ABSTRACT
This work aimed to study, comparatively, the flocculation of fluorite particles with Corynebacterium xerosis cells and three commercial long chain polymers. Best flocculation results were obtained with cell of C. xerosis and with an anionic polyacrylamide. Both were effective in solids removal and water clarification, although flocculation with C. xerosis cells requires a higher dosage of reagent per mass unit of processed ore.
Subject(s)
Corynebacterium , Polymers/analysis , Polymers/isolation & purification , Flocculation , Particulate MatterABSTRACT
The treatment of fine particles dispersed in liquids is common in several industries and especially important in mineral processing. The efficiency of settling operations can be susbstantially increased by flocculation. The aim of this work was to study the flocculation of fine fluorite particles by the bacterium Corynebacterium xerosis. Flocculation tests, microelectrophoresis measurements and optical microscopy were used to evaluate flocculation. The results showed that C. xerosis cells adhere to the fluorite surfaces promoting the aggregation of the particles. High quality flocs can be obtained rapidly at ph 7.0 using a cell concentration of 40 mg/l, considerably lower than previously reported in the literature. The results are discussed with reference to the surface characteristics of the mineral and of the microorganism.