Characteristics of bio-desilication and bio-flotation of Paenibacillus mucilaginosus BM-4 on aluminosilicate minerals

On the other hand, the float-abilities of BM-4 on kaolinite and bauxite were also investigated. With the experimental results shown that there existed the electrostatic adsorption process between BM-4 and kaolinite, and the Langmuir isotherm adsorption process between BM-4 and bauxite. It was observed that the float-abilities of bauxite were significantly depressed by BM-4, while the those of kaolinite were enhanced. The bioflotation test of the mixture of bauxite and kaolinite (mass ratio 5:1) through BM-4 were carried out by a modified Hallimond tube. With results shown that the Al/Si ratios of this mixed minerals were improved from 3.05 to 8.60 after bacterial conditioning due to bauxite depression. Eventually, 83.0% of Al2O3 were recovered from the mixed minerals by BM-4.