Effect of organic acids produced by penicillium notatum on the extraction of metals ions from brown shale

Preset study was undertaken to check the bio leaching feasibility of brown shale with Penicillium notatum by using different carbon sources. Large quantities of the metal ions are embodied in shales that can be recovered. Presently available techniques (pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical) are expensive or may have a negative impact on the environment. Penicillium notatum exhibited a good potential in generating varieties of organic acids effective for metal ions solubilization. Maximum leaching of Cu (91.55 %) and Mg (79.83 %) was obtained with glucose as substrate while maximum recovery of Mn (71.46 %) was obtained in medium having molasses as substrate. (author)