4. Conclusion
This study has shown that a simple ion flotation process can be used for the efficient removal of arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium and chromium ions from an aqueous solution, in a single stage physicochemical process. Polluted groundwater, at the 5 mg L-1 level of heavy metal contamination can be treated by this process to give acceptable levels of about 0.01 mg L-1, in a simple process which uses low energy consumption and small space requirements. This process does not require the use of expensive technology, and can be conducted in one step, even at the point of access to the contaminated water. Furthermore, the amino-acid surfactant (cysteinesurfactant), identified as a suitable binding surfactant, is environmentally friendly and biodegradable.
