Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of an improved methodology for adsorption and subsequent reduction of hexavalent chromium aimed at the total removal of hexavalent chromium in water, which comprises, reacting dichromate solutions with natural ferrous-saponite clays at temperature 50 to 200° C. for the period of 1 to 3.0 hours.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ammonium removal method can comprise: removing a multivalent cation from a stream comprising ammonium to form a treated stream; converting the ammonium in the stream to ammonia by increasing the pH of the stream; and separating the ammonia from the treated stream to form a separated stream and gaseous ammonia. In another embodiment, an ammonium removal method can comprise: a multivalent cation from a stream comprising ammonium to form a treated stream comprising a total of less than or equal to about 50 ppm by weight of multivalent cations; increasing the pH of the stream to a conversion pH; converting the ammonium to ammonia; and separating the ammonia from the treated stream to form a separated stream and gaseous ammonia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using foam to remove pollutants and/or heavy metals from a flowable media. The method may include providing a foam that may include cavities wherein the cavities may include an adsorbent composition of iron oxyhydroxy granules. The iron oxyhydroxy granules may have a BET surface area of >100 m2/g and a mean particle size of 0.1 mm-2 mm. The method may further include passing a flowable media containing pollutants and/or heavy metals through the foam wherein the pollutants and heavy metals may be removed from the flowable media by the iron oxyhydroxy granules. A method of manufacturing the foam is also disclosed. The method may include introducing an adsorbent composition into a liquid reaction composite to form a mixture and adding an isocyanate reaction component to the mixture to form the foam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for eliminating metal halides which are present in a liquid or gaseous, organic or non-organic effluent. According to the invention, the elimination is carried out by absorption of said metal halides on alumina agglomerates. The inventive method is characterised in that: the specific surface area of said agglomerates is between 50 and 350 m2/g, preferably between 70 and 300 m2/g and, better still, between 80 and 250 m2/g; and the V80? thereof is greater than or equal to 20 ml/100 g, preferably greater than or equal to 25 ml/100 g, better still greater than or equal to 30 ml/100 g and, optimally, greater than or equal to 35 ml/100 g.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of making hydrous zirconium oxide having desirable properties, including resistance to moisture content, predetermined particle size, and developed porosity and surface area. The inventive material is suitable for use as an ion exchanger, a catalyst and a catalyst support. The process comprises providing a liquid comprising a zirconium compound and an alkali metal-containing reagent. The alkali metal-containing reagent may comprise a compound selected from the group consisting of MOH-M2SO4, MOH-M3PO4, and combinations thereof, where M is at least one of Li, Na and K. The zirconium compound may be treated with the alkali metal-containing reagent effective to form a mixture which achieves an uptake of alkali metal in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 meq/g. The mixture is reacted to form the hydrous zirconium oxide. A molar ratio of SO4/Zr and PO4/Zr in the mixture may range from 0.2-0.7:1. The mixture may be heated at a temperature ranging from 80 to 150° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product for, and a method of, treating gases, fumes and vapors with fragments of crustacean shell so as to extract one or more components/pollutants from the gases.

Abstract: Undesirable metal cation contaminants, including hafnium, can be reduced from a solution containing Lutetium-177 on a bed of an anion exchange resin. The thus purified solution can be stored and transported in a polypropylene vial, to prevent the possibility of hafnium entering the solution from a glassware wall and of Lutetium from being lost from the solution by chemically reacting with a glassware wall. The vial can be sealed with a rubber stopper which has a polytetrafluoroethylene coating facing the solution to prevent the possibility of contaminants which could interfere with later uses of the Lutetium-177 from leaching into the solution from the rubber stopper. Recipients of the Lutetium-177-containing vial can be provided with a prepackaged column of the anion exchange resin to enable such recipients to remove the hafnium which accumulated in the solution as a product of radioactive decay during shipment.

