Alternative methods of extracting metals

Question 1

How do we use phytomining to extract metals?

Answer 1

• Plants are grown in soil which contains the metal we want to extract
• As the plants grow, the metals are taken up by the plants
• The plants are then harvested, dried and burned
• The ash can then be used to extract the metal via displacement reactions

Question 2

How do we use bioleaching to extract metals?

Answer 2

• Bioleaching uses bacteria to extract metals from ores
• Some strains of bacteria are capable of breaking down ores to form acidic solutions, known as leachate
• Although bioleaching doesn’t need high temperatures, it produces harmful gases