Abstract: A method for the treatment of an aqueous stream containing both anionic and cationic species is provided. The method comprises the following steps. Circulating water continuously through an essentially closed loop, the loop incorporating an ion adsorption unit which, in turn, comprises a water permeable layer of an ion adsorbing material. Feeding an aqueous solution containing the anionic and the cationic species to the essentially closed loop. Passing the circulating water, including the aqueous solution containing the ionic and the cationic species, through the ion adsorbing material in the ion adsorption unit in a continuous manner. Whilst at the same time applying an electric potential across the thickness of the layer of ion adsorbing material and removing from the ion adsorption unit more concentrated aqueous solutions of the separate ionic species. Discharging each of the aqueous solutions from the ion adsorption unit.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of gaseous chemical waste is provided. The water is continuously circulated through an essentially closed loop that incorporates a gas scrubbing unit and an ion absorption unit. The ion absorption unit comprises a water permeable ion absorbing means. The exhaust gas or a reaction product thereof is then fed to the gas scrubbing unit for dissolution in the circulating water thereby to form an aqueous solution containing ionic species derived from the exhaust gas. The circulating water is continuously brought into contact with the ion absorbing means in the ion absorption unit whilst an electrical potential is applied across the thickness of the ion absorbing means. A more concentrated aqueous solution of the ionic species is then removed from the ion absorbing means. A quantity of water corresponding to the quantity of aqueous solution of the ionic species removed from the ion absorption unit is continuously added to the closed loop.