biooxidation
Biooxidation is a natural process where living organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, convert organic compounds into simpler substances using oxygen. This process is essential for breaking down complex materials, making nutrients available in ecosystems, and facilitating the recycling of elements like carbon and nitrogen.
In industrial applications, biooxidation is used to extract valuable metals from ores, such as gold and copper, by employing specific microorganisms. These microbes help to oxidize the metal sulfides, making the metals easier to recover. This method is often more environmentally friendly compared to traditional chemical extraction techniques.