Recent advancements in the removal/recovery of toxic metals from aquatic system using flotation techniques

The paramount cause of water scarcity is pollution, which is becoming a massive issue since the last century. Besides, it is evident that water pollution is the main cause of emerging contaminants that are left untreated from industries, can cause serious threats to humans and biota as well. One of the best ways in remediating pollutants and finding a way for generating useable water is to use this contaminated water after the necessary treatment. Heavy metals are of major concern in treatment because of their toxicity, non-biodegradability, carcinogenicity, and they can cause inevitable damages even at low concentrations. In this review article, available different flotation techniques are discussed to address this issue. Flotation tends to be one of the promising techniques that have shown a high scope because of its high produce, low sludge formation, and ease of operation. From the several pieces of literature, it can be inferred that the flotation process can be conducted in one step, and that does not need any expensive materials. Further, this paper deliberates the versatility of each process in disclosing its advantages, limitations, further scope of research and fills the loopholes in the process for better effectiveness. Overall, flotation is a highly probable as well as effective treatment technology to eradicate noxious pollutants present in wastewater and thus helps to compromise environmental and social sustainability. [Display omitted] •Different flotation techniques for the noxious pollutant removal from aquatic system were reviewed.•An insight for the flotation mechanism was provided with its merits and de-merits.•Comparison of effects of various parameters, bubble generation mechanism, and type of collectors were discussed.•Key factors for affecting bubble size and bubble coalescence inhibition were deliberated.•The current obstacles and future aspects of flotation technology were summarized.