Raising the efficiency of electroflotation purification of wastewater formed in production of printed-circuit boards to remove copper ions in the presence of complexing agents, surfactants, and flocculants

Abstract

It was found that the solution composition, pH value, concentration, and nature of surfactants and flocculant affect the process of electroflotation extraction of copper hydroxide in the presence of an excess amount of ammonia. A relationship between the ζ-potential of the dispersed phase and the degree of copper extraction was found. It is shown that a cationic surfactant and flocculants positively affect the efficiency of the electroflotation extraction of copper. Under the optimal conditions, the degree of the electroflotation extraction reaches values of 95–96%, and that with additional filtration, 97–99%. A technological scheme for implementing the electroflotation process is suggested.