Person: Castro Ruiz, Laura
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First Name
Laura
Last Name
Castro Ruiz
Affiliation
Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Faculty / Institute
Ciencias Químicas
Department
Ingeniería Química y de Materiales
Area
Identifiers
13 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 10 of 13
Item Batch and Continuous Chromate and Zinc Sorption from Electroplating Effluents Using Biogenic Iron Precipitates(Minerals, 2021) Rocha, Fabiana; Muñoz Sánchez, Jesús Ángel; González González, Felisa; Blázquez Izquierdo, María Luisa; Castro Ruiz, LauraNanoparticles of iron precipitates produced by a microbial consortium are a suitable adsorbent for metal removal from electroplating industry wastewaters. Biogenic iron precipitates were utilized as adsorbents for chromate and zinc in batch conditions. Furthermore, the iron precipitates were embedded in alginate beads for metal removal in fixed-bed columns, and their performance was evaluated in a continuous system by varying different operational parameters such as flow rate, bed height, and feeding system (down- and up-flows). The influence of different adsorption variables in the saturation time, the amount of adsorbed potentially toxic metals, and the column performance was investigated, and the shape of the breakthrough curves was analyzed. The optimal column performance was achieved by increasing bed height and by decreasing feed flow rate and inlet metal concentration. The up-flow system significantly improved the metal uptake, avoiding the preferential flow channels.Item Selective biosorption and recovery of scandium using the alga Fucus vesiculosus(Minerals Engineering, 2024) Castro Ruiz, Laura; Abrahamyan, Nelly; Vardanyan, Nelly; González González, Felisa; Vardanyan, Narine; Muñoz Sánchez, Jesús ÁngelThe goal of this work was to study the viability of the application of biosorption using the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus in the recovery of scandium from red mud. The highest affinity of the biosorbent for scandium and aluminium was at pH 3. Sorption isotherms fitted to the Langmuir model for scandium and aluminium with adsorption capacities as high as 1.04 mmol·g−1 for both metals but with higher affinity for scandium than for aluminium. The performance of the biomass in fixed-bed columns was evaluated in different experimental conditions (flow rate, bed height and inlet metal concentration). Metal desorption was achieved with different inorganic and organic acids. After three consecutive sorption–desorption cycles using 0.1 N citric acid and deionized water during the regeneration step, the brown alga showed a progressive increase in scandium uptake due to the cross-linking citric acid and the alginate chains. The biomass was characterized before and after biosorption using Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with an energy dispersive elemental analyser (EDS). The sorption involves different functional groups, such carboxylate and sulphonic groups by chelation and electrostatic interactions.Item Bioleaching of Sulfide Minerals by Leptospirillum ferriphilum CC from Polymetallic Mine (Armenia)(Minerals, 2023) Vardanyan, Arevik; Khachatryan, Anna; Castro Ruiz, Laura; Willscher, Sabine; Gaydardzhiev, Stoyan; Zhang, Ruiyong; Vardanyan, NarineA strain of Leptospirillum sp. CC previously isolated from Akhtala polymetallic ore (Armenia) was studied. The main morphological and physiological characteristics of CC were revealed. The optimal growth temperature was 40 ◦C and optimal pH 1.5. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences (GenBank ID OM272948) showed that isolate CC was clustered with L. ferriphilum and possessed 99.8% sequence similarity with the strain L. ferriphilum OL12-2 (KF356024). The molar fraction of DNA (G + C) of the isolate was 58.5%. Bioleaching experiment indicates that L. ferriphilum CC can oxidize Fe(II) efficiently, and after 17 days, 44.1% of copper and 91.4% of iron are extracted from chalcopyrite and pyrite, respectively. The efficiency of L. ferriphilum CC in pyrite oxidation increases 1.7 times when co-cultivated with At. ferrooxidans ZnC. However, the highest activity in pyrite oxidation shows the association of L.ferriphilum CC with heterotrophic Acidocella sp. RBA bacteria. It was shown that bioleaching of copper and iron from chalcopyrite by association of L. ferriphilum CC, At. ferrooxidans ZnC, and At. albertensis SO-2 in comparison with pure culture L. ferriphilum CC for 21 days increased about 1.2 and 1.4–1.6 times, respectively.Item Green synthesis of tellurium nanoparticles by tellurate and tellurite reduction using Aeromonas hydrophila under different aeration conditions(Hydrometallurgy, 2020) Castro Ruiz, Laura; Li, Jing; González González, Felisa; Muñoz Sánchez, Jesús Ángel; Blázquez Izquierdo, María LuisaTellurium nanoparticles (TeNPs) are extensively used in biomedicine, electronics and some