Plant-based metal recovery platform

Abstract

Disclosed herein are compositions, methods, and systems for selective metal recovery using a biologically derived reductant. This process enables the rapid generation of substantially single-metal, single-metal oxides, or single-metal hydroxide crystals, depending on the metal, from ions in solution, achieving high efficiency at ambient temperature and pressure. The system produces large, stress-free crystals across a range of sizes, with potential for further expansion in low-gravity environments. Waste byproducts from the Plant Induced Metal Ion Reductants (PIMIRS) growth phases can be repurposed to rejuvenate degraded soils, providing a sustainable solution for soil enhancement. The growth of PIMIRS is maintained at a low pH to prevent microbial contamination without the need for toxic additives, with carefully controlled temperature conditions across phases, and operates effectively in low-salinity environments. This approach offers an efficient and environmentally responsible method for high-yield metal recovery and soil enhancement.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.