Prof. Qian Li, a distinguished scholar in biohydrometallurgy at the University of South China, has made exceptional contributions to understanding microbial processes in mineral engineering, particularly uranium bioleaching and residue stabilization. His research integrates microbiological mechanisms with mineral system engineering to address challenges in uranium extraction and environmental remediation. He has directed numerous national and provincial research projects focused on the behavior of iron/sulfur-oxidizing bacterial consortia, in-situ passivation of uranium residues, and eco-friendly leaching technologies. Prof. Li’s innovative studies on biogenic coatings, microbial oxidation, and nanobubble-assisted leaching have introduced new approaches to sustainable metal recovery and waste control. His extensive publication record exceeds 80 research articles in reputed journals including Journal of Hazardous Materials, Frontiers in Microbiology, and Journal of Cleaner Production, showcasing his interdisciplinary expertise and technical leadership. As documented in his Scopus profile, he has accumulated over 4,651 citations, 289 indexed documents, and an h-index of 39, underscoring his scientific impact and recognition within the international minerals engineering community. Through his pioneering work on microbial-mineral interactions, Prof. Li continues to advance the field toward cleaner and more efficient resource utilization, establishing himself as a leading figure in metallurgical and environmental biotechnology.
Featured Publications
Li, S., Xiao, L., Sun, J., Li, Q., Li, G., Cui, Z., Li, T., & Zhou, X. (2025). Biogenic jarosite coating as an innovative passivator for acidic uranium residue stabilization using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 471, 140229. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140229
Xiao, L., Li, S., Liu, X., Sun, J., Li, G., Cui, Z., Li, T., & Li, Q. (2024). Linked variations of bioleaching performance, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and passivation layer in the uranium bacterial-leaching system. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 334, 637–651. DOI: 10.1007/s10967-024-09851-6
Li, Q., Liu, X., Ma, J., Sun, J., Li, G., Cui, Z., & Li, T. (2023). Bidirectional effects of sulfur-oxidizer Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans in uranium bioleaching systems with or without sulfur by mixed acidophilic bacteria. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 332, 1787–1794. DOI: 10.1007/s10967-023-08841-4
Sun, J., Ma, J., Li, Q., Li, G., Shi, W., Yang, Y., Hu, P., & Guo, Z. (2022). Role of Fe/S ratios in the enhancement of uranium bioleaching from a complex uranium ore by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans consortium. Journal of Central South University, 29(12), 3858–3869. DOI: 10.1007/s11771-022-5216-1
Yang, Y., Li, Q., Li, G., Ma, J., Sun, J., Liu, X., Cui, Z., & Li, T. (2022). Depth-induced deviation of column bioleaching for uranium embedded in granite porphyry by defined mixed acidophilic bacteria. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 331, 3681–3692. DOI: 10.1007/s10967-022-08418-7
Chen, Z., Li, Q., Yang, Y., Sun, J., Li, G., Liu, X., Shu, S., Li, X., & Liao, H. (2022). Uranium removal from a radioactive contaminated soil by defined bioleaching bacteria. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 331, 439–449. DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-08077-0