Difference between revisions of "Team:Aix-Marseille"
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Thanks to its physical and chemical properties platinum has become a key component for the functioning of our society. One of the reason that platinum is so valuable is that it occurs in very low concentrations and associated to other metals. | Thanks to its physical and chemical properties platinum has become a key component for the functioning of our society. One of the reason that platinum is so valuable is that it occurs in very low concentrations and associated to other metals. | ||
| − | Because of this, there are only a few mines in the world that are profitable to exploit. And since recycling methods are not very developed, it is only a question of time until mining is no longer a solution. | + | Because of this, there are only a few [https://2016.igem.org/Team:Aix-Marseille/Integrated_Practices/Mines mines] in the world that are profitable to exploit. And since recycling methods are not very developed, it is only a question of time until mining is no longer a solution. |
Unfortunately, predictions state that all known economically workable platinum deposits will be exhausted in 2064. Platinum shortage could have great socioeconomic consequences. | Unfortunately, predictions state that all known economically workable platinum deposits will be exhausted in 2064. Platinum shortage could have great socioeconomic consequences. | ||
| − | As an initiating step towards solving this issue we decided to design a novel method of recycling platinum from an unexploited source — soil next to highways. | + | As an initiating step towards solving this issue we decided to design a novel method of recycling platinum from an [https://2016.igem.org/Team:Aix-Marseille/Description unexploited source] — soil next to highways. |
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<p class="lead">Many studies have shown that there are great quantities of platinum deposited in the soil next to roads, often in higher concentration than in mines.</p> | <p class="lead">Many studies have shown that there are great quantities of platinum deposited in the soil next to roads, often in higher concentration than in mines.</p> | ||
| − | The reason for this accumulation is the constant automobile traffic. | + | The reason for this accumulation is the constant [https://2016.igem.org/Team:Aix-Marseille/Integrated_Practices/Environment automobile traffic]. |
Indeed, platinum is present in the catalytic converters of cars and trucks and it is released progressively in the exhausts. Therefore the platinum accumulates around the traffic routes, on asphalt, in soil, even in plants. | Indeed, platinum is present in the catalytic converters of cars and trucks and it is released progressively in the exhausts. Therefore the platinum accumulates around the traffic routes, on asphalt, in soil, even in plants. | ||
