American scientists from Cornell University proposed purification of rare earth metals using the modified bacteria Shewanella oneidensis (S. oneidensis). The method could be an environmentally friendly alternative to processing ore using strong acids and solvents. To work published In the scientific journal Scientific Reports.
“The problem with existing rare earth purification methods is that they rely heavily on organic solvents and harsh chemicals. These are expensive and environmentally damaging methods,” said lead author Baz Barstow, assistant professor of biological and environmental engineering. “We have a ‘green alternative’ that eliminates the need for hazardous chemicals,” he said.
Scientists examined 3,373 pieces of the S. oneidensis genome and found 242 genes responsible for the microbe’s preference for processing rare earth elements. Modification of the microorganism made it possible to reduce the processing time by almost a third.
The scientific team plans to create a pilot purification system by 2028. According to the researchers, columns for the enrichment of rare earth ores using bacteria will take up much less space than traditional plants, mixers and settling tanks, which are several kilometers long.
Formerly bioengineers forced E. coli produces electricity when purifying wastewater.