Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating arsenic from an aqueous solution containing arsenic. The method includes the steps of contacting an arsenic-containing solution with a first portion of fixing agent to remove at least a portion of the arsenic. An arsenic-laden fixing agent is separated from the solution and the partially depleted solution is contacted with a second portion of fixing agent. The fixing agent can include a high surface area insoluble compound containing one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. Following removal of the arsenic, the arsenic-depleted solution can be further processed to separate a recoverable metal through metal refining. The arsenic-laden fixing agent can be filtered to recover and recycle a filtrate to the solution for additional treatment, as well as using a partially saturated fixing agent to remove arsenic from fresh solution.

Abstract: A nanocomposite solid material includes nanoparticles of a metal coordination polymer with CN ligands comprising Mn+ cations, in which M is a transition metal and n is 2 or 3; and anions [M?(CN)m]x? in which M? is a transition metal, x is 3 or 4, and m is 6 or 8. The Mnn+ cations of the coordination polymer are bound through an organometallic bond to an organic group of an organic graft chemically attached inside the pores of a support made of porous glass. The material can be used in a method for fixing (binding) a mineral pollutant, such as radioactive cesium, contained in a solution by bringing the solution in contact with the nanocomposite solid material.

Abstract: A mercury absorbent comprising a metal sulphide, a support material, a first binder and a second binder, wherein the first binder is a cement binder and the second binder is a high aspect ratio binder having an aspect ratio >2. A mercury removal process comprises contacting a mercury containing feed stream with the absorbent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a sodium titanate that can be utilized in an ion exchange media. The sodium titanate ion exchange media can be subsequently used to remove contaminants such as metals from water in a variety of applications. The sodium titanate can be synthesized by utilizing a source of titanium that includes a nano-crystalline titanium having a mean primary crystallite diameter of about 1 nm to about 30 nm.

Abstract: A sorbent, suitable for removing heavy metals, including mercury, from fluids containing hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide at temperatures up to 550° C., in the form of a shaped unit comprising one or more mixed-valency metal sulphides of vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt or nickel.

Abstract: The invention includes ion exchange resins and their use in the removal of chromium from water. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a method for removing chromium from a water source by contacting the water with an ion exchange resin, wherein the ion exchange resin comprises particles of a crosslinked copolymer comprising: an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) of at least two polymer components each having a styrenic content greater than 50 molar percent, and a quaternary ammonium functionality.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the treatment of contaminated fluid is provided. The apparatus includes an outer element into which contaminated fluid flows and an inner element positioned in substantial axial alignment within the outer element and in spaced relations thereto. The apparatus also includes, between its ends, a pathway defined by an interior surface of the inner element and along which treated fluid may be directed out from the apparatus. A waste nanoadsorbent material can be provided between the outer element and the inner element, for use in removing contaminants within the fluid flowing through the apparatus. A method for the treatment of contaminated fluid is also provided.

Abstract: A method for purifying an aqueous alkaline solution, which comprises: bringing a fibrous activated carbon into contact with an aqueous alkaline solution to remove a metal component other than alkali metals and alkaline earth metals from the aqueous alkaline solution.

Abstract: Dissolved metals are removed from contaminated water by passing the water through a bed containing media bodies, preferably limestone bodies. Various contaminants carried by the water become associated with the media bodies, thereby inhibiting water flow. The media bodies are rehabilitated by using an excavator, loader, or other machine to scoop them into a bucket having a peripheral wall including a sieve, immersing the container into a liquid held in a wash pit, rotating the bucket so that contaminants abraded from the bodies fall through the sieve into the pit, removing the container from the liquid, and dumping the rehabilitated media bodies from the bucket. When the media bodies have filtered mine drainage containing a particular dissolved metal such as manganese or iron for example, a residue remaining in the basin is a rich source of metal compounds that can be recovered for economic use.

