Enrichment of trace cerium subgroup rare earths by means of ion flotation

The possibility of ion flotation of cerium subgroup rare earths (Ce-subgroup), was explored. Various factors affecting the. flotation efficiency were investigated. The results showed that, by using sodium tetradecyl sulfate as the collector of trace Ce-subgroup and frother, over 95% of Ce-subgroup at ng/g levels could be separated from pH 2.3 media in 10—15 min. The proposed method has been applied to the determination of Ce-subgroup in a polluted farmland soil reference material (GBW 08303) with satisfactory results.