Abstract: A method for extracting rare earth elements from aqueous solution, comprising: (i) acidifying an aqueous solution containing said rare earth elements with an inorganic acid to result in an acidified aqueous solution containing said rare earth elements and containing the inorganic acid in a concentration of 1-12 M, wherein said rare earth elements are selected from lanthanides, actinides, or combination thereof, and (ii) contacting the acidified aqueous solution with an aqueous-insoluble hydrophobic solution comprising a rare earth extractant compound dissolved in an aqueous-insoluble hydrophobic solvent to result in extraction of one or more of the rare earth elements into the aqueous-insoluble hydrophobic solution by binding of the rare earth extractant compound to the one or more rare earth elements, wherein the rare earth extractant compound has the following structure: provided that at least one of the conditions (a)-(d) applies.

Abstract: A waste disposal and recovery system for disposal of expanded polystyrene foam and recovery of a usable resin. The system includes a first tank and a second tank in flow communication. Within the second tank may be a plurality of settlement compartments with a filtration system. An organic solvent is used to dissolve the expanded polystyrene foam which forms a waste solution. The waste solution is directed to the second tank where it is separated into resin and the organic solvent. The solvent may be recycled for use in dissolving more expanded polystyrene foam while the resin may be removed for storage, shipment or sale.

Abstract: A waste disposal and recovery system for disposal of expanded polystyrene foam and recovery of a usable resin. The system includes a first tank and a second tank in flow communication. Within the second tank may be a plurality of settlement compartments with a filtration system. An organic solvent is used to dissolve the expanded polystyrene foam which forms a waste solution. The waste solution is directed to the second tank where it is separated into resin and the organic solvent. The solvent may be recycled for use in dissolving more expanded polystyrene foam while the resin may be removed for storage, shipment or sale.

Abstract: A waste disposal and recovery system for disposal of expanded polystyrene foam and recovery of a usable resin. The system includes a first tank and a second tank in flow communication. Within the second tank may be a plurality of settlement compartments with a filtration system. An organic solvent is used to dissolve the EPS foam which forms a waste solution. The waste solution is directed to the second tank where it is separated into resin and the organic solvent. The solvent may be recycled for use in dissolving more EPS foam while the resin may be removed for storage, shipment or sale.