Abstract: Method for the stabilization of contaminants within a material selected from soils, mining tailings and by-products, sludge wastes and industrial wastes, by mixing the material with an alum sludge composition. The composition includes one or more aluminum compound(s) and/or complex(es) together with a reactive carbon material.

Abstract: The removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions using metal-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles is a method that comprises contacting the aqueous solution with metal-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The three transition metals tungsten, vanadium and iron were selected for doping of titanium dioxide. Removal of the toxic heavy metals Pb(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) was studied intensively by using metal-doped titanium dioxide to measure the isotherms and kinetics. The isotherms studies showed that the highest removal percentage of Pb(II) was achieved by W-doped titanium dioxide, while Fe-doped titanium dioxide and V-doped titanium dioxide performed better for removal of Zn(II) and Cd(II), respectively.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for producing chitosan derivatives and the derivatives formed by these methods. The processes of the present disclosure utilize electrochemical methods to functionalize and/or modify amine and/or hydroxyl groups present on chitosan, to form new derivatives. In embodiments, a nitro-chitosan derivative may be prepared. The altered cationic affinity of these derivatives make them excellent candidates for environmental applications, including water and waste treatments, and fertilizers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for subjecting water contaminated with one or more heavy metals to an ion exchange process such that a total quantity of anions within the water are reduced; and subsequent to the anion exchange process, bringing the contaminated water into contact with zero valent nanoparticles to remove at least some of the heavy metal from the water.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for zero valent nanoparticles coated with a stabilizer to inhibit oxidation, where the coating includes at least one of activated carbon, graphene, an inorganic oxide, and an organic material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for an inorganic substrate having at least one surface having a plurality of pores; zero valent nanoparticles deposited on the at least one surface and within at least some of the pores; and a stabilizer engaging the zero valent nanoparticles and operating to inhibit oxidation of the zero valent nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing organic chemicals and organometallic complexes (organic heavy metal complexes) using zeolites from process water or tailings streams of a mineral processing plant where diethylenetriamine (DETA) or triethylenetetramine (TETA) is used as a flotation reagent and DETA-metal complexes are found in process water or tailings streams. The process water or slurry tailings streams of a mineral processing plant containing DETA, DETA-metal complexes and residual heavy metals may be contacted with natural zeolites. This may be carried out by adding the natural zeolites to the process streams or slurries while mixing with a mechanical mixer to efficiently adsorb DETA, DETA-metal complexes and heavy metals from the process streams on the zeolite. The loaded zeolite may then be discarded with the flotation tailings.

Abstract: A process for removing Hg2+ ions from a liquid stream is disclosed. The process involves contacting the liquid stream with specified ion-exchangers based on manganese oxides and metallomanganese oxides of the form An+wM3+xMn1-xO2 where A can be cations such as Na+ or Mg2+, M3+ can be metals such as Fe3+ or Co3+, and the TIC, the theoretical ion exchange capacity per framework metal atom, varies from 0.08 to 0.25. These ion-exchangers are particularly effective in removing Hg2+ ions from aqueous streams even in the presence of Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions.

Abstract: The cross-linked polyaminocarboxylates for the removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions of the present invention are cross-linked anionic polyelectrolytes CAPE 6 and CAPE 9, containing pH-responsive amino acid residues. The cross-linked anionic polyelectrolytes have been synthesized via cycloco-polymerization and ter-polymerization of a diallylammonioethanoate monomer (90 mol %) and a cross-linker, 1,1,4,4-tetraallylpiperazinium dichloride (10 mol %) in the absence of SO2 (CAPE 6) and in the presence of SO2 (CAPE 9), respectively. For the sorbents CAPE 6 and CAPE 9, the efficiency of Cu2+ removal at an initial metal concentration of 200 ppb was found to be 77.5% and 99.4%, respectively. Treatment of real wastewater samples spiked with Cu2+ ions showed the excellent ability of the cross-linked anionic polyelectrolytes to adsorb metal ions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for removing an ionic material from a fluid using a capture polymer that sequesters the ionic material and an anchor particle bearing a tethering polymer. The tethering polymer complexes with the capture polymer after the capture polymer has sequestered the ionic material, thereby affixing a complex of capture polymer and ionic material to the anchor particle to form a removable complex. The removable material can be segregated from the fluid via a removal system, thereby removing the ionic material from the fluid.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for heavy metal remediation are disclosed. The compositions contain ceramic nanoparticulate cation exchangers specific for at least one heavy metal as well as at least one carrier, typically a thickener, a gel forming agent and/or a cross-binding agent. The compositions may also contain chelating agents as well as beneficial agents such as vitamins and pharmaceuticals, with or without the ceramic nanoparticulate cation exchangers.

