Narrow Results

The chapter deals with some important aspects of the relationship of lithium and nickel with the ecosystem, which consists mainly of soil, water, plants and air. Some aspects of lithium and nickel use in the energy industry are also mentioned. We begin by considering the fact that the metallic elements lithium and nickel, either alone or in the form of their chemical compounds, are currently considered potential energy materials whose applicability is increasing with the transition to the mass use of electricity and batteries for powering motor vehicles. Both lithium and nickel are commonly found in nature. Even in relatively low concentrations, their presence is very dangerous or even toxic to some animals and biological organisms. On the other hand, certain plants and animals are a natural part of ecosystems and are unable to survive with-out their presence because they are vital to them. This contradiction and its implications form the main content of this chapter. The most significant effects of lithium and nickel in the environment, particularly in soil, water and plant systems, are presented. The interconnectedness between soil, water and plants is shown in relation to each other. Some of the analytical methods used for the detection of lithium and nickel are also given. In addition, some specific results are presented, which are not intended to specify particular locations in the field, but rather to highlight the ability of researchers to monitor the presence of lithium and nickel in the environment and to create conditions for their removal and possible reuse.

Lithium (Li) is taking frontline in electronic items and vehicles world-wide. Great uses of Li draw attention and are in demand everywhere, hence production also increases daily. The major problem with Li is its toxicity, which eventually enters human and animal life via the food chain. It is non-degradable and has a long shelf-life — it can sustain anywhere for a more extended period but causes much toxicity to the host. Removal of Li is a big challenge, and expensive methods need to be employed. Thus, environmentalists came up with a sustainable approach called phytoremediation — the use of plants to clean up hazardous contaminants. In this method, the plant, or hyperaccumulator, grows on Li-contaminated soils and absorbs a higher concentration of Li without compromising its own immunity. In this chapter, we reviewed the source, pathway of contamination and remediation of Li using plant species.

Appropriate disposal and resourcezation of hyperaccumulator biomass is a problem inhibiting the widespread use of phytoremediation technology. In the present study, the behaviour of heavy metals and bio-oil composition were studied. The major portion of Zn (> 78.2 %) remained in the char while 20.2 % was found in the oil at 450 °C. More than 55.1% fo Cd was vaporized and enrich in the oil. Only 0.06% of Cd were found in the char at 750°C. The major portions of Pb (> 70.3 %) were vaporized during pyrolysis and were found in the oil. Only a minority of Pb (11.2 −18.6 %) was found in the char. Pyrolysis at 550 °C led to the highest yield of alkanes with low-oxygen compounds found in the bio-oil. Pyrolysis at 550 °C can likely offer a valuable processing method for S. plumbizincicola.