Abstract: An improved process is described for reducing the levels of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide present in flue gases. The process consists of preparing a bed of expanded vermiculite, expanded perlite, or borosilicate glass wool and passing a flue gas containing nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide through the bed, whereas the vermiculite, perlite, or glass wool making up the bed material serves as a catalyst for the reduction of the nitrogen oxides to gaseous nitrogen and oxygen and the reduction of carbon monoxide to carbon and oxygen, the carbon being deposited on the bed particles. After the deposition of carbon, the bed material is then exposed to an oxidizing gas stream, during which time the deposited carbon is converted to carbon dioxide and the bed material is conditioned to accept flue gas again.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for regenerating spent MgO-vermiculite and MgO-perlite sorbents, where the sorbents have been employed beforehand to remove sulfur and nitrogen oxides from flue gases. The regeneration process consists of a series of heating and cooling steps performed in controlled atmospheres during which time sulfur oxides and elemental sulfur are recovered, nitrogen oxides are destroyed, and the sorbents are returned substantially to their original condition.

Abstract: A process is described for reducing the levels of nitrogen oxides present in flue gases from stationary sources. The process consists of mixing ammonia or methane with the flue gas and then passing the mixtures through a bed of expanded vermiculite, the latter serving as a catalyst for reactions between the nitorgen oxides and ammonia or methane. The reactions result in the formation of nitrogen and water and/or carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A process for absorbing noxious components such as SO.sub.x, NO.sub.x, and HX from a gas such as a flue gas at temperature below 250.degree. C. is improved by contacting the gas with a conditioned solid acceptor that contains divalent metal oxide, hydroxide or both coated onto exfoliated vermiculite and/or expanded perlite. Before use (to enhance its absorption of noxious components) conditioning can be done by heating the hydrated acceptor at temperature of at least about 400.degree. C. for a short time.

Abstract: Solid sorbents (acceptors) for noxious components, e.g. SO.sub.x, NO.sub.x and HX, from gases below about 250.degree., specifically acceptors that contain hydrated divalent metal oxide coated onto an exfoliated or expanded mineral support, are improved by heating them before use at a temperature of 450.degree.-650.degree. for a conditioning period of at least a few minutes. So conditioned pulverulent MgO coated onto water-laden exfoliated vermiculite (alternatively expanded perlite) is preferred because of capacity and the ability of the magnesia-based acceptors to be regenerated at a moderately elevated temperature that precludes substantial deterioration of acceptor or equipment. To insure immediate activity the conditioned acceptor is moistened for use. Advantageously the gas and/or the acceptor is humidified during their contact.

Abstract: A filter is disclosed for treating drinking waters contaminated with lead or, alternately, lead and copper. The filter is made an effective extractor of toxic lead or copper by incorporating a particulate chelating agent having substantial selectivity for lead or lead and copper and having little or no reactivity with all other ions.