title: Bioleaching of spent Zn-Mn or Ni-Cd batteries by Aspergillus species.
abstract: This research explores the recovery of metals from spent Zn-Mn or Ni-Cd batteries by a bioleaching using six Aspergillus species. Two different nutrients, malt extract and sucrose, were used to produce different types of organic acids. Oxalic acid and citric acid were shown to be the dominant organic acid in malt extract and sucrose media, respectively. In the bioleaching, the metal removal was higher in sucrose media than malt extract. All species, except A. niger KUC5254, showed more than 90% removal of metals from Zn-Mn battery. For Ni-Cd battery, more than 95% of metals was extracted by A. niger KUC5254 and A. tubingensis KUC5037. As a result, A. tubingensis KUC5037 which is a non-ochratoxigenic fungus was considered to have the greatest potential for improving the safety and efficiency of the bioleaching.
authors.affiliation: BK21 Plus Eco-Leader Education Center, Korea University, Seoul 136-713, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: kimmj@korea.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Min-Ji
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Korea University, 5-1 Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: jyseo@korea.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Ja-Yeon
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Seo
authors.affiliation: Division of Wood Engineering, Department of Forest Products, Korea Forest Research Institute, 57, Hoegiro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 130-712, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: choikfri@korea.kr.
authors.forename: Yong-Seok
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Korea University, 5-1 Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: lovewood@korea.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Gyu-Hyeok
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000143:Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D001230:Aspergillus / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D052918:Environmental Restoration and Remediation / Q000379:methods*; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000032:analysis*; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000378:metabolism; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D000143:Acids; D007220:Industrial Waste; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D009930:Organic Chemicals
keywords: Aspergillus; Bioleaching; Heavy metal; Ni–Cd battery; Zn–Mn battery