Abstract: A process is provided for the precipitation of phosphates from phosphate-comprising waters which utilizes iron hydroxide of the formula Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3.nH.sub.2 O wherein n=0.5-3.0. The iron hydroxide is prepared from natural or technical muds comprising iron in a process which involves dissolving with mineral acid and precipitation with a base. Other metal hydroxides are used together with the iron hydroxide.
Abstract: A process for the heavy-metal decontamination of contaminated substances such as natural and industrial sludges, thermal residues and soils. The contaminated starting substance is treated with an acid and the dissolved metal salts are precipitated as metal hydroxides in the pH range of about 3.5-11. The exact control of the pH value makes it possible to isolate individual metal fractions which can be used as raw materials in the metallurgical industry.