4.8 Biological methods of metal extraction

Question 1

Phytoextraction

Answer 1

Some plants absorb metal compounds through their roots
They concentrate these compounds into their shoots and leaves
The plants can be burned to produce an ash which contains the metal compounds

Question 2

Bacterial extraction

Answer 2

Some bacteria absorb metal compounds
They produce solutions called leachates which contain them and scrap iron can be used to obtain the metal from the leachate.