Abstract: A method for absorbing an ion from a fluid by using dispersing an organic acid into an anion surfactant solution, mixing in a divalent-metal containing compound and a trivalent-metal containing compound and calcining the resulting solid layered double hydroxide product to form an absorbent material and then contacting the absorbent material with an aqueous solution of cations or anions to be absorbed.

Abstract: Nanocomposite materials having a composition including an inorganic constituent, a preformed organic polymer constituent, and a metal ion sequestration constituent are disclosed. The nanocomposites are characterized by being single phase, substantially homogeneous materials wherein the preformed polymer constituent and the inorganic constituent form an interpenetrating network with each other. The inorganic constituent may be an inorganic oxide, such as silicon dioxide, formed by the in situ catalyzed condensation of an inorganic precursor in the presence of the solvated polymer and metal ion sequestration constituent. The polymer constituent may be any hydrophilic polymer capable of forming a type I nanocomposite such as, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyethyleneoxide (PEO), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and combinations thereof. Nanocomposite materials of the present invention may be used as permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) to remediate contaminated groundwater.

Abstract: Filter or filter-element designated for Modified Electro-Dialysis (MED) purposes characterized in that the filter or filter-element comprises a porous, ceramic, mainly uniform material with functional, preferably ion selective groups grafted onto the inner, porous surface of the ceramic body. The outer surface of the filter or filter-element may be completely or partly covered by layers of porous, ceramic membranes with a pore size of less than 1 ?m and thickness less than 1 mm, and/or anion, cation or bipolar groups or membranes. The thickness of the filter-element is larger than 1 mm and has pores of size larger than 1 ?m. The invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of such a filter either continuously by tape-casting, extruding, rolling or calendaring or single-bodied by casting, pressing or forging, of a paste containing a non-conductive, ceramic material.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a material based on organic and/or inorganic fibres and chitosan for fixing metal ions contained in an effluent. The invention is characterised in that chitosan represents between 0.01 and 20% by dry weight of fibres and its degree of deacetylation is higher than 90%.

Abstract: A water-insoluble polymeric oxidizing medium is contemplated that has a plurality of polymerized N-pyridinium vinylbenzyl triiodide or tribromide moieties whose pyridinium rings bear two substituents, R1 and R2, that are independently a hydrido or a C1–C4 alkyl group, and correspond in structure to the formula A process for preparing aseptic water and an apparatus useful for carrying out that process, both of which utilize a contemplated polymeric oxidizing medium are disclosed, as are processes for oxidizing trivalent arsenic or antimony to pentavalent arsenic or antimony and for removing arsenic from water. Alumina particles containing meta-periodate, iron or manganese are also disclosed that can be used to sorb pentavalent arsenic and antimony, as well as cobalt and mercury.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and process using the composition for removing metal ions from aqueous process solutions. These compositions include a non-metallic compound entrapped within or supported onto a substrate. In one embodiment, the non-metallic compound is a thiuram. In another embodiment, the compositions further include non-metallic compound that is a dithiocarbamate. These compositions are contacted with the metal ions in the aqueous process solution to form an organometallic complex precipitate.

Abstract: A treatment facility for removing toxic metals from storm water runoff to provide clean water. The treatment facility includes a pretreatment chamber for removing large toxic particles from the storm water runoff and absorbent chamber for removing fine particles of toxic metals from the storm water runoff. The absorption chamber has an absorption bed of three absorptive materials for removing the fine particles of toxic metals from the storm water runoff.

Abstract: A method for removing perchlorate or other anionic contaminates from ground water which comprises the step of passing the ground water over activated carbon, wherein the activated carbon has been either preloaded with an organic cation functional group or organic cation polymer or cationic monomer, or tailored with ammonium or other reduced nitrogen-containing compound.

