Other Environmental Applications

Bioleaching is an environmentally friendly technique that uses natural materials like water, air, and microorganisms to extract metals from sulfide ores. Specific bacteria and archaea catalyze the oxidation of these minerals. Commercially, bioleaching is employed to extract key metals such as copper, nickel, cobalt, zinc, and uranium. A related process, bio-oxidation, is used in gold processing and coal desulfurization. Bio-oxidation aids in exposing gold within refractory ores for efficient cyanide leaching and helps remove sulfur impurities from coal by oxidizing pyrite.

Biomethane potential (BMP) refers to the maximum amount of biomethane produced from the anaerobic digestion of organic materials under ideal conditions. It relates to the volume of methane produced per unit mass of organic material (e.g., liters per kilogram of volatile solids). This metric is crucial for evaluating the feasibility and efficiency of biogas plants and determining how much energy a given amount of biomass can generate. The methane generated can be used for electricity and heat production, enhancing farm sustainability and reducing environmental impacts.

Fermentation studies require precise measurements of gas exchanges to evaluate microbial metabolism. Systems enabling real-time, continuous monitoring substantially enhance the understanding and optimization of fermentation processes in fields such as biofuel research, food science, and pharmaceuticals.

Studying insect respiration is crucial for developing effective pest control strategies. Insights gained from insect respiration can drive innovations in biomimetic design. Environmental indicators that affect insect respiratory activity can help scientists assess ecological health and monitor the impacts of pollutants or climate change on biological systems.