Abstract: The present disclosures provides isolated or purified compounds, each of which bind to a metal atom. Generally, the compounds are small in size (e.g, molecular weight of less than about 1 kDa) and peptidic in nature, inasmuch as the compounds comprise amino acids. In some embodiments, the compound comprises a structure of Formula I: M1-P1-M2-P2 wherein each of P1 and P2 is a peptide comprising at least two amino acids, M1 is a first metal binding moiety comprising a substituted imidazolone ring, M2 is a second metal binding moiety comprising a substituted oxazolone ring, and wherein M1 and M2 bind to a single metal atom. Also provided are related complexes, conjugates, cells which synthesize the compounds of the present disclosures, substantially homogenous cultures thereof, kits and compositions, and methods of making or using the materials of the present disclosures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of removing mercury from water. The method includes depositing selenium or a reactive selenium compound on a support structure, such as reticulated foam. The support structure is then placed in contact with mercury laden water whereby allowing the selenium and the mercury in the water to react. The selenium deposited support structure retains the mercury thereby removing the mercury from the mercury laden water.

Abstract: An arsenic sorbent includes monohydrocalcite that has been precipitated by mixing an aqueous solution of a soluble carbonate or a carbonate with an aqueous solution that includes an Mg2+ ion and a Ca2+ ion in a ratio “Mg/Ca” of 0.3 or more, the monohydrocalcite having a molar ratio “Mg/(Ca+Mg)” of 0.1 or less. The arsenic sorbent exhibits a high arsenic sorption ability, and can stably retain a sorbate. A purification method using the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and adsorbent composition for removing heavy metals from contaminated water, comprising including mixing a water having a concentration of one or more heavy metals with an adsorbent including granules of a mixture of 3.33 wt % bentonite clay and a siwak stick powder; and collecting water having a reduced concentration of the heavy metal(s).

Abstract: A fluid treatment device, system, and process are described that provide a filtered, metal-depleted (treated) fluid. The system includes two pairs of tanks that are piped and valved to allow one pair to fill/react while the other pair decants/discharges, which provides a continuous flow of metal-depleted (treated) fluid. Power requirements are minimal since fluid is pumped at a low head pressure. The design has applications in the potable water, industrial, mining, chemical and environmental sectors.

Abstract: A new device, method, and system are disclosed that provide for removal of undesired materials from a contaminated fluid. Materials present in the fluids are kept in motion in one or more filter cassettes that include disc aerators that improve contact times with the sorbents and that rotate the filter media to pump contaminated water through the filter media for treatment of the contaminated fluids. The device and system provide containment of sorbent fines that keeps the filter media free from clogging.

Abstract: The use of a coupling agent containing a mercapto, disulfide, tretrasulfide and/or polysulfide end group provides a mercury removal media having increased reactivity, stability, and mercury removal ability. The mercury removal media described herein is prepared by reacting an organophilic clay containing onium ions with a mercapto, disulfide, tetrasulfide, and/or polysulfide end moiety. Alternatively, the clay can be made organophilic by onium ion reaction prior to or simultaneously with the coupling reaction of the mercapto- or sulfide-end group-containing coupling agent.

Abstract: Toxic substances such as heavy metals are extracted from a medium using a sorbent composition. The sorbent composition is derived by sulfidation of red mud, which contains hydrated ferric oxides derived from the Bayer processing of bauxite ores. Exemplary sulfidizing compounds are H2S, Na2S, K2S, (NH4)2S, and CaSx. The sulfur content typically is from about 0.2 to about 10% above the residual sulfur in the red mud. Sulfidized red mud is an improved sorbent compared to red mud for most of the heavy metals tested (Hg, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Se, Th, and U). Unlike red mud, sulfidized red mud does not leach naturally contained metals. Sulfidized red mud also prevents leaching of metals when mixed with red mud. Mixtures of sulfidized red mud and red mud are more effective for sorbing other ions, such as As, Co, Mn, and Sr, than sulfidized red mud alone.