Abstract: A method and test for field sample arsenic speciation in aqueous solutions, in particular, arsenic speciation in drinking water, is described. In particular, the method and test uses in series three columns wherein the first column removes interfering cations from water, the second column removes dimethylarsenate (DMA) from the water, and the third column removes As(V) (collectively H3AsO4/H2AsO4?/HAsO42?/AsO43?) and monomethylarsinate (MMA) while As(III) (collectively H3AsO3/H2AsO3?/HAsO32?/AsO33?) remains in the water effluent. The bound arsenic species are separately eluted from the columns in a laboratory and then each of the eluants and the effluent are tested for the arsenic species, preferably using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Abstract: The method for removing silicon dioxide from a contaminant-removal media bed comprises adding a scrub solution containing an acidic solution of sodium fluoride to a media bed containing silicon dioxide. The scrub solution is allowed to remove the silicon dioxide before the scrub solution is removed from the bed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selectively removing metal ions of interest from a solution (12), such as the wastewater from a chemical mechanical polishing process. The method comprises contacting a solution (12) containing solid particles, an oxidizing agent and a first concentration of the metal ions with an ion-exchange resin (20), such as a crosslinked poly-4-vinylpyridine resin, that is resistant to damage by the oxidizing agent and that is operative when in contact with the solution (12) to exchange selected ones of the metal ions in the solution for selected preferred ions in the ion-exchange resin thereby to produce a treated solution (22) having a second concentration of the metal ions that is lower than the first concentration. The present invention also relates to an apparatus (100) and system (500) for use with the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming a well completion brine solution by using an organic chelant that is capable of discriminating between (i) iron and non-zinc heavy metals; and (ii) calcium and zinc. The chelant contains a functional group selected from the group —CO2H or —PO(OH)R20 or a salt or ester thereof, —C(O)—, —OE, —SE, —N?C(R2)R3, EO—N?C(R2)R3, —N(R2)R3, and —N(C(O)R1)R2 group optionally substituted with a —COOH or —PO(OH)R20 or a salt or ester thereof, —SE or —OE group, wherein R2 and R3 are independently selected from E or forms, with nitrogen, phosphorous, oxygen or sulfur, a heterocyclic ring; E is R1 or —H; R1 is a C1–C30 alkyl or aralkyl group or a derivative thereof and R20 is —OH or R1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for enhancing the metal contaminant sorption capacity of mineral compounds within a groundwater-bearing formation by manipulating the pH and the surface acidity of the mineral compounds. The process is useful in removing metal contaminants from groundwater within a groundwater-bearing formation, providing a backstop treatment for groundwater after previous water treatment, and for protection of water sources, for example well-head protection.

Abstract: Niobate-based octahedral molecular sieves having significant activity for multivalent cations and a method for synthesizing such sieves are disclosed. The sieves have a net negatively charged octahedral framework, comprising niobium, oxygen, and octahedrally coordinated lower valence transition metals. The framework can be charge balanced by the occluded alkali cation from the synthesis method. The alkali cation can be exchanged for other contaminant metal ions. The ion-exchanged niobate-based octahedral molecular sieve can be backexchanged in acidic solutions to yield a solution concentrated in the contaminant metal. Alternatively, the ion-exchanged niobate-based octahedral molecular sieve can be thermally converted to a durable perovskite phase waste form.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and process using the composition for removing metal ions from aqueous process solutions. These compositions include a non-metallic compound and a suitable carrier. In one embodiment, the non-metallic compound is a thiuram. In another embodiment, the non-metallic compound can further include a dithiocarbamate. These compositions are contacted with the metal ions in the aqueous process solution having a wetting agent to form an organometallic complex precipitate. The precipitate can then be separated from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A process for the production of dual-functional ion exchange resins from lignocellulosic agricultural material involving anionization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with citric acid and then cationization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea (DMDHEU) and choline chloride, or cationization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with DMDHEU and choline chloride and then anionization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with citric acid.

