Electrokinetic and Flotation Investigations of Surface Properties Modification of Magnesite and Serpentinite Using Biosurfactants and Surfactants

Abstract

This paper presents some results of zeta potential measurements performed into biosurfactant adsorption onto magnesite and serpentinite surface. Zeta potential and isoelectric point measurement of magnesite and serpentinite particles before and after interaction with biosurfactant broth solution and activator (nickel(II) ion solution) were carried out. The zeta potential results show that presence of biosurfactants changes both magnesite and serpentinite surface potential by physical adsorption which increases the hydrophobicity of mineral particles. Measurements of particles zeta potential in the presence of biosurfactant broth are relevant to the minerals flotation. Hallimod flotation response of magnesite and serpentinite as a function of collector concentration was investigated. Bioflotation test results show that at the presence of broth, the flotation separation of magnesite from serpentinite is possible.

The Role of Biomodification in Mineral Processing

“…Biosurfactants or biopolymer adsorption influences the electric potential of minerals and, therefore, affects the flotation behaviour of mineral particles. Didyk-Mucha [38] showed that the adsorption of biosurfactants produced by Streptomyces sp. on serpentinite and magnesite increased the negative values of the zeta potential The presence of microbial cells and their bioproducts on the mineral surface influences their physicochemical properties.…”