INFLUENCE OF LEAD IONS ON THE ADSORPTION CHARACTERISTICS OF GALENA IN FLOTATION

Adsorption of ethyl xanthate on galena, previously treated with various concentrations of Pb**2** plus , was examined. The changes resulting on the galena surface were determined by infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (ATR-IR). The results were correlated with electrokinetic and conductivity measurements and UV data of changes in solution. The adsorption of a charged lead-containing species on galena surface was demonstrated over the pH range tested. The maximum of adsorption was observed in the middle pH region, where, according to the distribution diagram for lead, Pb**2** plus and Pb(OH)** plus were the dominant lead species in the solution. Also, an adsorption of EX** minus ions occurred, regardless of the lead ion species previously adsorbed on the surface.