Researchers create method that recovers high value metals for industries while protecting the environment

(Nanowerk News) Researchers at the University of Guanajuato (UGTO), in middle Mexico, developed an extraction column which recovers metals companies use in their production processes; and thus avoid environmental pollution and lessen economic losses.

The column operates under the principles of liquid-liquid extraction which seeks to recover metals with high added value. The technology is already at laboratory prototype stage and in the process of obtaining a patent.

Carlos Benito Martínez Pérez, PhD student of Science in Chemical Engineering at UGTO and project participant, explains: the process begins with the extraction; the influent enters the top of the column, makes contact with an organic formulation containing the extracting agent that is highly selective for the metal it seeks to recover. When leaving the column, the effluent will be virtually free of metal.

We do this verification through an atomic absorption equipment. When the metal is in organic phase we de- extract and accumulates in another aqueous phase solution".

The technology may be employed by any company or industry if their production processes use some type of metal, because the extraction column for the recovery of metals with high added value will avoid economic losses and pollution.

The concentrated metal in the solution is the one highly valued by the UGTO, which is why it is called of added value because the metal in the solution could be incorporated back into a production process or sold to other companies, with no waste.

Within the state of Guanajuato, many companies in their production processes were releasing metals and, thus, generating some pollution; that is why this process is attractive for companies because they will have a product that can be reused and, with it, stop polluting.

Using this process, companies fines would be avoided and a better status in the enterprise market achieved with waste treatment.

Companies, which may be interested in this technology, are focused on the production of automotive parts, electronics, tannery and painting, among others. Basically, anyone that uses metal in their processes.