Abstract: A metal removal system and method are disclosed. An example method includes providing a sorptive media and providing a primary ligand having an affinity for the sorptive media, the primary ligand being an amphipathic, heterocyclic metal-coordinating compound. The method also includes providing a co-ligand having an affinity for the sorptive media. During a treatment process, a metal removal response is observed to be non-proportional between expected metal removal ability based on individual metal coordination abilities of the media alone and of all ligands, and actual net metal removal capacity resulting from a heterogeneous cooperation of the primary ligand and the sorptive media and activated by the co-ligand.

Abstract: Method and systems are provided for the removal of metal contaminants from aqueous mediums using a chamber containing activated sorptive media and a primary ligand and optionally, a secondary ligand that has been loaded onto the activated sorptive media using hydraulic loading. In at least one embodiment, the methods and systems include a pre-treatment of the sorptive media, a specific volume of the activated sorptive media within the chamber, specific pH ranges of aqueous mediums, and hydraulic loading of the primary ligand and optionally, a secondary ligand, known as dynamic fluidized loading. In at least one embodiment, pore pressures of the seeding solution within the media are at least sufficient to overcome the gravitational forces acting on the media within the column. The methods and systems provide for a highly uniform and predictable loading of the primary ligand and optionally, the secondary ligand, onto the activated sorptive media throughout the sorptive media within the chamber.