Green foam-based methods of mineral and ion separation

Abstract

We discuss an important gap in the literature on progress toward the development of green (microbial-derived) reagents in conventional (froth flotation) and emerging (foam flotation)separation methods. For comparison, we provide a brief overview of recent trends in development of conventional surfactants for froth flotation of sulfide minerals, as well as the current status of foam flotation in the removal of heavy metals from wastewater and selective extraction of rare earth elements.