Development of flotation technique using γ-Poly Glutamic acid as flotation agent and its application to the removal of fine activated carbon particles and lead ions in solution<?xml:namespace prefix = "o" ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

Abstract

The new flotation system for separation of activated carbon powder (ACP) from aqueous solution by using poly γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is proposed in this study. Firstly, γ-PGA was added as flotation agent (both collector agents of ACP and bubble agents). Air was bubbled into the solution, which generates the foam that carries the ACP adsorbed PGA from the solution to the surface. The optimum separation conditions were 0.5 wt% of PGA concentration, 4 L min-1 of air flow rate, 30 min for flotation time, 0.1 wt% of ACP and 7.0 of initial pH. Furthermore, lead (Pb) in the solution can be reduced due to the adsorption of them onto ACP and flotation method to remove Pb-ACP out of solution. Combination of activated carbon powder and γ-poly glutamic acid to flotation process is a novelty method. This method can be used to remove more than 90 % of Pb in solution.