Biosciences laboratory
Microbes could soon be used to convert metallic wastes into high-value catalysts for generating clean energy, say scientists from the University of Birmingham's School of Biosciences, writing in the September issue of Microbiology. Researchers have discovered the mechanisms that allow the common soil bacterium Desulfovibrio desulfuricans to recover the precious metal palladium from industrial waste sources. Palladium is one of the platinum group metals (PGMs) which are among the most precious resources on earth. They possess a wide variety of applications due to their exceptional chemical properties. PGMs are routinely used in many catalytic systems and are the active elements of autocatalytic converters that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Dr Kevin Deplanche, who led the study, explained why new ways of recovering PGMs are needed. 'These metals are a finite resource and this is reflected in their high market value,' he said.
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