Abstract: The present disclose is directed to a method for controlling iodine levels in wet scrubbers, and, in particular, recirculating wet scrubbers by removing the iodine from the scrubbing solution, such as by using ion exchange, absorption, adsorption, precipitation, filtration, solvent extraction, ion pair extraction, and an aqueous two-phase extraction.

Abstract: A process for removing Hg2+ ions from a liquid stream is disclosed. The process involves contacting the liquid stream with specified UOP Zeolitic Materials. These molecular sieves are particularly effective in removing Hg2+ ions from aqueous streams even in the presence of Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions. The effective molecular sieves have an intermediate range of Si/Al ratios between about 2 and 20 and preferably between 3 and 10.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a compound of the formula KmgF3 to trap metals in the form of fluorides and/or of oxyfluorides in a gaseous or liquid phase. It also relates to a compound of the formula KMgF3 which has a surface area at least equal to 30 m2/g and at most equal to 150 m2/g and also to its methods of preparation. The invention notably finds application in the nuclear industry, in which it can advantageously be used to purify uranium hexafluoride (UF6) present in a gaseous or liquid stream, with regard to metal impurities which are also present in this stream.

Abstract: Compositions containing vinyl polymers and ionophores selective for lead ions (e.g., polypyrrole copolymers), and methods for making these compositions are disclosed herein. The compositions can, for example, be used for detecting lead ions in a sample.

Abstract: An adsorbent composition for removing heavy metals from contaminated water is described. The composition comprises of a mixture of kaolin clay, cellulose powder, silica powder, magnesite powder, bentonite powder and water. The adsorbent is mixed with contaminated water and allowed to react. Once the reaction is finished a reduced contaminant containing water is gathered and reused.

Abstract: A biodegradable iron-crosslinked alginate is useful as a remediation agent for environmental contaminants such as phosphate. When charged with phosphate, or other nutrients, the iron-functionalized alginate can be used as an agricultural fertilizer.

Abstract: The method manipulates the chemical mechanism of the toxicity of arsenic in humans, which involves the binding of arsenic by thiols on proteins and peptides, to remove arsenic from water. PET vessels and/or acrylic resins are treated with thiols which in turn bind arsenic to remove arsenic from water.

Abstract: An adsorbent suitable for heavy metal adsorption is described, comprising a thiol functionalized support wherein the adsorbent has a BET surface area in the range 200-500 m2/g, a pore diameter in the range 70-150 Angstroms and a pore volume ?0.25 cm3/g. The adsorbent may be used to remove heavy metals e.g. mercury and/or arsenic, from wastewater streams such as produced water or flue gas scrubber waters.

Abstract: A method of making a facile, surface-independent, polyphenol coating is disclosed. In general, the method includes contacting at least a portion of the substrate to be coated with an aqueous solution containing one or more salts and one or more nitrogen-free phenolic compounds. Substrates of all kinds may be used, and compounds used to make the coating may include epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC) and epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), tannic acid, gallic acid, pyrogallol, and/or other nitrogen-free phenolic compounds. The coating made using the method, methods of using the coating, and kits comprising the coating precursors are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ampholytic polymeric system obtainable by a process comprising the copolymerisation of (i) a monomer according to Formula (1), (ii) an ethylenically unsaturated cationic monomer and (iii) a (co)polymer comprising an ethylenically unsaturated anionic monomer which comprises a sulfonate group: (1) wherein X is O or NR2, R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-C6 alkyl groups or wherein R1 and R2 form together a (CR1R2)n- chain, wherein n is 3 to 12, and wherein R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and CH3. The present invention further relates to the use of ampholytic polymeric system in separation processes.

