Effect of Biosurfactant Addition in a Pilot Scale Dissolved Air Flotation System

Abstract

Effluent production of oily water type has generated many environmental problems for several industries. The use of flotation as a separation process of oily waters has been described, although it has been sometimes criticized due to the toxicity of collectors. The development and use of biodegradable surfactants may enhance the further acceptance of this separation technology. This work investigated the removal of the emulsified oil products in water by dissolved air flotation (DAF) with and without the use of a biosurfactant, in pilot scale. The biosurfactant added considerable value to the process, increasing from 80.0% to 98.0% the separation efficiency.