Fungal Leaching of Metals from Electronic Scrap

The rapid increase in the production of electronic waste necessitates efficient recycling strategies, especially for recovery of valuable materials. This study aims to evaluate the potential of fungal leaching, particularly through the strain Penicillium chrysogenum, to leach metals from electronic scrap under various leaching modes, including one-step bioleaching, two-step bioleaching, spent medium leaching, and fresh medium leaching. A bioleaching approach offers advantages over conventional methods by being less expensive and more eco-friendly, producing less hazardous waste. Despite previous applications of biohydrometallurgy for ore processing, research on its use for electronic scrap remains limited. This study involved the collection, isolation, and enrichment of specific fungal strains to assess their leaching capabilities. Preliminary results demonstrate that fungal leaching can be effectively implemented, showcasing faster leaching processes and reduced toxicity due to the chelation of metal ions. The findings contribute to the understanding of biological methods for electronic waste recycling, presenting a promising alternative to traditional metallurgical techniques.