Abstract: Methods for treatment of sludge with microwave irradiation for improving its dewatering are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes exposing the sludge to microwave irradiation at a power density of between about 3 W/ml and about 17 W/ml. Turbidity, total solids content and overall dewaterability are improved when the microwave irradiation treatment is combined with another method for dewatering sludge, such as enzyme treatment, conditioning with a flocculating agent and mechanical dewatering.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of a combination of a polymeric chelant and coagulant to treat metal containing wastewater. More particularly, the invention is directed at removing copper from CMP wastewater. The composition includes a combination of (a) a polymeric chelant derived from a polyamine selected from the group consisting of diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetetraamine (TETA), tertraethylenepentaamine (TEPA), poly[vinylamine], and branched or linear poly[ethylenimine] (PEI); and (b) a water soluble or dispersible copolymer of a tannin and a cationic monomer selected from the group consisting of methyl chloride or dimethyl sulfate quaternary salt of dimethyl aminoethyl acrylate, diethylaminoethyl acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide, dimethylaminopropyl acrylamide, and diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and methods for removing metals, e.g., ionic cobalt from an electroless plating operation, preferably to levels less than 5 ppm. The metals can then be either landfilled or regenerated for electrowinning and reuse. The invention utilizes an ion exchange media comprised of a silica backbone and functionalized with phosphonate groups.