Froth flotation, description

In response to the success of microbially mediated cleanup of metal-contaminated waters, some commercial bioremediation products such as BIOCLAIM, AlgaSORB, and BIO-FIX are available. More detailed descriptions are provided by Brierley (1990). BIOCLAIM and BIO-FIX use immobilized bacterial preparations while AlgaSORB utilizes a nonviable algae matrix for metal removal. In addition to these products, there are several proposed proprietary processes including the use of immobilized Rhizopus arrhizus biomass for uranium recovery (Tsezos, McCready Bell, 1989). A froth flotation method for enhanced contact between biomass and contaminated water has been proposed by Smith, Yang Wharton (1988). 

Until about 1919 the practice of flotation was conducted with much secrecy, and was on a semi-empirical basis. Since then the literature has become voluminous and in recent years the scientific principles underlying it have been fairly well elucidated. A long paper by Sulman (Trans. Inst. Min. and Met., 29,44-204 (1919)) gave the first comprehensive description of the froth-flotation process and showed the fundamental importance of the contact angle. The reader will find excellent text-books in Gaudin s Flotation (1932), Luyken and Bierbrauer s Flotation (1931),... 

Floatability Description of the behavior of coal particles in froth flotation. 

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