Environmental Technologies to Treat Platinum Group Element Pollution : Principles and Engineering

The unique properties of Platinum Group Elements (PGE) combine resilience and high catalytic activity, which make them indispensable across a range of industries, from automotive to electronics, from jewellery to biomedical implants, and beyond. This book provides comprehensive insights on existing technologies and up-to-date advances in the abatement of pollution by PGE and sustainable practices for efficient extraction and recovery of PGE from secondary sources. Highlights include:· Sources, occurrence, and wide application range of PGE, showcasing their critical role in modern society and industry. · State-of-the-art analytical methodologies for PGE, including sample pretreatment, advancements in chromatographic separation and innovations in mass spectrometry. · Process fundamentals of PGE biorecovery, including microbial biosorption and bioreduction as well as PGE metabolism in (hyperaccumulator) plants enabling phytoremediation and phytomining. · Advanced ways for PGE valorisation by extraction using green solvents followed by purification using novel adsorption, ion exchange and membrane processes. · Critical insights on the status and major challenges of mechanical, pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and biometallurgical technologies to achieve a high overall PGE recovery. · Up-to-date information on modern approaches for deriving microbially synthesised PGE nanoparticles with tuneable size, shape and functionality. · Case studies of industrial applications of PGE recovery from spent automotive catalysts, electrical and electronic wastes, and industrial by-products. Environmental Technologies to Treat Platinum Group Element Pollution is an essential reference textbook for both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in environmental science, technology or engineering. It is equally useful for researchers, engineers and policy makers interested in the field of critical raw material recovery for sustainable development, and for practitioners and consultancies dealing with PGE-related environmental (bio)technologies.