Abstract: Sorption media for removal of contaminants from fluid streams are provided. The sorption media comprise an active compound bound or linked to a support substrate or matrix. Support substrates can include iron- and alumina-based materials. A method for making sorption media for the removal of contaminants from fluid streams is also described. The method includes selecting a support substrate, and, optionally, providing a doping mixture comprising an active compound. The selected support substrate can be contacted with the doping mixture to form a doped mixture. The doped mixture can be reacted at a predetermined temperature and atmospheric environment for a predetermined duration to form an active media, wherein the active compound is bound or linked to the support substrate.

Abstract: An adsorbent suitable for heavy metal absorption is described, comprising a thiol-functionalised support containing a stabilising amount of an alkaline metal reacted with said thiol functionality. The adsorbent may be used to remove heavy metals e.g. mercury and/or arsenic, from wastewater streams such as produced water or flue gas scrubber waters.

Abstract: A support impregnated with selenium and capable of effectively removing a heavy metal from a process stream that is at an ambient temperature or is at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A process for removing mercury from a gas or liquid phase, wherein the gas or liquid phase containing mercury is placed in contact with a composition comprising a precipitated metal sulfide. The precipitated metal sulfide may be made by the process of combining a metal source, sulfide source, and modifier to form the precipitated metal sulfide. The metal source may comprise iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, zirconium, molybdenum, silver, or gold salts. The metal salt may be selected from metal nitrate, metal sulfate, metal phosphate, metal acetate, metal carbonate, metal hydroxide, metal ammonium carbonate, and metal hydroxycarbonate. The sulfide source is selected from hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbonyl sulfide (COS), salts of sulfide (S2-), salts of hydrosulfide (HS—), and salts of polysulfide (Sn2-).

Abstract: Provided is a method for treating an arsenic-containing aqueous solution by water treatment employing a titanium dioxide photocatalyst that is excellent in both photocatalytic activity and solid-liquid separation performance. The method according to the present disclosure includes the steps of adding catalyst particles to the aqueous solution; oxidizing trivalent arsenic by irradiating the aqueous solution with light having a wavelength of 200 nanometers or more and 400 nanometers or less while stirring the catalyst particles in the aqueous solution; and stopping the stirring and separating the catalyst particles from the aqueous solution by sedimentation. Each catalyst particle is composed only of a titanium dioxide particle and a zeolite particle, the titanium dioxide particle is adsorbed on the outer surface of the zeolite particle, the zeolite particle has a silica/alumina molar ratio of 10 or more, and the catalyst particles are contained in the aqueous solution at a concentration of 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lithium recovery device comprising a separator reservoir and manganese oxide, a lithium recovery method using the same, and a lithium adsorption/desorption system. The separator reservoir includes a vacant space therein and an outer wall made of a polymer or a membrane of other useful materials. The manganese oxide is contained, as an adsorbent, in the vacant space inside the separator reservoir. The lithium adsorption/desorption system enables lithium recovery through adsorption and desorption of lithium dissolved in seawater using a lithium adsorbent prepared with the manganese oxide in one system, wherein the manganese oxide can be used as a lithium adsorbent with high lithium selectivity. The invention uses a separator reservoir including an outer wall made of a porous polymer or a membrane of other useful materials.

Abstract: A method for removing heavy metals from contaminated water, comprising collecting metal salt precipitates from a water softening process, drying said precipitates, contacting water having a concentration of one or more heavy metals with said precipitates, and collecting water having a reduced concentration of said heavy metal(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the purification of water, wherein a surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate is brought into contact with the water to be purified, the surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate being the reaction product of a natural calcium carbonate with an acid and carbon dioxide, which is formed in situ by the acid treatment and/or supplied externally.

