Abstract
Flotation collector O-isopropyl N-ethylthionocarbamate (IPETC) is widely used for separation of sulfide ores. Its removal from water by several oxidation processes was studied. Photocatalytic oxidation with air in the presence of iron salts, utilizing solar irradiation or artificial UV-A light is very efficient. Oxidation leads through the formation of O-isopropyl N-ethylcarbamate and several other reaction intermediates to total decomposition of organic compound in the final stage in 1 day. Similar results were obtained with a Fenton type oxidation with hydrogen peroxide and iron salts. Treatment with sodium hypochlorite yields mainly O-isopropyl N-ethylcarbamate. The formation of this compound in wastewaters can be of concern, since simple alkyl carbamates are cancer suspect agents.
Highlights
O-isopropyl N-ethylthionocarbamate (IPETC) is widely used as a flotation collector for sulfide ores, copper and silver ones [1]
We present the results of several approaches to the treatment of water containing IPETC, namely photodegradation with UV-A light in the presence of iron salts, Fenton reaction, and oxidation with hypochlorite
The first experiment performed on the solution of IPETC in water was irradiation in photochemical reaction with UV-A light
Summary
O-isopropyl N-ethylthionocarbamate (IPETC) is widely used as a flotation collector for sulfide ores, copper and silver ones [1]. Leakage of this compound into wastewater after ore separation is unavoidable. It is known that several of residual sulfide mineral flotation collectors in flotation wastewaters even in low concentrations are toxic to water life. Scientific papers dealing with the toxicity of IPETC are not available, it is considered as potential carcinogen and harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [5]. Related compounds where sulfur atom is replaced by oxygen, carbamates, are known as potentially bioactive compounds. Several low molecular weight carbamates (ethyl urethane, methyl carbamate etc.) are considered as cancer suspect agents [7,8]
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