Abstract: The invention is directed to open-framework and microporous solids well suited for use in catalysis and ion exchange. The microporous solids are constructed by using a salt template which can be readily removed without destroying the framework of the micropore. Various microporous solids can be formed having different geometric structures depending upon the templating salt used and the concentration. Examples of two compounds include Na2Cs[Mn3(P2O7)2]Cl and K2.02Cs2.90[Cu3(P2O7)2]Cl2.92. Both compounds have 3-D (Mn, Cu)-P-O frameworks.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of a metal from a liquid medium containing the metal I solution or in finely divided insoluble from comprises contacting the medium with a functionalized polymer fiber capable of binding the metal and recovering the metal from the fiber. The polymer fiber is suitably a polyolefin, a fluorinated polyethylene, cellulose or viscose, which is functionalized by the radiation grafting of at least one monomer. The method is particularly suitable for the recovery of platinum group metals from process residues.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method and an installation for removal of metal cations contained in a liquid, in which said liquid is brought into contact at a temperature greater than or equal to 60° C. with a chelating ion exchange resin formed from a polyazacycloalkane grafted on a solid support, said resin having been conditioned, previously to said contacting, at a pH of 4 to 6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing novel, monodisperse ion exchangers having chelating functional groups, and their use for adsorbing metal compounds, in particular, heavy metal compounds and noble metal compounds, and also for extracting alkaline-earth metals from saline solutions from alkali metal chloride electrolysis.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising bauxite refinery residues that have been reacted with sufficient calcium and magnesium ions that they have a reaction pH of less than 10.5, and one or more water treating additives. The invention also provides processes for treatment of water containing dissolved inorganic substances involving stepwise treatment of the water in which the reacted bauxite refinery residues are added after the addition of a pH-raising additive. The invention also provides processes for treatment of water containing dissolved inorganic substances in which the reacted bauxite refinery residues are added stepwise, with one or more water treating additives also being added in at least one of the steps.

Abstract: A method for separating a metal (a) from a metal (2), preferably zirconium from hafnium, which consists in dissolving said metals in an aqueous solution wherein said metals are in a state preventing them from passing through a nanofiltration membrane; treating the aqueous medium with a ligand, for example EDTA, which is complexed with metal (1) and/or metal (2), then in passing the resulting treated medium on a filtering membrane allowing through the ligand-metal complexes, but retaining the metals not complexed with the ligand.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selectively removing metal ions of interest from a solution (12), such as the wastewater from a chemical mechanical polishing process. The method comprises contacting a solution (12) containing solid particles, an oxidizing agent and a first concentration of the metal ions with an ion-exchange resin (20), such as a crosslinked poly-4-v resin, that is resistant to damage by the oxidizing agent and that is operative when in contact with the solution (12) to exchange selected ones of the metal ions in the solution for selected preferred ions in the ion-exchange resin thereby to produce a treated solution (22) having a second concentration of the metal ions that is lower than the first concentration. The present invention also relates to an apparatus (100) and system (500) for use with the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a contaminant removal agent comprising a polyvalent metal sulfide on the surface of an inert substrate. The substrate can be a layered silicate, such as vermiculite, an aluminosilicate such as montmorillonite, or a nonlayered silicate such as a zeolite. The agent removes mercury from process streams. The ion exchange to deposit the polyvalent metal on the substrate is preferably performed at a pH above the pHZPC.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for monitoring and eliminating gas build-up in an anion exchange column comprised of an anion exchange material placed within a vessel and a liquid layer comprising water contaminated by at least antimony passing through said vessel, which method comprises maintaining said anion exchange material within said liquid layer by allowing gases produced by a reaction of said liquid layer with said anion exchange material to be released from said anion exchange vessel though a valve or other gas release mechanism.

