11+Metallurgy+=+Keasha+Grant

 Metallurgy  What is Metallurgy?  Metallurgy is the study of the chemical and physical properties of a metal. It involves processes that are both chemical and physical, where the metals are separated from their ores. The metals are then processed into a more practical form, for it to be used regularly. Metals are extracted from the Earth's surface through the process of mining. Some metals are found in their “native form”, such as gold, silver and copper. Nonferrous metals, like copper and zinc, are produced from sulfide ores. The extracting of these metals and their processing procedures can be done where the ore is mined, or they can be shipped elsewhere for the process.  Physical Processing  Physical processing involves manipulating the size of an ore particle and concentrating the ore by using a separation process. When ore fragments are being extracted from a mine, they can be any size. If the fragments are large, special grinding machines are used to crush them into smaller fragments. Floatation is then applied, a process that involves concentrating the ore by crushing it and mixing it with water that contains surface active chemicals. Bubbles are formed and they trap the ore fragments, which are carried to the surface that is skimmed off.  Chemical Processing

 Chemical processing involves extracting the metal from its ore concentrate and converting it into pure metal. Two common processes would be pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy. Pyrometallurgy involves using high temperatures to convert the ore minerals into pure metals. An example of this process would be smelting. Smelting is where the ore is heated with other chemicals at over 1000° C. When liquified, the metal gets separated and waste materials are discarded. Hydrometallurgy involves using aqueous solutions to extract metals from their ores. An example of this process would be leaching. Leaching is where desired minerals are chemically dissolved in an aqueous solution.



Impact on the Environment

Metallurgical industries use a lot of energy to extract metals, and high energy usage results in the release of fossil fuels and air pollution. Through metallurgical processes, sulfur dioxide is released into the atmosphere, which is harmful and leads to the cause of acid rain.

S(s) + O2 (g)→ SO2 2SO2(g) + O2(g) → 2SO3(g) SO3(g) + H2O(l) → H2SO4(aq)

Sulfur dioxide emissions are harmful to a person's health, vegetation and property.

The mining for metals also affects the environment. Vegetation lands are cleared out with the use of heavy machinery. Chemicals are put in the ground to extract these metals. Cyanide (CN-) is a common chemical used. These chemicals end up in the water and becomes a danger to aquatic animals, because the contaminated water will cause them to die. It also puts other animals in danger, because they depend on the water to survive.

What Can be Done?

In order to protect the environment from the release of sulfur dioxide in metallurgical industries, it would be best to capture the gas and convert it into a solid that can be stored. It is also common to convert it into sulphuric acid. media type="youtube" key="Nutaiy7R0og" height="312" width="447" align="center"

__Information__ http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/flotation http://www.arizonagoldprospectors.com/Extractive-Metallurgy.htm http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-metallurgy.htm http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0005250 []

__Images__ http://www.technologiya-metallov.com/englisch/technologie_4.htm http://www.diytrade.com/china/4/products/7988344/floatation_machine_magnetic_ore_separator.html http://www.sciencephoto.com/media/110754/enlarge http://www.ehow.co.uk/info_8711150_metallurgy-techniques.html  __Video__ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nutaiy7R0og&feature=channel_video_title    __Reviews__ Combustion of Hydrocarbon- Thanoja  -For a complete combustion reaction to occur, there must be more than enough oxygen present. -The products produced from combustion reactions (carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, soot, etc.) contributes to global warming, and are harmful to people. -A complete combustion reaction can be seen in gas stoves and gas furnaces. Neutralizing Stomach Acid- Dhruva Desai  -Stomach acid is hydrochloric acid and it helps with the digestion of our food.

-The pH level of stomach acid is about 1.5. It can change through the factors of stress, sleep patterns, and diet. -The change in the pH level of stomach acid is connected to certain health problems, like heart burn, and can be neutralized with antacids.

Bioremediation- Pirasha Sritharan -Bioremediation is a natural process that can help the environment become cleaner.

-Three types of bioremediation includes biostimulation, bioaugmentation, and intrinsic bioremediation. -Bioremediation is a less expensive process used compared to other waste treatments.