Using resources

• What are 2 techniques of low-grade copper extraction?

  • bioleaching
  • Phytomining
• What is bioleaching?

  • uses bacteria to produce leachate solutions that contain metal compounds.
• What is phytomining?

  • uses plants to absorb metal compounds.
  • The plants are harvested and then burned to produce ash that contains metal compounds.
• What compounds are used in NPK fertilsers?

  • Nitrogen (N)
  • Phosphorus (P)
  • Potassium (K)
• How is ammonia used for NPK fertilisers?

  Reacted with O2 and H2O to form nitric acid (HNO3)

  Ammonia is then reacted with acid (nitric acid) to produce salts

  These salts (ammonium salts) are used as fertilisers
• How are potassium sulfate, Potassium chloride & phosphate rock obtained?

  Mining
• What rock cannot be use directly as a fertiliser?

  Phosphate rock - insoluble, plants cannot absorb

  • this is treated with nitric acid OR sulfuric acid to form solube salt and then used as a fertiliser