Abstract: An adsorbent composition of a carrier coated with nanoparticles of zerovalent iron (“NZVI”) is disclosed. The NZVI are synthesized in situ using a tannin extract. Methods of making the adsorbent composition comprise providing a liquid stream; dispersing iron salts in the liquid stream to form an iron salt solution; adding a carrier to the iron salt solution to form a prepared stream; adding a tannin extract to the prepared stream to form a reaction stream; and forming the adsorbent composition in the reaction stream. Methods of reducing toxic metal ions in an aqueous stream are also disclosed. The methods comprise providing said aqueous stream; providing an adsorbent composition having a carrier coated with in situ nanoparticles of zerovalent iron (“NZVI”) therein; and contacting the aqueous stream with the adsorbent composition.

Abstract: Described herein is a cost effective means for selenium recovery and refining relying on an impregnated substrate. The substrate is impregnated with selenium and provides a system and method for the environmentally safe discharge of previous selenium-contaminated solutions and an environmentally safe discharge of industrial waste water.

Abstract: Methods for the synthesis of compounds of the formula A2xMxSn3-xS6, where x has a value in the range from 0.5 to 1; A is Li+, Na+, K+, or Rb+; and M is Mg2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, or Fe2+, are provided. Also provided are methods of remediating fluid samples using the compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cross-linked thiazolidinone chitosan dibenzo crown ether, a method for its preparation as well as its use as adsorbent.

Abstract: A process for treating acidic mine drainage water to remove heavy metal ions is described in which acidic mine drainage water is contacted with direct process residue gel.

Abstract: A method for removing heavy metals from contaminated water, comprising collecting metal salt precipitates from a water softening process, drying said precipitates, contacting water having a concentration of one or more heavy metals with said precipitates, and collecting water having a reduced concentration of said heavy metal(s).

Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems, methods and apparatus for polishing a wastewater stream comprising a plurality of contaminants are provided. One system includes a vessel containing a plurality of natural media filtration agents selected to remove selected ones of the plurality of contaminants from the wastewater stream. In one embodiment, the vessel includes a bed of bauxite residue and at least one other natural media filtration agent. In another embodiment, the vessel includes a bed of compost and at least one other natural media filtration agent. The vessel includes a wastewater inlet that is in fluid communication with one or more of the natural media filtration agents. The vessel includes a wastewater outlet that is in fluid communication with one or more of the natural media filtration agents.

Abstract: A process for treating acidic mine drainage water to remove heavy metal ions is described in which acidic mine drainage water is contacted with direct process residue gel.

Abstract: A bio-inspired method for detoxifying contaminated water is disclosed. In the method, polydopamine, a mussel-inspired adhesive catecholamine was used as an adsorbent to effectively remove from contaminated water three major classes of toxic agents: heavy metal ions (e.g., Cr, Hg, Pb, Cu, and Cd), toxic organic species (e.g., 4-aminopyridine), and radioisotopes (e.g., Lutetium-177). Furthermore, the polydopamine adsorbent was regenerated by treatment with acid or hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for removing radium from drinking water using a natural zeolite.

Abstract: A method for removing heavy metals from contaminated water, comprising collecting metal salt precipitates from a water softening process, drying said precipitates, contacting water having a concentration of one or more heavy metals with said precipitates, and collecting water having a reduced concentration of said heavy metal(s).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for heavy metal remediation are disclosed. The compositions contain ceramic nanoparticulate cation exchangers specific for at least one heavy metal as well as at least one carrier, typically a thickener, a gel forming agent and/or a cross-binding agent. The compositions may also contain chelating agents as well as beneficial agents such as vitamins and pharmaceuticals, with or without the ceramic nanoparticulate cation exchangers.

Abstract: A scavenger support and a process for removing metal from solution by contacting the solution with the scavenger support, whereby the scavenger support binds to at least some of the metal in solution thereby decreasing the amount of metal in solution. The scavenger support is a functionalised support having pendant groups selected from 1,3-ketoesters or 1,3-ketoamides or mixtures thereof having a structure according to formula 1, wherein a number of the pendant groups are reacted with an amine: wherein R1 is an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, perhalogenated hydrocarbyl or heterocyclyl group; X is O or NR2, wherein the free valence of O or NR2 is bonded to a support optionally via a linker; and R2 is hydrogen, an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, or heterocyclyl group.

