Degradation of residual xanthates in mineral processing wastewater-A review

[Display omitted] Xanthates are the predominant collectors used in the sulfide mineral processing industry. Residual xanthates in mineral processing wastewater result in potential water and air pollution in mining areas. As a crucial project for environmental protection and water resource conservation, removal of residual xanthates from mineral processing wastewater has attracted increasing attention in recent years. This work reviewed the latest developments in the techniques for the hydrolytic, oxidative and biological degradation of xanthate in mineral processing wastewater. The degradation efficiency and mechanism were summarized. Finally, the importance of wastewater composition and the degradation by-products was discussed and emphasized for the development of cost-effective and eco-friendly residual xanthates degradation technologies.