Reuse and recycling

Question 1

How can we improve coppers sustainability

-by e… it from low g.. ores

B…:
-b… are used to convert copper c… in the ore into soluble c… compounds, s… out the copper from the o…
-the l… (solution produced by p…) contains copper i… which can be e…
—>eg by e…

P…:
-involves growing p… in soil that contain c…
-the plants can’t use or get r… of this copper so it gradually b… up in the l…
-the plants can be h…, dried and b…
-the a… contains s… copper compounds where c… can be extracted by e…

Answer 1

-by extracting it from low grade ores

Bioleaching:
-bacteria are used to convert copper compounds in the ore into soluble copper compounds, separating out the copper from the ore
-the leachate (solution produced by process) contains copper ions which can be extracted
—>eg by electrolysis

Phytomining:
-involves growing plants in soil that contain copper
-the plants can’t use of get rid of this copper so it gradually builds up in the leaves
-the plants can be harvested, dried and burned
-the ash contains soluble copper compounds where copper can be extracted by electrolysis

Question 2

How are metals recycled

Answer 2

-they are melted and then casted into the shape of the new product

Question 3

How is glass recycled

-glass b… can be reused without r…
-glass is separated by c… and c… composition before being r…
-the glass is c… and then m… to be r… for use in glass p…

Answer 3

-glass bottles can be reused without reshaping
-glass is separated by colour and chemical composition before being recycled
-the glass is crushed and then melted to be reshaped for use in glass products