Separation of Metals from Sulfated Deep-Sea Ferromanganese Nodules with Organic Precipitating Reagents and Adsorptive Bubble Techniques

Abstract

Organic precipitating reagents and adsorptive bubble techniques were used to separate copper, cobalt, nickel, and manganese from the leach liquors of sulfated deep-sea ferromanganese nodules. Recoveries of the four elements were examined as a function of pH and the quantity of the organic precipitating reagent added. Three reagents were studied: 8-hydroxyquinoline, ammonium 1-pyrrolidine-dithio-carbamate, and dithizone.