Abstract: Toxic substances such as heavy metals are extracted from a medium using a sorbent composition. The sorbent composition is derived by sulfidation of red mud, which contains hydrated ferric oxides derived from the Bayer processing of bauxite ores. Exemplary sulfidizing compounds are H2S, Na2S, K2S, (NH4)2S, and CaSx. The sulfur content typically is from about 0.2 to about 10% above the residual sulfur in the red mud. Sulfidized red mud is an improved sorbent compared to red mud for most of the heavy metals tested (Hg, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Se, Th, and U). Unlike red mud, sulfidized red mud does not leach naturally contained metals. Sulfidized red mud also prevents leaching of metals when mixed with red mud. Mixtures of sulfidized red mud and red mud are more effective for sorbing other ions, such as As, Co, Mn, and Sr, than sulfidized red mud alone.

Abstract: An adsorbent composition and method of using the adsorbent composite is described. The method for removing heavy metals from contaminated water is done by mixing contaminated water having a concentration of one or more heavy metals with an adsorbent composite comprising granules of a mixture of 50.363 wt % kaolin clay, a 4.477 wt % roasted date pits powder, a 5.54 wt % silica powder a 14.99 wt % magnesite powder and a 24.623 wt % water. After reacting the contaminated water and adsorbent composite together for a specific time the water is filtered and was found to contain reduced amount of heavy metals. The cleaned water can further be used for industrial cooling systems or watering gardens.

Abstract: Chalcogenide compounds with cation exchange capability and methods of using the compounds are described. Compounds of the general formula A2xMxSn3-xS6 are described wherein x is 0.1-0.95, A is Li+, Na+, K+ or Rb+ and M is Mn2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Co2+ or Ni2+. Compounds of the general formula H2xMxSn3-xS6 are also described wherein x is 0.1-0.95 and M=Mn2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Co2+ or Ni2+. The compounds can be layered compounds. The compounds are capable of intercalation of Cs+, Sr2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, and/or Ag+ ions. A process involving contacting the compounds with a solution comprising one or more ions including Cs+, Sr2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, and/or Ag+ is also provided. The one or more ions can be removed from the solution by the compounds. A process comprising contacting compounds of the general formula A2xMxSn3-xS6 with a solution containing UO22+, Th4+ or Pu4+ ions is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making and using and compositions of metal nanoparticles formed by green chemistry synthetic techniques. For example, the present invention relates to metal nanoparticles formed with solutions of plant extracts and use of these metal nanoparticles in removing contaminants from soil and groundwater and other contaminated sites. In some embodiments, the invention comprises methods of making and using compositions of metal nanoparticles formed using green chemistry techniques.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to treatment of fluids to remove mercury contaminants in the fluid. Contact of the fluid with active outer surfaces of particles magnetically separable from the fluid loads the particles with the mercury contaminants. Magnetic separation then removes from the fluid the particles loaded with the mercury contaminants such that a treated product remains.

