Removal of metal ions with immobilized metal ion-binding microorganisms
US5055402A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 4, 1989 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 4, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S435/946
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A composition for removing metal ions from aqueous solution is prepared by immobilizing metal ion-binding microorganisms such as algae, washing the immobilized microorganisms, drying the washed immobilized microorganisms and heating the dried immobilized microorganisms to a temperature of about 300.degree. to about 500.degree. C. for a time sufficient to provide a stable composition that is non-swelling in aqueous solution. The composition preferentially adsorbs precious metal ions from an aqueous solution containing concentrations of base metal ions and/or other dissolved materials several orders of magnitude greater than the concentration of the precious metal ions. The composition can also be used to extract precious metal ions from geothermal fluids.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.