Scientists are using bacteria to extract rare metals from discarded batteries and electronic waste, a breakthrough that could support the future of green technology.
University of Edinburgh researchers are using bacteria to recycle metals like lithium and cobalt from old electronics.
These metals are crucial for electric cars, wind turbines and other green technologies, yet are in limited supply.
Bacteria naturally latch onto and expel these metals, offering a sustainable recycling method.
Key quote:
“Bacteria are wonderful, little crazy things that can carry out some weird and wonderful processes.”
— Louise Horsfall, chair of sustainable biotechnology at the University of Edinburgh.
Why this matters:
The limited supply of rare metals needed for green technology is a major hurdle in combating climate change. Bacterial recycling could create a sustainable loop for these essential materials, reducing dependence on finite resources.
The ocean floor is shaping up to be the next theater of global resource competition, and China’s diplomatic efforts are positioning it to lead in deep-sea mining.
Low wages, water shortage and acidified landscapes: Mining critical raw materials endangers human rights and the environment. Yet the industry is expanding.
