C10: Reuse And Recycling

Question 1

What is sustainable development?

Answer 1

An approach to development that takes account of the needs of present society while not damaging the lives of future generations.

Question 2

Copper rich ores are in short supply. How are scientist looking into new ways of extracting copper from low-grade ores?

Answer 2

Bioleaching: bacteria used to convert copper compound in ores to soluble copper compounds. The leachate contains copper Iona which can be extracted with a more reactive metal

Phytomining: growing plants in soil that contains copper - copper build up in the leaves as they can’t use or get rid of it. Plants can be harvested, dried and burned. The ash contains soluble copper compounds from which copper can be extracted

Question 3

Why is recycling metals important?

Answer 3

Mining & extracting metals takes lots of energy from fossil fuels
Recycling uses much less energy

Question 4

How are metals recycled?

Answer 4

Melting them and casting them in the shape of the new product.

Question 5

How does the amount of separation required for recyclable materials change?

Answer 5

Amount of separation depends on what the metal will be used for after recasting.

Question 6

How can glass be recycled?

Answer 6

Bottles can often be used without reshaping
Recycled glass separated by colour and chemical composition before being recycled
Glass is then crushed and melted to be reshaped