Objetivo It is already known that certain proteins can chelate and isolate metals. This is particularly true of proteins with a 'barrel' structure, which contain specific functional groups capable of chelating many types of mineral.The aim of the project is therefore to find a way of using these proteins to treat solutions containing nickel, chromium, iron and fluorine and with a composition similar to industrial lixivia from the production and working of steel, especially stainless steels, with a view to eliminating the metal ions they may contain.This research has enabled to create a protein able to fix nickel ions. The conception and creation of the protein, particularly difficult and innovative, has been activated in the laboratory for molecular biology and genetic engineering of Liege University. A small quantity of mutated timase able to fix nickel ion was produced. The use of such a protein to treat industrial waste was studied by Ugine S.A. researchers in their research center in Gueugnon.The tests validated the concept of using protein for waste treatment, but the use of such a treatment is not really feasible for concentrated waste because of the quantity of protein necessary and the corresponding costs.Industrial wastes are produced by all the metallurgical operations involved in the production and working of steel, particularly stainless steels.These wastes are produced:- in the melting shop (dust from electric furnaces and converters)- during hot working (various oxides)- during finishing operations, especially the various types of pickling (electrolytic and chemical).Pickling produces two types of waste:- used baths (low flow rate, but high concentrations of nickel, chromium and fluorine)- flushing solutions (high flow rate, but low concentrations of metallic elements).These compounds affect the environment in many different ways, as a result of:- their toxicity (especially by accumulation)- their adverse effects on working conditions- technical problems caused by fine dust.Despite the considerable efforts already made, there is no effective solution to these problems as yet, and for this reason we have decided to explore the possibilities of using biotechnologies.It is known that many substances, both organic and inorganic have the capacity to chelate metal ions, e.g. chelating agents such as ethylene diamine tetracetic acid (ETDA), which can used to 'sequester' metals.At each end of 'barrel' proteins there is a crown containing amino acids, which are also capable of 'sequestering' many types of mineral.During the first part of the research project we shall attempt to produce these proteins using specific genetic engineering techniques. We shall try to find ways of improving their selection capacity in respect of cations such as nickel. The second part will focus on the use of these proteins, produced in the Genetic Engineering Laboratory of the University of Liege, for industrial applications.We shall design and develop a method for separating the elements obtained from metallurgical wastes. Programa(s) ECSC-WORKENV 5C - Fifth research programme (ECSC) "Technical control of nuisances and pollution at the place of work and in the environment of iron and steel works", 1985-1989 Tema(s) 2 - Measures to combat fresh and sea water pollution Convocatoria de propuestas Data not available Régimen de financiación Data not available Coordinador UNIVERSITE DE LIEGE Aportación de la UE Sin datos Dirección 4000 Sart-Tilman Bélgica Ver en el mapa Coste total Sin datos
