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Key Concepts
Sustainable Development
If we are going to be able to advance technology and maintain
our standard of living for years to come we need to make sure
that we are not damaging our environment so much that it
cannot sustain us in the future.
• Phytoextraction
• Plants absorb mineral ions through their roots. Phytoextractionmakes
use of this:
• plants are grown on a low-grade ore
• the plants absorb metal ions through their roots and concentrate
these ions in their cells
• the plants are harvested and burnt
• the ash left behind contains metal compounds
Extracting metals
• Bioleaching
• Certain bacteria can break down low-grade ores to produce
an acidic solution containing copper ions. The solution is
called a leachate and the process is called bioleaching.
• Bioleaching does not need high temperatures but it
produces toxicsubstances, including sulfuric acid, which
damage the environment.