced acetic, oxalic, citric. data indicated probable synergistic effect microorganisms along with more targeted leaching mechanism.