Biological removal of some flotation collector reagents from aqueous solutions and mineral surfaces

The utility of Bacillus polymyxa, a heterotrophic bacterium indigenous to ore deposits in the degradation of several flotation collectors has been demonstrated. Dodecyl amine, diamine, isopropyl xanthate and sodium oleate could be efficiently removed from alkaline solutions through bioremediation in an environmentally acceptable fashion. The bacterial cells were also found to be capable of stripping adsorbed collector reagents from various mineral surfaces. Mechanisms of such a biodegradation process are illustrated through results obtained from zeta potential, adsorption, bacterial growth and surface analysis studies.