the cover image illustrates the microbial recycling of lithium-ion batteries (libs). it is generally depicted as microbes (e.g., acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans [red colored], leptospirillum ferrooxidans [green colored], penicillium simplicissimum [cream colored]) attacking the cathode material on a lib to leach out the metals such as lithium (white), cobalt (purple), and nickel (green). in this issue, roy et al. advocate for microbial recycling of libs as a sustainable alternative to conventional processes. the article discusses the benefits, future study recommendations, and applications of microbial-based metal recycling technologies that utilize current concepts as environmentally cleaner options, and it specifically focuses on the benefits of microbial-based metal recycling technologies, including bioleaching, biosorption, and biofabrication. image credit: bangtu culture.
