Scientists discover $2 million worth of gold in Swiss sewage
In a surprising discovery, scientists in Switzerland have unearthed gold worth an estimated $2 million in the country’s sewage treatment plants. The discovery highlights the potential for valuable metals to be found in unexpected places and underscores the importance of proper recycling and waste management practices.
The researchers, from the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG) and the ETH Zurich university, found that the gold particles were likely the result of the country’s strong reputation for watchmaking and gold refinement. While Switzerland does not have any gold mines of its own, it is known for its high concentration of gold refineries and jewelry manufacturers.
Gold and other precious metals are used in a variety of industries, including electronics, jewelry, and medical equipment. These metals are often recycled or disposed of in sewage, leading to their accumulation in sewage treatment plants. In fact, it is estimated that Swiss sewage contains around $1.8 million worth of gold and $1.7 million worth of silver each year.
The researchers employed a newly-developed technique to extract the gold particles from the sewage sludge. The process involved burning the sludge at high temperatures to vaporize the organic matter, leaving behind a residue of metals like gold. The team was then able to separate the gold from other metals using a chemical process.
While $2 million worth of gold may seem like a significant amount, it represents only a fraction of the total amount of gold used and discarded worldwide. The researchers hope that their findings will raise awareness about the potential value of sewage as a source of valuable metals and encourage further research into recycling and waste management practices.
In addition to gold, the researchers also found significant amounts of other metals, such as silver, platinum, and rare earth metals, in the sewage sludge. These findings highlight the potential for sewage treatment plants to become valuable sources of metal recovery in the future.
Overall, the discovery of gold in Swiss sewage serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible waste management and recycling practices. By extracting valuable metals from sewage, researchers can not only recover valuable resources but also reduce the environmental impact of metal production and mining. This groundbreaking research opens up new opportunities for the recovery of valuable resources from unexpected sources and underscores the importance of sustainable practices in the modern world.
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