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 method for removing metal contaminants from acidic mine wastewater using lignin derivatives, such as lignosulfonates and kraft lignin, an alkali coagulant, such as a lime compound, and an alkaline composition for increasing the pH. The lignin derivatives are dispersed in the wastewater and the coagulant is added, increasing the pH to about 4.5–8.5 and causing the formation of a floc. The alkaline composition is then added to bring the pH to about 9 to 10, causing the further formation of a floc. Optionally, air oxidation is carried out, reducing the pH to about 8.1–8.6. Optionally, a ferric or ferrous salt may also be added. The flocs comprise metal-lignin colloids, metal hydroxides and metal salts. The flocs coagulate to form a sludge. Optionally, fly ash or diatomaceous earth may be added to increase the density and stability of the sludge. The sludge that is formed contains the metals and is separated from the treated water by filtration.

Abstract: The preparation of concentrated solutions of oxime metal extractants, such as aldoximes and ketoximes, or mixtures of aldoxime and ketoxime, and the use thereof in formulating or preparing extraction reagent compositions for use in an extractant organic phase in a process of extracting metals from aqueous solutions containing metal values; and in particular, to concentrates which are solutions of individual ketoxime or aldoxime or mixtures of water-insoluble hydroxy aldoximes and ketoximes, in varying ratios by weight of 1:100 aldoxime to ketoxime, or conversely, 100:1 ketoxime to aldoxime, in water-immiscible hydrocarbon solvents or equilibrium modifiers. The invention also provides for maintaining stability of concentrates determined by accelerating rate calorimetry to define the ranges of oxime concentration and volume whereby the concentrate will be a stable, flowable, pourable and pumpable concentrate which can be safely stored long term.

Abstract: A treatment facility for removing toxic metals from storm water runoff to provide clean water. The treatment facility includes a pretreatment chamber for removing large toxic particles from the storm water runoff and absorbent chamber for removing fine particles of toxic metals from the storm water runoff. The absorption chamber has an absorption bed of three absorptive materials for removing the fine particles of toxic metals from the storm water runoff.

Abstract: A solid ion-exchange material useful for removing heavy metals or radionuclides from an aqueous solution comprising a modified clinoptilolite, and methods of using same are provided.

Abstract: A silica-polyamine based extraction material removes selected transition metal ions from solution in the presence of iron ions. The silica-polyamine base is a reaction product of a polyamine and a covalently anchored trifunctional hydrocarbylsilyl that yields non-crosslinked amino groups to which pyridine function group is attached. The extraction material is particularly useful in selectively removing copper from low concentration, low pH leach solutions separating copper from ferric iron or chloride ions. The product is a durable, high capacity extraction material that selectively captures copper at high flow rates and releases that copper into highly concentrated solutions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mixtures of various adsorption materials, whose adsorption properties supplement one another in the mixture.

Abstract: Methods for removing organolead compounds from aqueous and non-aqueous organolead compositions. The methods of the present invention include: providing aqueous or non-aqueous compositions including organolead compounds; ozonating the organolead compositions with ozone, wherein the organolead compounds are oxidized producing insoluble lead oxide polymers; contacting the aqueous or non-aqueous compositions including insoluble lead oxide polymers through activated carbon to remove the insoluble lead oxide polymers; filtering the aqueous or non-aqueous compositions including lead oxide polymers through at least one filtering means to remove the insoluble lead oxide polymers; and recovering the aqueous or non-aqueous compositions substantially free of organolead compounds and/or other unwanted contaminants or impurities.

Abstract: An alginate gel adsorbent to remove heavy metal ions according to the present invention is prepared by adding dropwisely 0.1-5 wt % alginate solution to a polyvalent cationic solution thereby cross-linking alginic acid with polyvalent cations. An alginate gel adsorbent containing activated carbon capable of simultaneously removing heavy metal ions and organotoxic materials, that is, activated carbon/alginate gel adsorbent, is prepared by adding dropwisely a mixed solution of 0.17-10 wt % of alginate and 0.1-10 wt % of activated carbon powder to a polyvalent cationic solution thereby cross-linking alginic acid with polyvalent cations in order to immobilize polyvalent cation to alginic acid containing activated carbon. The polyvalent cationic solution is selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride (CaCl2), strontium chloride (SrCl2), barium chloride (BaCl2) and aluminium chloride (AlCl3).