Abstract: A method of removing trace levels of arsenic-containing impurities from raw triethylphosphate (TEPO) is disclosed. The method uses adsorption, or adsorption followed by a flash distillation. The method comprises contacting raw triethylphosphate (TEPO) with an adsorbent which selectively adsorbs the arsenic-containing impurities in the raw triethylphosphate (TEPO). The adsorbent is a base promoted alumina containing adsorbent represented by a formula: ZxWy; where x is the weight percentage of Z in the adsorbent ranging from 30% to 99.999%; y is the weight percentage of W in the adsorbent, and x+y=100%; Z is selected from the group consisting of alumina (Al2O3), magnesium-alumina based layered double hydroxide (MgO—Al2O3), alumina-zeolite, and mixtures thereof; and W is selected from the group consisting of at least one basic metal oxide, at least one basic metal carbonate, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A coated flow-through substrate comprising a flow-through substrate and a sulfur-containing compound disposed as a coating on the flow-through substrate. The coated flow-through substrate may be used, for example, in the removal of a heavy metal from a fluid such as a gas stream.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a fluid bed reactor is provided, comprising: a housing, at least one tray disposed within the housing, at least one motor operatively connected to the at least one tray, wherein the motor rotates the at least one tray; and at least one wiper associated with at the at least one tray which directs product on a top surface of a respective tray down through at least one radial slot in each respective tray as each respective tray is rotated by the motor. At least one of the trays is at least partially perforated material which a gas to flow up out of the top surface of the tray, at least partially fluidizing product on the top surface of the tray.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a fixed bed ion exchange water purification system. It employs a combination of electronically controlled process steps and specific systems configurations to duplicate the effects of moving resin beds from one operating position to another as is required in moving bed ion exchange water purification systems. The invention combines features of single fixed bed ion exchange systems with those of a moving bed system. The invention applies to the treatment of water having typical industrial and drinking water concentrations of various ions.

Abstract: Uses for a composition comprising a polymer derived from at least two monomers: acrylic-x and an alkylamine, wherein said polymer is modified to contain a functional group capable of scavenging one or more compositions containing one or more metals are disclosed. These polymers have many uses in various mediums, including wastewater systems.

Abstract: A sorbent, suitable for removing heavy metals, particularly mercury, from fluid streams containing a reductant such as hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide, is in the form of a shaped unit containing ?0.1% by weight in total of heavy metal selected from mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium and antimony, and 4-75% by weight of copper in the form of one or more reduced copper sulphides which have a sulphur to copper atomic ratio of ?0.6:1.

Abstract: Silica polyamine composites (SPC) made from silanized amorphous nano-porous silica gel and poly(allylamine) (BP-1) were functionalized with phosphorus acid using the Mannich reaction, resulting in a phosphonic acid modified composite (BPAP). Zirconium (IV) was immobilized on BPAP. Arsenate anions strongly adsorbed on the ZrBPAP composite in the pH range 2 to 8, while arsenite only adsorbed well at pH 10. Regeneration of the resin was carried out successfully for As(V) and As(III) using 2M-H2SO4. Four adsorption/desorption cycles were performed for As(V) at pH 4 without significant decrease in the uptake performance. ZrBPAP capture capacity and kinetics for arsenate were tested for longevity over 1000 cycles with only a marginal loss of performance.

Abstract: An adsorbent suitable for heavy metal adsorption is described, comprising a thiol functionalised support wherein the adsorbent has a BET surface area in the range 200-500 m2/g, a pore diameter in the range 70-150 Angstroms and a pore volume?0.25 cm3/g. The adsorbent may be used to remove heavy metals e.g. mercury and/or arsenic, from wastewater streams such as produced water or flue gas scrubber waters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reducing the ionic metal content of aqueous effluents. The inventive method consists in bringing an aqueous effluent loaded with metal ions into contact with at least one hydrogen-covered metal.

Abstract: A sugar-based assembly is provided for the removal of a component from a reservoir or process fluid. The sugar-based assembly comprises a sugar optionally bound to a support, and where the support is present, the sugar is bound directly to the support or via a linker group, and the use of the sugar-based assembly in methods of purification of reservoir or process fluids, including subterranean reservoir and process fluids.

Abstract: An adsorbent suitable for heavy metal absorption is described, comprising a thiol functionalised support containing a stabilising amount of an alkaline metal reacted with said thiol functionality. The adsorbent may be used to remove heavy metals e.g. mercury and/or arsenic, from wastewater streams such as produced water or flue gas scrubber waters.

