Abstract: Heavy metals in a waste water stream are contacted with fibrous cellulose xanthate (e.g., sodium based) and removed from the stream by chemisorption. After separation from the waste water stream, the heavy metals are stripped from the chemisorbed cellulose xanthate and recovered. The stripped cellulose is then converted to regenerated cellulose xanthate which is employed for further treatment of waste water. In a preferred technique, the cellulose xanthate is formed into a porous fibrous bed through which the waste water stream is continuously passed.

Abstract: Sulfur dioxide is removed from exhaust flue gases continuously by contact with adsorbent, activated carbon, in aqueous slurry form, preferably in a venturi contactor. The carbon with adsorbed sulfur dioxide is partially dewatered and passed to an oxidation zone in which the sulfur dioxide is converted to sulfur trioxide and absorbed into the aqueous phase to form saleable sulfuric acid. The desorbed activated carbon is recycled to the venturi contactor.