In a study conducted by Anderson et al. (1999) it was suggested that phytomining can be done through burning selected plant material to obtain the bio-ore of the target metal, which is then smelted.
Are there other methods aside from this? Or, any specificities that must be taken note of, such as how the plant material should be burned.
This is considering that the plant has been deemed a hyperaccumulator, with the potential plant tissue to be harvested for phytomining already determined.
For reference: Anderson C., Brooks R., Chiarucci, A., LaCoste, C., Leblanc, M., Robinson, B., Simcock, R., Stewart, R. 1999. Phytomining for nickel, thallium, gold. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, (67): 407-415.
A Hyperaccumulator species is a plant which can accumulate very high concentration of metals as compared to the surrounding media in their above ground biomass. Therefore the extraction of this accumulated metals seems to be a very good option considering the fact that there is no other method (which keep the quality of the soil or improves the quality) for the removal of these metals from the contaminated soil. Therefore in my opinion the phytomining process may not be as economical if compared with the conventional mining process, however considering the environmental benefits it is considered as a promising one.
The extraction of the metals from the plant biomass can be achieved in a two stage process. The first stage is volume reduction for which compositing, compaction and incineration can be employed. The second stage is the extraction of the metals from the biomass, for which pyrolysis, ashing and leaching of the biomass can be carried out. Chelating agents such as EDTA can also be used for the leaching of metals.
1. Phytoextraction crop disposal—an unsolved problem
2. A Review on Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals and Utilization of Its Byproducts
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749103003609
http://www.asian-energy-journal.info/Abstract/A%20review%20on%20phytoremediation%20of%20heavy%20metals%20and%20utilisation%20of%20it%20s%20by%20products.pdf
Kenneth, thank you for pointing out that burning might not be the best option. So by aqueous dissolution, are you referring to bioleaching via leachate solutions?
Arun, thank you so much for the answer, as well as the references you've included! I do agree that it would be difficult to break away from more cost-effective traditional mining practices considering the novelty of phytomining technology.
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