A. Bringas, R. Iba ˜nez
This study investigates the leaching of rare earth elements (REEs) from a novel secondary source, incineration ash of urban wastewater treatment plants. Hydrochloric, nitric, and sulfuric acid were selected as leaching agents. The optimal leaching conditions were determined from Central Composite Design (CCD), evaluating acid concentration, temperature, liquid-to-solid ratio, and H₂O₂ concentration. The findings suggest that HCl and HNO₃ achieved almost complete leaching of REEs, concentrations in the leachate ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 mg L⁻¹. Sulfuric acid showed lower efficiency. The optimal conditions for HCl and HNO₃ included a temperature of 85 ◦C, acid concentrations of 3.1 M and 5.1 M respectively, and liquid-to-solid ratio 6.0 mL g⁻¹. Under these conditions, leaching yields reached up to 100% for target REEs Nd, Pr, Gd, Tb, and Dy. As demonstrated, the potential of UWWTP ash as REEs secondary source, is highlighted, contributing to sustainable urban mining practices.
@article{b9220865-e7aa-43d8-b36c-78470f98908f,
title={Urban mining of REEs from wastewater treatment plant 2026 Resources Conserv},
author={A. Bringas and R. Iba ˜nez},
year={2026},
language={en}
}TY - JOUR TI - Urban mining of REEs from wastewater treatment plant 2026 Resources Conserv AU - A. Bringas AU - R. Iba ˜nez PY - 2026 LA - en ER -
Santhana Krishnan, Nor Syahidah Zulkapli
Fast industrialization has increased the demand for heavy metals, while high-grade ore natural reserves are diminishing. Therefore, alternative source
The leachability tests for manufacturing scrap TV boards (STVB) have indicated the release of metals beyond the limit levels with potential problems f
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) from electronic gadgets at the end of their useful life period are currently being dumped in landfills or incinerated, c
Alain Vignes
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the various processing operations and routes in extractive metallurgy. The objective is to present a de