Microbial Mineral Recovery

Because certain microorganisms have the ability to metabolize metals and inorganic elements generally, they serve an important role in the leaching of valuable minerals. Now with the advent of genetic engineering and biotechnology, we possess the ability to increase the efficiency of biogenic extractive metallurgy and minimize the environmental effects of mine wastes, dump leachates, and inorganic wastes. This volume is an up-to-date review of advances in the field, many of great economic and environmental importance.