other industrial applications. Few microorganisms have been studied for the production of TeNPs either under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Remarkably, this study is the first report of a bacteria able to perfectly grow anaerobically and aerobically in the presence of both tellurium oxyanions, TeO32− and TeO42−. Aeromonas hydrophila offers a clean and cost-effective synthesis of tellurium nanoparticles using a biological method and overcoming the main limitations of traditional synthesis, such as the requirement of a lot of energy and toxic reagents. The cells grew up to 75 mg/L of tellurium when tellurite was the precursor and up to 200 mg/L of tellurium with tellurate. The biogenic nanoparticles were extensively characterized in terms of morphology, structure and composition using SEM, TEM, XRD and EDX analysis. Different Te(0) nanostructures were biosynthesized varying growth conditions: crystalline nanorods (some of them reach more than 1000 nm in length due to Ostwald ripening), rosettes and irregularly shaped nanospheres. In addition, A. hydrophila developed various mechanisms to produce the elemental tellurium and to overcome the toxicity demonstrating the versatility of this microorganism to subsist in polluted environments and its potential for biotechnological applications in bioremediation including the green synthesis of TeNPs.Item Xerotolerance: a new property in Exiguobacterium Genus(Microorganisms, 2021) Castillo López, María; Galán, Beatriz; Carmona, Manuel; Navarro Llorens, Juana María; Peretó, Juli; Porcar, Manuel; Getino, Luis; Olivera, Elías R.; Luengo, José M.; García, José Luis; Castro Ruiz, LauraThe highly xerotolerant bacterium classified as Exiguobacterium sp. Helios isolated from a solar panel in Spain showed a close relationship to Exiguobacterium sibiricum 255-15 isolated from Siberian permafrost. Xerotolerance has not been previously described as a characteristic of the extremely diverse Exiguobacterium genus, but both strains Helios and 255-15 showed higher xerotolerance than that described in the reference xerotolerant model strain Deinococcus radiodurans. Significant changes observed in the cell morphology after their desiccation suggests that the structure of cellular surface plays an important role in xerotolerance. Apart from its remarkable resistance to desiccation, Exiguobacterium sp. Helios strain shows several polyextremophilic characteristics that make it a promising chassis for biotechnological applications. Exiguobacterium sp. Helios cells produce nanoparticles of selenium in the presence of selenite linked to its resistance mechanism. Using the Lactobacillus plasmid pRCR12 that harbors a cherry marker, we have developed a transformation protocol for Exiguobacterium sp. Helios strain, being the first time that a bacterium of Exiguobacterium genus has been genetically modified. The comparison of Exiguobacterium sp. Helios and E. sibiricum 255-15 genomes revealed several interesting similarities and differences. Both strains contain a complete set of competence-related DNA transformation genes, suggesting that they might have natural competence, and an incomplete set of genes involved in sporulation; moreover, these strains not produce spores, suggesting that these genes might be involved in xerotolerance.Item Biohydrometallurgy for Rare Earth Elements Recovery from Industrial Wastes(Molecules, 2021) Blázquez Izquierdo, María Luisa; González González, Felisa; Muñoz Sánchez, Jesús Ángel; Castro Ruiz, LauraBiohydrometallurgy recovers metals through microbially mediated processes and has been traditionally applied for the extraction of base metals from low-grade sulfidic ores. New investigations explore its potential for other types of critical resources, such as rare earth elements. In recent times, the interest in rare earth elements (REEs) is growing due to of their applications in novel technologies and green economy. The use of biohydrometallurgy for extracting resources from waste streams is also gaining attention to support innovative mining and promote a circular economy. The increase in wastes containing REEs turns them into a valuable alternative source. Most REE ores and industrial residues do not contain sulfides, and bioleaching processes use autotrophic or heterotrophic microorganisms to generate acids that dissolve the metals. This review gathers information towards the recycling of REE-bearing wastes (fluorescent lamp powder, spent cracking catalysts, e-wastes, etc.) using a more sustainable and environmentally friendly technology that reduces the impact on the environment.Item Arsenate and Arsenite Sorption Using Biogenic Iron Compounds: Treatment of Real Polluted Waters in Batch and Continuous Systems(Metals, 2021) Ayala, Lesly Antonieta; Vardanyan, Arevik; Zhang, Ruiyong; Muñoz Sánchez, Jesús Ángel; Castro Ruiz, LauraArsenic pollution in waters is due to natural and anthropogenic sources. Human exposure to