ELECTROFLOTATION OF METAL-IONS IN WASTE-WATER

The possibility of removal of metal ions from mining waste waters thro ugh ion flotation is investigated. Waste water of an opencast mine con taining about 50 mg/l copper ions is purified. The ions undergo precip itation with xanthates forming chelate complexes with high hydrophobic ity. Electroflotation is used for the obtaining of a gaseous phase wit h sufficient volume and high dispersity. Conditions are established fo r the realization of the precipitation and adsorbing colloid mechanism of flotation. An active potassium oleate surfactant is used for the s tabilization of foam formation and for the improvement of the precipit ation with the main precipitant. Removal of the metal ions present in the waste water is achieved.