Abstract: A fast acting water purification system containing a source of silver ions which is suitable for use in personal or household water containers, where the non-potable water may contain halides or other materials that limit the solubility of silver in the non-potable water, with the purification agent including a source of silver ions and a compound containing a hydantoin ring increase the presence of silver ions in the non-potable water to a level sufficient to quickly kill harmful microorganisms in the non-potable water without the need to add additional biocides to the non-potable water or pretreat the non-potable water.

Abstract: A process for conversion of conventional sand granules (or other particulates) to a ‘core-shell’ adsorbent granules in which GO (or GO-f) coating imparts nano structural features on the surface of the sand granules (or other particulates). Such materials are useful in a variety of engineering applications such as water purification, catalysis, capacitors, proppants, casting, and magnetic shielding.

Abstract: Means for reducing an arsenic ion concentration in the solution to the degree of ultra trace amount are provided. Ammonium molybdate is supported by a nanostructure material by mixing the nanostructure material, which is obtained after the nanostructure material such as an alumina reacts with a surfactant, in the solution containing the ammonium molybdate. The nanostructure material supporting an arsenic ion adsorption compound such as ammonium molybdate can selectively adsorb and remove trace of arsenic ion in the solution by a room temperature treatment without a water conditioning such as pH control. In our removal system of arsenic, extra posttreatments are not needed because special pretreatments are not carried out, and special heating equipments are not used. Accordingly, our removal system of arsenic can be constructed at low cost. Furthermore, it can supply an arsenic-free solution by be constructed at multi stages.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to magnetic nanocomposite materials, and processes for the production thereof. In particular, the present disclosure relates to nanocomposites comprising magnetic nanoparticles surrounded by a polymer, which is bonded to a biodegradable polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a sodium titanate that can be utilized in an ion exchange media. The sodium titanate ion exchange media can be subsequently used to remove contaminants such as metals from water in a variety of applications. The sodium titanate can be synthesized by utilizing a source of titanium that includes a nano-crystalline titanium having a mean primary crystallite diameter of about 1 nm to about 30 nm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water-insoluble polymeric iron chelating agent having a polymer backbone and an aromatic ring attached to the polymer backbone through an —NH—CH2— bond, wherein the aromatic ring has one or two first functional groups in the form of hydroxyl group and one or two second functional groups located at the ortho position with respect to the first functional group; and wherein the second functional group is —OH, —COOH, or a group represented by formula (I) wherein A represents —CH3, —CH2—CH3, —CH2—C6H5, —CH2—C5H4N or —CH2—COOH and B represents —CH2—COOH. The water-insoluble polymeric iron chelating agent of the present invention offers the advantages of being capable of selectively chelating iron ions, particularly biologically unstable iron, and being insoluble in water, and moreover not being incorporated in metabolic processes in vivo.

Abstract: Shaped lyocell cellulose articles are provided for binding heavy metal ions and radioactive isotopes thereof. The shaped articles include one or more hexacyanoferrates that are incorporated in a cellulosic matrix and uniformly distributed therein. The shaped articles can be fibers, fibrids, fibrous nonwoven webs, granules, beads, self-supporting films, tubular films, filaments, sponges, foams or bristles. They are useful for water treatment and water decontamination, for metal beneficiation, for treatment of wound with wound dressings, for air and gas filtration and in protective apparel.

Abstract: Porous polymeric networks and composite materials comprising metal nanoparticles distributed in the polymeric networks are provided. Also provided are methods for using the polymeric networks and the composite materials in liquid- and vapor-phase waste remediation applications. The porous polymeric networks, are highly porous, three-dimensional structures characterized by high surface areas. The polymeric networks comprise polymers polymerized from aldehydes and phenolic molecules.