Possibilities of Bio-hydrometallurgical treatment of spent alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries

The main aim of this paper is to review the recovery studies and associated technologies for Zn and Mn from spent alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries. These batteries are used in radios, recorders, toys, watches, calculators, cameras and in many other objects where small quantities of power are required. After exhausting of chemical energy batteries become hazardous waste, but contains useful parts particularly Zn and Mn in the different forms. General ways of their recycling can be divided into three groups: physical, pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical treatment. The massive application of the dangerous and harmful reductive inorganic matter brings additional safety risk to the hydrometallurgical processes. Therefore, development of environmental friendly and cost-effective recycling methods for the spent Zn-Mn batteries should be encouraged. Very interesting possibility offer biohydrometallurgical processes - particularly bioleaching.