Gold brings us closer, but it is also … closer than we think, always according to a related article by talent24h.okdiario citing Swiss researchers.

Most people fly their old smartphones and their laptops without a second thought. However, scientists from ETH Zurich in Switzerland have discovered an ecological process that exports up to 450 milligrams of 22ct gold from just 20 usual circuit board. This amazing discovery shows how a by -product of cheese production can help reduce electronic waste and recover valuable metals.

Why do so many people fly electronic devices without realizing their value?

Electronic waste, otherwise e-Waste, are increasing at a worrying rate as consumers are getting more and more up-to-date devices. Did you know that a ton of electronic waste can contain more gold than traditional gold mining? However, a huge amount of these precious metals ends in landfills, because most people do not know what their old appliances really contain. Traditional export methods also include toxic chemicals such as cyanide or mercury, leading many recyclables to avoid the costly and harmful process.

Are you one of those who inadvertently fly … gold? If the answer is yes, you are not alone. This global habit explains why more than 50 million tonnes of electronic waste is produced each year.

How a cheese by -product recovers 450 milligrams of 22 carats of circuit boards

A research team at ETH Zurich has discovered that whey protein – a substance left of cheese production – can form a sponge -like -like material that “tightens” with gold ions. The process begins with the dismantling of metals from the thrown circuit boards, allowing the sponge to attract and “capture” gold. Then, a heat treatment converts these ions into compact gold nuggets of remarkable purity.

Cheese -based approach is not only cleaner, but also converts a by -product of the food industry into a powerful tool for recycling electronics.

Could this sustainable gold mining approach transform recycling electronic waste?

Experts believe yes. Since electronic waste also contains other precious metals – such as nickel, copper and palladium – it is possible to combine multiple recovery methods in a single, more effective recycling system. By recovering these resources, industries can reduce the dependence on contamination of rare earths, and approach a circular economy, where materials remain in use for as long as possible.

Wondering if you can just dip your old phone in cheese? The answer is no. This technique requires specialized procedures for secure device dissolution and collection of metals. However, researchers hope that their findings will lead to large -scale recycling initiatives, creating a cleaner and more profitable course to tackle electronic waste.

After all, this innovative solution reminds us that waste often hides unexpected treasures. Who would have imagined that a product was remaining from the preparation of cheese could give shiny new gold nuggets? By supporting sustainable recycling efforts, we may simply turn his outdated gadget into tomorrow’s precious metal resource.