Extraction of critical raw materials such as lithium, rare earth elements and metals/metalloids from seawater (LiMare)

In this project, we aim to help shape supply security for Germany by providing key elements that are essential for the energy transition from domestic resources. To this end, the interdisciplinary joint project LiMare is developing a highly efficient, practicable process that allows critical raw materials to be extracted from seawater selectively and in an environmentally friendly way. They are to be adsorbed as selectively as possible onto functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in a continouous-flow magnetic levitation reactor. 

Subproject "Determination of the Effects on the Marine Ecosystem"

The aim of this subproject is to provide a risk assessment for the new technology. Scenarios will be simulated in which MNP crown ethers escape from the reactors into the environment. In addition, environmental effects associated with the ion-depleted seawater that is discharged from the reactors will be investigated. The focus is on changes in microbial communities and their metabolic pathways in the water column and in marine sediments, and on how these changes alter biogeochemical cycles. Different types of incubation experiments with sediment cores and the overlying water column will be carried out in order to classify possible risks in the event of reactor leakage and the effects of iron-depleted water. These will include: a) incubation experiments in which MNPs, as well as MNPs functionalized with crown ether, are added to the water column and settling to the seafloor is simulated. The toxicity of these particles in the water column and in the sediment to the microbial community, as well as possible shifts in biogeochemical cycles, will be examined. At the same time, b) dilution series with these MNPs will be carried out to determine the threshold of possible toxicity. Furthermore, c) the effects of the seawater that flows through the reactors, is depleted of irons there and is then released back into the environment on naturally occurring microbial consortia, and thus on the biogeochemical cycle, will be investigated. 

LiMare-Team

Mirjam Perner (PI, GEOMAR)

Anton Jaklin (Technical Assistant, GEOMAR)

Cooperation partners

Hydroisotop GmbH (Consortium coordinator)

Solexperts GmbH

TU München – Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Water Chemistry and Institute of Water Chemistry

TU München – Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering

Fraunhofer-Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Working Group Water Treatment and Materials Separation