Decontamination of heavy metal contaminated soils by flotation

摘要

Soils contaminated with heavy metals are treated basically in physical-chemical soil washing plants. Because of the concentration of contaminants in the fine particle fraction, flotation becomes a significant separation process in the particle-size-fraction below 300-500 #mu#m. In most cases soil flotation has been made in the treatment of organic contaminants. This paper presents the results of laboratory investigations regarding the flotation of heavy-metal contaminated soils. Soils polluted with oxidate lead and zinc compounds have been investigated. Experiences gained from ineral preparation could be useful but soil and contaminant qualities must still be considered. The results of the investigations demonstrate that decontamination of heavy metal contaminated soils by flotation is possible and can be implemented in soil washing plants.