Abstract: The present invention provides low cost and highly effective method for the removal of arsenic and Cr(III&VI) from contaminated water using zinc peroxide nanoparticles (20±5 nm) capped with glycerol/PVP/TEA upto the permissible range of drinking water. As Arsenic and chromium occurs naturally in the earth's crust. When rocks, minerals, and soil erode, they release arsenic and chromium into groundwater. Arsenic and chromium occurs naturally in varying amounts in groundwater in various parts of country from ppb level to ppm level. The average concentration of arsenic and chromium as per USEPA standard in drinking water it is 10 parts per billion and 0.05 ppm (50 ppb) respectively. In drinking water the level of chromium is usually low as well, but contaminated water may contain the dangerous Cr(III&VI). Although Cr(III) is an essential nutrient for humans and shortages may cause heart problems, disruptions of metabolisms and diabetes.

Abstract: A filter for removing soluble, colloidal, and insoluble particles from a fluid, including lead using a first filter media for filtering soluble material from the fluid, a second filter media, adjacent and in fluid communication with, the first filter media, for filtering soluble material from said fluid, wherein the first and second filter media create a physical non-soluble particle barrier at their interface for capturing non-soluble particles, that when retained at the interface, become soluble over time in the fluid, and are subsequently removed by the second filter media. At least one of the filter media can be fibrillated nanofibers that are loaded with finely subdivided media of powdered ion exchange resins. A third filter media may be placed between the first and second filter media to enhance capturing and dissolving the physical non-soluble particles.

Abstract: A method for selective removal of cadmium from a feed solution also containing other metals such as nickel (Ni) and/or cobalt (Co), utilizing a thiourea based ion exchange resin, and a method for eluting cadmium adsorbed on the thiourea based resin.

Abstract: A method and system for removing from an aqueous system which is contaminated therewith: (1) mercury present as colloids, ions and/or organically bound compounds, and (2) hydrocarbons solubilized, dispersed, and/or emulsified in the said system. Pursuant to the invention the aqueous system to be treated (such as “produced water”) is passed successively through three filtration stages. The first filtration stage is provided with absorption media which effects reduction/removal of dispersed organically bound mercury species and of the dispersed and partially dissolved hydrocarbon phases, as well as of some colloidal mercury and other dissolved metallic species. The second filtration stage utilizes a salt modified reticulated granular filtration media for reduction/removal of slightly dissolved hydrocarbon phases, mercury in colloidal and ionic form and other dissolved metals.

Abstract: Methods of using an adsorption medium to remove at least one constituent from a feed stream. The method comprises contacting an adsorption medium with a feed stream comprising at least one constituent and removing the at least one constituent from the feed stream. The adsorption medium comprises a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) matrix and at least one metal hydroxide homogenously dispersed therein. The adsorption medium may comprise from approximately 15 wt % to approximately 90 wt % of the PAN and from approximately 10 wt % to approximately 85 wt % of the at least one metal hydroxide. The at least one metal hydroxide may be selected from the group consisting of ferric hydroxide, zirconium hydroxide, lanthanum hydroxide, cerium hydroxide, titanium hydroxide, copper hydroxide, antimony hydroxide, and molybdenum hydroxide.

Abstract: Metal complexes (“compatibilizers”) having properties particularly useful for treating and compatibilizing nanomaterials (i.e. carbon nanotubes, nanofibers, nanographite) include metal cations and anionic surfactants. The treated nanomaterials can be isolated as solid treated nanomaterial and used in further applications where increased dispersion is desirable.

Abstract: A combustion system having improved mercury collection. The system includes a combustion chamber for burning a fuel containing mercury, whereby burning produces a flue gas stream containing mercury and a device for removing mercury from the flue gas stream. The device includes a thermopolymer substrate; and a mercury-receptor attached to the substrate. In one embodiment, the system may further include a collector downstream of the device for collecting the mercury attached to the thermopolymer. The inventions further include alternative methods of mercury removal and preparation of the polymer substrate.

