Mining applications of immobilized microbial cells in an alginate matrix: An overview

Abstract

Immobilized microbial cells have been used extensively in various industrial processes. However, immobilized cells have not been used widely for mining industrial applications. Cell immobilization consists of a technique by which microorganisms are confined through physical or chemical interactions in a matrix, or fixed to the surface of the immobilizing agent. In recent years, entrapment of cells within spheres of Ca2+ alginate has become the most widely used technique for immobilizing living cells. This review examines many of the scientific and technical aspects involved in using Ca2+ alginate immobilized microbial cells in mining activities, with a particular focus on the biohydrometallurgical industrial applications and processes of soil bioremediation in heavy metal contaminated mining areas, environmental recovery of atmospheric emissions containing H2S and treatment of acid mine drainage.