Microbially induced flotation and flocculation of pyrite and sphalerite

Cells of Paenibacillus polymyxa and their metabolite products were successfully utilized to achieve selective separation of sphalerite from pyrite, through microbially induced flocculation and flotation. Adsorption studies and electrokinetic investigations were carried out to understand the changes in the surface chemistry of bacterial cells and the minerals after mutual interaction. Possible mechanisms in microbially induced flotation and flocculation are outlined.