arsenic is associated with acute health problems in areas with high concentrations of this element. Nanometric iron compounds with large specific surface areas and higher binding energy produced by some anaerobic microorganisms are thus expected to be more efficient adsorbents for the removal of harmful metals and metalloids than chemically produced iron oxides. In this study, a natural consortium from an abandoned mine site containing mainly Clostridium species was used to biosynthesize solid Fe(II) compounds, siderite (FeCO3) and iron oxides. Biogenic precipitates were used as adsorbents in contact with solutions containing arsenate and arsenite. The adsorption of As(V) fitted to the Langmuir model (qmax = 0.64 mmol/g, KL = 0.019 mmol/L) at the optimal pH value (pH 2), while the As(III) adsorption mechanism was better represented by the Freundlich model (KF = 0.476 L/g, n = 2.13) at pH 10. Water samples from the Caracarani River (Chile) with high contents of arsenic and zinc were treated with a biogenic precipitate encapsulated in alginate beads in continuous systems. The optimal operation conditions were low feed flow rate and the up-flow system, which significantly improved the contaminant uptake. This study demonstrates the feasibility of the application of biogenic iron compounds in the treatment of polluted waters.- Project number: 72
Item Implementación de una nueva práctica de Laboratorio: "Fusión y electroafino del cobre con una orientación a la economía circular"(2023) Muñoz Sánchez, Jesús Ángel; Castro Ruiz, Laura; González González, Felisa; Arrabal Durán, Raúl; Matykina, Endzhe; Mohedano Sánchez, Marta; Pillado Ríos, Borja; Moreno Turiégano, Lara; López Martínez, Esther; Mateo Gómez, Gerardo; Abarca García, Isabel Item Biorecovery of rare earth elements from fluorescent lamp powder using the fungus Aspergillus niger in batch and semicontinuous systems(Minerals Engineering, 2023) Castro Ruiz, Laura; Gómez-Álvarez, Helena; González González, Felisa; Muñoz Sánchez, Jesús ÁngelRare earth elements (REE) are essential in the manufacture of high-technology goods. Tons of wastes containing REE are yearly accumulated; however, environmentally friendly recycling methods are poorly studied. The use of heterotrophic microorganisms could be particularly relevant in the bioleaching of wastes transforming insoluble REE-bearing compounds into more soluble forms which are directly and/or indirectly involved in their metabolism. In this study, bioleaching of rare earth elements from fluorescent phosphor powder in fluorescent tubes using Aspergillus niger CECT2807 was investigated. Bioleaching experiments were performed in batch cultures at 1% pulp density. The concentrations in solution reached 122 mg/l of Y, 8.50 mg/l of Eu, 0.95 mg/l of Ce, 0.40 mg/l of Tb and 1.11 mg/l of La, after 7 days. Then, REE precipitated due to the generation of oxalic acid by the fungus. The residues generated were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the lamp powder biotransformation was evidenced. Additionally, semicontinuous experiments were conducted and evidenced significant increase of REE dissolution rate in static conditions. The amount of extracted REE under static conditions reached 16.5 mg of Y and 0.75 mg of Eu per gram of fluorescent lamp powder.Item Bioleaching of Phosphate Minerals Using Aspergillus niger: Recovery of Copper and Rare Earth Elements(Metals, 2020) Castro Ruiz, Laura; Blázquez Izquierdo, María Luisa; González González, Felisa; Muñoz Sánchez, Jesús ÁngelRare earth elements (REE) are essential in high-technology and environmental applications, where their importance and demand have grown enormously over the past decades. Many lanthanide and actinide minerals in nature are phosphates. Minerals like monazite occur in small concentrations in common rocks that resist weathering. Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum scarcely studied as copper ore. Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms are able to transform insoluble phosphate into a more soluble form which directly and/or indirectly contributes to their metabolism. In this study, bioleaching of heavy metals from phosphate minerals by using the fungus Aspergillus niger was investigated. Bioleaching experiments were examined in batch cultures with different mineral phosphates: aluminum phosphate (commercial), turquoise, and monazite (natural minerals). The experiments were performed at 1% pulp density and the phosphorous leaching yield was aluminum phosphate > turquoise > monazite. Bioleaching experiments with turquoise showed that A. niger was able to reach 8.81 mg/l of copper in the aqueous phase. Furthermore, the fungus dissolved the aluminum cerium phosphate hydroxide in monazite, reaching up to 1.37 mg/L of REE when the fungus was grown with the mineral as the sole phosphorous source. Furthermore, A. niger is involved in the formation of secondary minerals, such as copper and REE oxalates.