Abstract: Apparatus and methods for material separation consisting of a cyclone aerator which can enhance contact between contaminated water and air, or a oxidant gas, and can enhance the contact and attachment between particulates contained in the suspension and bubbles formed in the cyclone aerator. One embodiment comprises a plurality of plates positioned in a spaced relationship to one another within a jacketed tube. The plates are arranged in a distinct, non-radial orientation extending partially towards the center of the jacketing tube to define a cylindrical chamber within a center of the plates and an annular cylindrical chamber between the plates and the jacketing tube. A suspension is introduced into the cylindrical chamber tangentially through a feed line proximate or integral with a jacketing tube top of said jacketing tube to develop a swirling flow pattern of the suspension within the cylindrical chamber.