Nickel recovery/removal from industrial wastes: A review

Nickel is an important metal, heavily utilized in industry mainly due to its anticorrosion properties. As a consequence, nickel containing wastes such as spent batteries and catalysts, wastewater and bleed-off electrolytes are generated in various processes. These wastes could have a negative impact on the environment and human health if they contaminate soil, water and air. The present review addresses the environmental and economical aspects of nickel recovery/removal from various types of wastes. The main physico-chemical technologies for processing various effluents and wastewaters containing nickel are reviewed and discussed. Nickel recovery from spent batteries, catalysts, electronic waste and other sources is described. Hydrometallurgical approaches are emphasized. Recovery of nickel from wastes is important not only for economical aspects, but also for environmental protection.