Abstract: Highly pure aqueous solution of ammonia, typically electronics grade for use in semiconductor manufacturing is prepared by passing a solution of ammonia through at least one cation exchange resin bed to remove substantially all of the cation contaminants; subsequently passing the cation exchange resin effluent through at least one anion exchange resin; and recovering an aqueous solution of ammonia product substantially free of ionic contaminants.

Abstract: A zirconium phosphate compound having a Zr:P ratio of from about 1.80-2.0 to 1, which compound's H-form exhibits a single peak at ?13.7±0.5 ppm in the 31P NMR spectra. The compound is useful as a catalyst, catalyst support and ion exchange media having a high affinity for cobalt and nickel ions.

Abstract: A process for recovering cyanide from feed material containing cyanide and copper involves the steps of: (a) contacting the feed material with a strong base anion exchange resin whereby copper and cyanide from the feed material are adsorbed onto the resin; (b) contacting the resulting resin with an eluant solution containing free cyanide ion to elute copper and cyanide from the resin; (c) separating the eluted resin from the eluting solution or eluate from step (b); (d) acidifying the eluate from step (b) to precipitate copper; (e) separating the acidified solution from the precipitate in step (d) and alkalizing directly or after concentration the separated solution containing HCN; (f) contacting the eluted resin from step (b) with an acid to condition the resin and remove additional cyanide while leaving most of the copper in the resin phase; (g) converting the HCN solution formed in step (f) to cyanide ion, directly or after concentration of the HCN solution, by the addition of alkali; and (h) returning the

Abstract: An ion exchange process for removing arsenic from drinking water is disclosed which uses a mixed ion regenerant and generates minimal levels of waste.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system comprises a filter and at least one electrodeionization (EDI) unit for chemical recovery. The filter is adapted to receive a fluid and to remove a selected chemical element or contaminant from the fluid. The EDI unit is coupled to the filter and adapted to recover a chemical element from the fluid and to separate the recovered chemical element from the fluid.

Abstract: A matrix for water decontamination has an amended sorbant cellulose substrate with an iron (ferric) oxyhydroxide component and a component to sorb dissolved organic compounds retained by the cellulose substrate.

Abstract: The slag-only Vertical Flow Pond, which we have developed, is a passive treatment component capable of removing large concentrations of metals, especially manganese, from water to extremely low concentrations while neutralizing acidity and producing alkalinity. An improvement to this design is the Hybrid Flow Pond (HFP), which is a passive treatment system component that consists of an open, pond-like structure utilizing a horizontal operational flow path (or a vertical flow path if desired) with a vertical flush flow path. By creating flushing flow paths generally perpendicular to operational flow paths, the development of preferential flow paths that encourage short circuiting can be prevented. Additional head can be generated prior to flushing by adjusting the water level in the pond. Although any treatment media can be used with this system, the use of basic steel slag is particularly useful in the removal of metals, especially manganese from aqueous solutions.

Abstract: A continuous Liquid-Solids Circulating Fluidized Bed (LSCFB) preferably for use as an ion exchanger consists of two fluidized bed columns, a fluidized bed adsorber (downer) operating in conventional fluidized bed mode for adsorption of ions of interest and a fluidized bed riser for desorption of ions (operating as a riser fluidized bed) to provide regenerated particles. Ion exchange particles circulate continuously between the riser and the downer i.e. the particles that have adsorbed ions in the absorber pass from the adsorber (downer) to the desorber where they are regenerated and the so regenerated particles are return to the adsorber near the top of the adsorber column. The LSCFB can be used in processes for continuous recovery of the ions of interest.

Abstract: A method for removing perchlorate or other anionic contaminates from ground water which comprises the step of passing the ground water over activated carbon, wherein the activated carbon has been either preloaded with an organic cation functional group or organic cation polymer or cationic monomer, or tailored with ammonium or other reduced nitrogen-containing compound.