Abstract: Shreds of a treated cellulosic paper are randomly gathered as an aggregation which permits passage of water. The paper contains chemical functionality which selectively absorbs dissolved ionic metal species from water.

Abstract: A cellulosic substrate is caused to have selective ion-exchange properties by way of contact with an aqueous protonated PEI solution followed by thermal treatment. The substrate is preferably in the form of a paper or a paper pulp which may be added to and retrieved from a body of polluted water.

Abstract: A number of purifying packages containing layers of fibrous batting confining granules of substances which can remove toxic species from flowing water are arranged in an abutting planar array sandwiched between rigid grates.

Abstract: An assembly for the rapid removal of trace levels of ionic species from fast-moving flows of water employs a compressed stack of layers of batting containing ion-absorbing granules, and a confining cage for holding the stack in a rectangular configuration.

Abstract: Gold and other metals in dissolved anionic form are removed from cyanide-derived aqueous mining effluent by passage of the effluent through an array of conduits in series connectivity, each conduit containing a stationary permeable bed of a particulate absorbent having selective affinity for dissolved anionic metal species, the flow of said effluent through said array being adjusted to produce sharply defined absorption zones.

Abstract: A composite product for the selective removal of dissolved heavy metal ions from water includes a high bulk cotton fabric incorporating a thermally generated polymer in sufficient amount to cause stiffening of the composite product and self-curling when immersed in water.

Abstract: Irregularly shaped granules of a polymer capable of rapidly removing trace levels of toxic heavy metals from water, but posing high resistance to the flow of water, are trapped within interstitial spaces of a shape-retaining porous matrix of intercontacting fibers, forming a composite structure useful in on-the-run water remediations. The composite structure is produced by generating the granules within the matrix.

Abstract: A blended composition of hydrogel polymer granules capable of selectively removing toxic dissolved metal species from water containing abundant innocuous species, and spacer particles which minimize contact between contiguous polymer granules is provided for reducing the impedance of water caused to flow through a confined bed of the composition.

Abstract: Trace levels of dissolved toxic species are removed from water flowing horizontally in a conduit equipped with overhead debris-excluding structure by suspending from the overhead structure elongated absorbent structures in the form of porous bags which confine particulate absorption material. The bags are free to swing upwardly in the downstream direction in response to heavy water flows, thereby avoiding blockage of the conduit.

Abstract: A process for the selective removal of toxic heavy metals from a flowing stream of water involves causing the stream to flow through a stationary bed of particulate polymer having amine functional groups, and injecting into the stream, adjacent the upstream extremity of the bed, a substantially continuous flow of carbon disulfide.

Abstract: A product for the selective and rapid removal of toxic chlorocarbon compounds from fluid streams is provided in the form of a self supporting porous composite structure containing a multitude of water absorbent particles of cellulosic origin interbonded by hydrophilic microporous polyvinylchloride (PVC). A large number of the composite structures may be confined within a vessel adapted to receive a flow of fluid containing chlorocarbon compounds sought to be removed.

Abstract: A composite porous structure capable of absorbing organic pollutants from water is produced by preparing a dispersion of non film-forming PVC particles in a water-soluble organic liquid, impregnating a macroporous matrix such as a cellulosic sponge or paper with the dispersion, and curing the impregnated matrix by heating to achieve sintering of the PVC particles to produce a microporous substrate which is retained within the macroporous matrix.

Abstract: A product for the selective and rapid removal of toxic chlorocarbon compounds from fluid streams is provided in the form of a self supporting porous composite structure containing a multitude of water absorbent particles of cellulosic origin interbonded by hydrophilic microporous polyvinylchloride (PVC). A large number of the composite structures may be confined within a vessel adapted to receive a flow of fluid containing chlorocarbon compounds sought to be removed.

Abstract: A sulfur-containing water insoluble hydrogel polymer for selectively removing trace amounts of dissolved metal species is produced from a reaction product of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and polyethylenimine (PEI) which is then treated in a water-swollen state with carbon disulfide. The polymer has a physical configuration that facilitates formation of a porous stationary bed through which water can pass for treatment.

Abstract: A sulfur-containing water insoluble hydrogel polymer for selectively removing trace amounts of dissolved metal species is produced from a reaction product of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and polyethylenimine (PEI) which is then treated in a water-swollen state with carbon disulfide. The polymer has a physical configuration that facilitates formation of a porous stationary bed through which water can pass for treatment.

Abstract: A composite porous structure capable of absorbing organic pollutants from water is produced by preparing a dispersion of non film-forming PVC particles in a water-soluble organic liquid, impregnating a macroporous matrix such as a cellulosic sponge or paper with the dispersion, and curing the impregnated matrix by heating to achieve sintering of the PVC particles to produce a microporous substrate which is retained within the macroporous matrix.

Abstract: A composite porous structure includes a macroporous open-pore sponge of regenerated cellulose having disposed within the pores a microporous polyvinyl chloride (PVC) substrate. The total empty space of the structure, produced by the pores, is between 60% and 92% of the outer envelope geometrical volume of the structure. The wet compressive strength of the structure is at least ten times greater than the wet compressive strength of the cellulose sponge without the PVC.

Abstract: An open-celled cellulosic sponge contains a thermally insolubilized polyethyleneimine (PEI) capable of selectively removing dissolved ions from aqueous systems. By virtue of a cuboid configuration of critically selected dimensions, the insolubilized PEI is substantially uniformly distributed in useful amounts throughout the sponge.

Abstract: Undesirable ionic species are removed from water by way of a passive treatment employing apparatus in the form of a porous container which confines a multitude of pieces of sponge containing a chelation polymer. The container, preferably of tubular shape and having a draw-string closure, is emplaced into a region through which water to be treated is caused to flow. The manner of emplacement is such as to prevent by-pass of water around the container. After a suitable time interval, the apparatus is removed and replaced with similar apparatus having fresh sponge.

Abstract: Metal cations absorbed within a hydrogel chelation polymer are insolubilized for safe disposal by treating the polymer with a precipitative anion such as carbonate, aluminate, hydroxide, phosphate, silicate, or sulfide. Further insolubilization of the metal cations may be achieved by subsequent treatment of the polymer with a water-dilutable prepolymer composition such as phenol-formaldehyde resin, then heating to cause cross-linking of the prepolymer. The hydrogel chelation polymer, containing metal sulfide formed by virtue of the insolubilization process, is useful in abstracting from water metals whose sulfides are less soluble than the metal sulfide initially within the polymer.