Comprehensive characterization and recovery of nickel, cobalt, cerium, and lanthanum from nickel–metal hydride batteries through bioleaching of spent medium by Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans

/gr battery powder is required for the leaching of metals from the powder of these batteries. The highest recovery of Co and Ni was achieved within 2 h with values of 100% and 72%, respectively, and the highest concentrations of Ce and La in the bioleached solution were 72 ppm and 325 ppm, respectively. In fact, achieving complete and comprehensive information about Ni-MH batteries can help select the most efficient recycling method with the least environmental impact for these wastes, and bioleaching is an effective method for recovering metals from these batteries.