Flocculation of fine fluorite particles with Corynebacterium xerosis

The treatment of fine particles dispersed in liquids is common in several industries and especially important in mineral processing. The efficiency of settling operations can be substantially increased by flocculation. The aim of this work was to study the flocculation of fine fluorite particles by the bacterium Corynebacterium xerosis. Flocculation tests, microelectrophoresis measurements and optical microscopy were used to evaluate flocculation. The results showed that C. xerosis cells adhere to the fluorite surfaces promoting the aggregation of the particles. High quality flocs can be obtained rapidly at pH 7.0 using a cell concentration of 40 mg/l, considerably lower than previously reported in the literature. The results are discussed with reference to the surface characteristics of the mineral and of the microorganism.