The golden age of wasted TVs: Regaining precious metals and critical raw materials from low and medium grade PCBs within the EU, including a technical case study for FDP TVs and monitors

In recent decades Europe has been increasing its demand and consumption of electronics. This has in turn resulted in major outflows of waste electronics (WEEE) that are usually not properly dealt with. This is especially the case for low to medium grade printed circuit boards (PCBs) which unlike higher grade electronics such as computers are...

Pilot-scale magnetic recovery of vivianite from digested sewage sludge

Phosphorus (P) is an essential resource for food production and chemical industry. Phosphorus use has to become more sustainable and should include phosphorus recycling from secondary sources. About 20% of P ends up in sewage sludge, making this a substantial secondary P source. There is currently a technological gap to recover P from sludge...

Magnetic separation and characterization of vivianite from digested sewage sludge

To prevent eutrophication of surface water, phosphate needs to be removed from sewage. Iron (Fe) dosing is commonly used to achieve this goal either as the main strategy or in support of biological removal. Vivianite (Fe(II) ₃ (PO ₄ ) ₂ * 8H ₂ O) plays a crucial role in capturing the phosphate, and...

Silica Particles with Encapsulated DNA and Magnetite as Hydrological Tracer: Magnetic Concentration and Proof-of-Concept

DNA has a number of characteristics which make it very promising as a hydrological tracer. It is detectable in extremely low quantities and can provide a virtually unlimited amount of unique tracers. The DNA tracer method has been further developed towards a multipurpose tracer combining a DNA tag, a paramagnetic core and a protective coating...