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Treasure from trash: mining critical elements from sewage sludge using plants

Descripción del proyecto

Convertir residuos en tesoros metálicos críticos

Se avecina un rápido aumento de la demanda mundial de metales críticos como el selenio (Se), el cobalto (Co) y el níquel (Ni), y se prevé que su consumo se dispare en 2050. Estos elementos se consideran críticos debido a las inminentes limitaciones de suministro. El equipo del proyecto MinE-UP, que cuenta con el apoyo de las acciones Marie Skłodowska-Curie, está adoptando un método innovador, utilizando lodos de depuradora para extraer y reciclar estos metales vitales mediante fitominería selectiva. En concreto, el equipo del proyecto reducirá los costes medioambientales y económicos asociados a la eliminación de lodos de depuradora, mejorará la restauración del ecosistema en zonas minadas, creará nuevas oportunidades para las comunidades locales y desbloqueará el potencial de productos de origen vegetal como los biorresiduos de Se, Co y Ni.

Objetivo

The global consumption of metals and metalloids is increasing rapidly owing to an ever-growing demand from technology and renewable energy industries. These include selenium (Se), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni) for which the 2050 projected consumption is expected to be 5 to 10-folds higher than today. These elements are defined as “critical” since their supply is expected to be critically limiting in the near future. Considering the increasing demand for critical metal(loid)s, the use of sewage sludge (SS) as alternative resource of these raw materials can constitute an appealing alternative to make “treasure out of trash”, thereby promoting the circular economy. MinE-UP aims at contributing to the supply of Se, Co, and Ni exploiting metal(loid) enriched SS through targeted phytomining. The envisaged solution will utilize degraded mined land as locations in which SS phytomining can safely take place. MinE-Up is expected to: 1) Reduce of the overall amount of disposed SS and the connected environmental and economic costs; 2) Generate a positive environmental impact by enhancing ecosystem restoration in mined areas; 3) Contribute to the valorization of mined lands, creating new opportunities for local communities. 4) Characterize the new plant-based products (Se, Co, Ni bio-ores) and evaluate their possible applications. MinE-UP outcomes will have relevant impacts at scientific, economic, and societal levels. They will range from the investigation of metal accumulation physiology in plants growing on SS, to the assessment of the process effects on land remediation. From the agronomical aspects of hyperaccumulator cultivation, to the procedures of extraction and purification of the valuable elements and molecules contained in hyperaccumulator biomasses. In the long period, MinE-UP innovative methodologies could help in modernizing and re-invent SS disposal methods, giving a second life to this waste while possibly directing the updating of national and EU regulations.

Ámbito científico (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS clasifica los proyectos con EuroSciVoc, una taxonomía plurilingüe de ámbitos científicos, mediante un proceso semiautomático basado en técnicas de procesamiento del lenguaje natural.

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Coordinador

WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITY
Aportación neta de la UEn
€ 187 624,32
Dirección
DROEVENDAALSESTEEG 4
6708 PB Wageningen
Países Bajos

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Región
Oost-Nederland Gelderland Veluwe
Tipo de actividad
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Enlaces
Coste total
Sin datos

Socios (1)