{rfName}
Us

Indexed in

License and Use

Icono OpenAccess

Altmetrics

Analysis of institutional authors

Almendros, PatriciaCorresponding AuthorGasco, GabrielAuthorSanchez-Martin, LauraAuthorMendez, AnaAuthor

Share

January 28, 2026
Publications
>
Article
Sí

Use of zinc-rich extracts recovered from black mass of spent batteries as a sustainable and efficient alternative source of zinc for plants

Publicated to: Environmental Technology & Innovation. 41 104716- - 2026-03-01 41(), DOI: 10.1016/j.eti.2025.104716

Authors:

Almendros, Patricia; Gasco, Gabriel; Sanchez-Martin, Laura; Martinez-Nunez, Alba; Mendez, Ana
[+]

Affiliations

Univ Politecn Madrid UPM, Food & Biosyst Engn Sch, Dept Agr Prod, Agron, Madrid 28040, Spain - Author
Univ Politecn Madrid UPM, Mines & Energy Sch, Dept Min & Geol Engn, Madrid 28003, Spain - Author
Univ Politecn Madrid UPM, Res Ctr Management Agr & Environm Risks CEIGRAM, Dept Chem & Food Technol, Madrid 28040, Spain - Author
See more

Abstract

This study explores the potential of glycine-based and glycine/NH3 leaching of zinc (Zn) from pyrolyzed black mass (PBM) of spent Zn/C and alkaline batteries to obtain extracts with fertilizer properties. Zinc recovery was optimized under different extractant/black mass ratios, pH levels and particle size. The most effective extraction conditions were achieved using glycine solutions at pH 10, with a particle size < 50 m, and a molar ratio of 1:8 (Zn:glycine). The effect of the extracts on germination and vigour of vetch, tomato, lettuce and mustard seedlings was evaluated, as well as their impact on Zn availability in the soil, plant nutrient uptake and microbial biomass after application in a lettuce crop. The results showed that the use of glycine at pH 10 (adjusted with NaOH) allowed the extraction of more than 95 % by weight of Zn from PBM. The extracts showed no phytotoxicity, although their effect depended on the dose, pH and plant species. At doses up to 5 mg Zn L-1 , they improved the development of vetch, lettuce and mustard seedlings. Zn-glycine was as effective as ZnSO4 in nutrient uptake by lettuce and in increasing Zn availability in the soil. No synergistic effects of Zn and glycine were detected. These findings support the potential of Zn-glycine extracts from battery waste as an alternative source of micronutrients in agriculture, promoting circular economy strategies and sustainable nutrient recycling.
[+]

Keywords

BatteryBlack massComplexesCropFertilizerGerminationGlycineIronMetal-ionsNickel(ii)Zinc

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal Environmental Technology & Innovation due to its progression and the good impact it has achieved in recent years, according to the agency WoS (JCR), it has become a reference in its field. In the year of publication of the work, 2026, it was in position 16/177, thus managing to position itself as a Q1 (Primer Cuartil), in the category Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology.

[+]

Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2026-04-09:

  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 4 (PlumX).

With a more dissemination-oriented intent and targeting more general audiences, we can observe other more global scores such as:

    It is essential to present evidence supporting full alignment with institutional principles and guidelines on Open Science and the Conservation and Dissemination of Intellectual Heritage. A clear example of this is:

    • The work has been submitted to a journal whose editorial policy allows open Open Access publication.
    [+]

    Leadership analysis of institutional authors

    There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: First Author (ALMENDROS GARCIA, PATRICIA) and Last Author (MENDEZ LAZARO, ANA MARIA).

    the author responsible for correspondence tasks has been ALMENDROS GARCIA, PATRICIA.

    [+]

    Awards linked to the item

    This study was supported by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion y Universidades (MCIU), Agencia Estatal de Investigacion (AEI) [MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033] and by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), European Union [Project PID2023-149789OB-I00]. Project GREEN-AGRO-REC funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion y Universidades (MCIU), Agencia Estatal de Investigacion (AEI), and European Union "NextGenerationEU" [Project TED2021-131198B-I00] .
    [+]