According to the "Asahi Shimbun," Japan reported on August 2 that a team led by Professor Shirayuki Yamashita from Shibaura University of Technology has developed an innovative technology using microorganisms to extract selenium—a rare metal—from industrial wastewater. This breakthrough could lead to the commercialization of the process, as the recovered selenium can be reused as a valuable resource.
Selenium, though present in small quantities within copper ores, plays a crucial role in various industries. It is used as a key component in solar panels and also serves as a coloring agent in glass production. However, when dissolved in water, selenium becomes highly toxic, and excessive exposure may lead to serious health issues, including neurological disorders.
The research team discovered specific microorganisms capable of converting selenate and selenite—forms of selenium found in wastewater—into elemental selenium. By cultivating these microbes in industrial waste streams, they were able to recover up to 78.8% of the selenium present. This method not only helps in reducing environmental pollution but also offers a sustainable way to recycle precious resources.
This development marks a significant step forward in green technology and resource recovery, highlighting the potential of biotechnology in addressing both environmental and economic challenges. (Internship compilation: Yang Jie, reviewer: Wang Huan)
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