Separation of copper, cobalt, nickel, and manganese from deep-sea ferromanganese nodules by adsorbing colloid flotation

• Published in: Analytical chemistry (Washington) Vol. 54; no. 6; pp. 898 - 902
• Main Authors: DeCarlo, Eric Heinen, Zeitlin, Harry, Fernando, Quintus
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Chemical Society 01.05.1982
• ISSN: 0003-2700; 1520-6882
• DOI: 10.1021/ac00243a014

A method for the simultaneous removal of Cu, Co, Mn and Ni as Cu exp 2+ , Co exp 2+ , Mn exp 2+ and Ni exp 2+ , respectively, from acid-digested deep-sea ferromanganese nodule solutions is described. The cationic species are concentrated by adsorbing colloid flotation (ACF) using the cationic surfactant laurylamine hydrochloride and an in situ generated iron (III) hydroxide collector. Recovery of the elements is species and treatment dependent. Quantitative recovery of Cu is attained above p H 6.0 while quantitative recovery of Co, Ni and Mn can only be achieved at p H 9.0. Flotation of the desired species is achieved in < 5 min by using an air flow of 17 plus/minus 2 ml/min. The collected floc and foam are dissolved in acid and subsequently diluted for analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). 29 ref.--AA