Bio-leaching is a process that involves the use of microorganisms to extract metals from ores, concentrates, and waste materials. This process has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bio-leaching, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Bio-leaching is a process of extracting metals from ores using microorganisms. These microorganisms are capable of oxidizing the metal sulfides present in the ores, which releases the metal ions into solution. The metal ions can then be recovered by precipitation or other means.
Origin
The use of microorganisms for metal extraction has been known for centuries. However, the modern bio-leaching process was first developed in the 1940s in the Soviet Union. The process was used to extract copper from low-grade ores. Since then, bio-leaching has been used to extract a wide range of metals, including gold, silver, nickel, and uranium.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, bio-leaching is defined as “the extraction of metals from ores using microorganisms.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines bio-leaching as “the extraction of metals from ores by the use of microorganisms.”
Associations
Bio-leaching is associated with sustainable mining practices, as it is a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective method of metal extraction than traditional mining methods. It is also associated with biotechnology and microbiology, as it involves the use of microorganisms to carry out the extraction process.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bio-leaching include microbial leaching, bacterial leaching, and bio-oxidation.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of bio-leaching, as it is a specific process with no direct opposite. However, traditional mining methods could be considered the opposite of bio-leaching, as they involve the use of heavy machinery and chemicals to extract metals from ores.
The same root words
The root words of bio-leaching are “bio,” which means life, and “leaching,” which means the process of extracting substances by dissolving them in a liquid. Other words that use the root word “bio” include biodegradable, biosphere, and biotechnology.
Example Sentences
- Bio-leaching is a more sustainable and cost-effective method of metal extraction than traditional mining methods.
- The use of microorganisms in bio-leaching has revolutionized the mining industry.
- Bacterial leaching and bio-oxidation are other terms used to describe the bio-leaching process.
- The bio-leaching of copper from low-grade ores was first developed in the 1940s in the Soviet Union.