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6679323 
Journal Article 
Review 
Does bioleaching represent a biotechnological strategy for remediation of contaminated sediments? 
Fonti, V; Dell'Anno, A; Beolchini, F 
2016 
1 
Science of the Total Environment
ISSN: 0048-9697
EISSN: 1879-1026 
ELSEVIER 
AMSTERDAM 
563-564 
302-319 
English 
27139303 
WOS:000377792800034 
Bioleaching is a consolidated biotechnology in the mining industry and in bio-hydrometallurgy, where microorganisms mediate the solubilisation of metals and semi-metals from mineral ores and concentrates. Bioleaching also has the potential for ex-situ/on-site remediation of aquatic sediments that are contaminated with metals, which represent a key environmental issue of global concern. By eliminating or reducing (semi-)metal contamination of aquatic sediments, bioleaching may represent an environmentally friendly and low-cost strategy for management of contaminated dredged sediments. Nevertheless, the efficiency of bioleaching in this context is greatly influenced by several abiotic and biotic factors. These factors need to be carefully taken into account before selecting bioleaching as a suitable remediation strategy. Here we review the application of bioleaching for sediment bioremediation, and provide a critical view of the main factors that affect its performance. We also discuss future research needs to improve bioleaching strategies for contaminated aquatic sediments, in view of large-scale applications.