Title: The application of flotation for the downstream separation of metal-loaded microorganisms

Authors: A.I. Zouboulis, K.A. Matis, N.K. Lazaridis

Addresses: Chemical Technology Division, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece. ' Chemical Technology Division, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece. ' Chemical Technology Division, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece

Abstract: The studied innovative wastewater treatment process involved the initial abstraction of heavy metal ions onto fungal or stalks biomass (biosorption), followed by the application of a typical flotation stage for the efficient downstream separation of metal-laden biosorbent particles. The ability of microorganisms to remove metal ions from dilute aqueous solutions is a well-known property. Flotation originated from the minerals| processing field; however, it has nowadays found application in the wastewater treatment field. The two processes of biosorption and flotation can be efficiently combined, forming the so-called |biosorptive flotation| process.

Keywords: biomass separation; biomass recycling; biomass reuse; biosorption; biosorptive flotation; metal removal; wastewater treatment; water pollution; environmental pollution; heavy metals; metal-loaded microorganisms; metal ions.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2007.014705

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2007 Vol.30 No.2, pp.287 - 295

Published online: 26 Jul 2007 *

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