Continuous removal of ore floatation reagents by an anaerobic-aerobic biological filter

► An anaerobic-aerobic biofilter was constructed to degrade organic ore floatation reagents. ► Anaerobic-aerobic system could degrade xanthates and dithiophosphate efficiently. ► Turpentine was poorly biodegradable and impeded the performance of the biofilter. ► Influent pH ranged 7-9 was favorable for the biofilter to maintain reliable performances. ► Biodegradabilities the ore floatation reagents were greatly enhanced by anaerobic treatment.