How does Phytomining work GCSE?
Plants absorb metal ions through their roots in a process called Phytomining . It removes toxic metals from contaminated soil – around old mines for example. In the future, when supplies of higher grade ores have run out, metals might be extracted by burning the plants to produce ash.
Is Phytomining and bioleaching better?
What is Bioleaching? BIOLEACHING is very similar to phytomining, BUT there are some differences….
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
|---|---|
| The process is more environmentally friendly than traditional extraction methods. | Less profit is made from bioleaching which means it is less appealing to buisness men and women. |
What is Phytomining and bioleaching?
Phytoextraction (phytomining) Plants absorb mineral ions through their roots. Phytoextraction makes use of this: plants are grown in soil that contains low grade ore. the plants absorb metal ions through their roots and concentrate these ions in their cells. the plants are harvested and burnt.
Is Phytomining environmentally friendly?
Environmental Considerations It is generally accepted that phytomining is greener than conventional mining practices. In environments with metal-contaminated soil, phytominers can re-collect metal pollutants from the soil, thereby restoring the soil to health.
What is a low grade ore?
Low grade ores, are those with a low concentration of metals, like shale and schist etc. (Chow et al., 2010).
What are the disadvantages of copper extraction?
Dust from mining can effect Asthma sufferers. Scarring of the landscape from mining, quarrying, waste tips etc. as well as loss of wildlife habitat. Sulphur dioxide gas from copper extraction of its sulphide ore is an irritating poisonous gas which can also cause acid rain.
What is low grade ore?
Low grade ores, are those with a low concentration of metals, like shale and schist etc.
Why is mining not used for low grade ores?
Mining, handling and processing low-grade ore in mining and mineral processing operations is resulting in higher costs and lower profits. By removing low grade ore prior to processing, operations can minimise energy use and increase plant profitability.
Why is low grade ore bad for profits?
What are the steps in the phytomining process?
Phytomining has several stages: 1 Plants are grown in an area with low grade ores where they take in the minerals through their roots. 2 The plants are then burned. 3 The ash is added to water and the minerals dissolve in that water. 4 Electrolysis is then used to extract the metal from the mineral.
How is phytomining used to extract metals from soil?
It removes toxic metals from contaminated soil – around old mines for example. In the future, when supplies of higher grade ores have run out, metals might be extracted by burning the plants to produce ash. The ash would contain a higher concentration of metal than the soil. Phytomining is used to extract copper from soil containing its ore.
Which is better bioleaching or phytomining for copper?
Like phytomining, bioleaching is a useful method for extracting metals from low-grade ores. This is particularly important for copper, where high-grade ores are increasingly rare. It also uses less energy than smelting.
What should I expect from my GCSE Science paper?
Chemical equations 44 Extended response 47 Linking of ideas 54 Practical skills 60 4 Exam structure Introduction Our GCSE Science papers have been carefully designed to engage students so that they can show what they can do.