Abstract: A new and improved method for treating mine influenced water (MIW) or other environmental contamination is disclosed. A number of electron donors are disclosed, including chitin complex-containing materials. The chitin complex-containing materials may modify the pH and reductive-oxidation potential of the contaminated media within the subsurface or within a treatment cell to facilitate metal removal through biological, chemical, and physical means, or a combination thereof. Bioremediation enhancing agents such as yeast products may also be used to facilitate microbial treatment of the contaminated sources. The yeast products may work with microbes to improve the rate of contaminant removal and promote microbial growth.

Abstract: A composition as adsorbent and catalyst is manufactured by adding activated carbon into a aqueous solution comprising a plurality of metal salts, adjusting the solution to a predetermined pH value according to the types of the plurality of metal salts, drying the solution while slowly stirring at the same time, and calcining a product from the dried aqueous solution so as to obtain the composite as adsorbent and catalyst. The said composite can be used in a wastewater treatment method. The wastewater treating method comprises the steps of adding the said composite to wastewater comprising a contaminant, such that the contaminant is adsorbed onto the composite; and adding an oxidant to the wastewater. The oxidant is catalyzed by the composite to generate free radicals, which oxidizes the contaminant adsorbed onto the composite to thereby remove the contaminant from the wastewater.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for extracting metal particulates for an aqueous solution using a sol-gel derived sorbent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improved removal of cations, preferably alkaline earth metals, in particular calcium and barium, from aqueous solutions using chelating resins having acetic acid and/or iminodiacetic acid groups having high dynamic absorption capacity for cations at a low residual content of the cations and high regeneration efficiency, to the chelating exchangers themselves, and also to uses thereof.

Abstract: A method to remove toxic heavy metals soluble in wastewaters of household or industrial origin that comprises the phases of: Providing lignocellulosic material with low moisture (10% or less) which is subject to grading reduction with a size below 1 mm; Defining a solid-liquid ratio in an adsorption reactor where its value depends on the liquid residue composition to be treated within a 3 and 50 g/L interval. Placing the liquid to be treated and the lignocellulosic material in said adsorption reactor at room temperature. Stirring and adjusting the pH value during the process, where said pH depends on the composition of the liquid residue to be treated. The pH value is adjusted within an interval of pH 3 through pH 8. Keeping the liquid to be treated under turbulent stirring with the vegetal substrate inside the reactor until the concentration values desired for the metallic composition of the aqueous composition are achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improved removal of cations, preferably alkaline earth metals, in particular calcium and barium, from aqueous solutions using chelating resins having aminomethylphosphonic acid groups and iminodimethylphosphonic acid groups having high dynamic absorption capacity for cations at a low residual content of the cations and high regeneration efficiency, and a markedly lengthened loading duration of the chelating resin, to the chelating exchangers themselves, and also to uses thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to treatment of fluids to remove mercury contaminants in the fluid. Contact of the fluid with active outer surfaces of particles magnetically separable from the fluid loads the particles with the mercury contaminants. Magnetic separation then removes from the fluid the particles loaded with the mercury contaminants such that a treated product remains.

Abstract: The use of a sulfur-impregnated organoclay provides a mercury or arsenic removal media having increased reactivity, stability, and mercury removal ability. The Hg/As removal media described herein is prepared by impregnating an organophilic clay with elemental (free state) sulfur. Alternatively, the clay can be made organophilic by onium ion reaction prior to or simultaneously with impregnating the organoclay with sulfur.

Abstract: A process for removing mercury from an aqueous stream using a supported selenium and sulfur material is disclosed.

Abstract: There are provided methods and processes that employ a mercury-adsorbing granular material as a sorbent to remove mercury from fluids. The fluids can be waste fluids that result from manufacturing, processing, or other treatment processes or systems. The fluids can also be fluids that are treated in their natural state. The fluids to be treated may include water, air, sludge, slurries, gases from processing or furnaces flues, gaseous flows, liquid flows, and other gases and liquids. In one excellent form of the invention, the mercury-adsorbing material includes taconite tailings.