Abstract: The invention concerns a method for treating water for human consumption, so as to eliminate manganese and possibly other metals comprising steps which consist in: causing said water to pass at least over a bed of filtering material (3) consisting at least partly of manganese dioxide granules, said granules having a real density ranging between 3.5 and 4.5 and a hardness higher than 6 on the Mosh scale; regenerating, if necessary, said manganese dioxide, said regeneration being carried out mechanically.

Abstract: Bioremediatory fungi, such as Trichoderma harzianum, which have been found to catabolise cyanide, are capable of detoxifying contaminated environmental areas in association with a suitable rhizosphere.

Abstract: Method for removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous wastes, which are produced during electroplating and other industrial processes. The method comprises a precipitation process that is conducted in a magnetic field.

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: A method and apparatus for treating heavy-metal-containing wastewater using a sulfidizing agent. Sulfidizing treatment is carried out by adding a sulfidizing agent to heavy-metal-containing wastewater, while detecting hydrogen sulfide gas generated from the wastewater, such as to maintain a state in which hydrogen sulfide gas is just starting to be generated from the wastewater. When separately recovering each of a plurality of metals from wastewater in which are mixed ions of the plurality of metals, there is repeated for each of the metals a process in which the acidity of the wastewater is adjusted to within a range suitable for the metal to be separated out and recovered, a sulfidizing reaction is carried out on that metal, and the metal sulfide produced is precipitated and filtered off.

Abstract: A method and system for decreasing the concentration of at least one metal in an aqueous solution. The metal may be molybdenum, tungsten, or both. An aqueous solution is introduced into at least one reaction zone, and at least one source of hydroxide ions is provided into the at least one reaction zone in an amount sufficient to precipitate at least some of the mass of the at least one metal. The aqueous solution includes a mass of the at least one metal and a mass of at least one reducing agent. The at least one reducing agent includes at least ferrous iron from at least one source of the at least one reducing agent. A composition of tungsten ferrite or molybdenum tungsten ferrite may be formed. The method may be used for purifying water, for the refining of metals, or to facilitate a chemical analytical determination.

Abstract: Process for selectively removing molybdenum from liquid mixtures containing it, in a quantity greater than (200) mg/l, together with vanadium characterized in that it comprises the following steps: bringing the liquid mixture to a pH of less than (3); adding a solution of an alkaline xanthate to the solution so that the molar ratio molybdenum/alkaline xanthate ranges from (¼) to (?), maintaining the pH constant by means of the addition of an inorganic acid; stirring the mixture causing the precipitation of the molybdenum present in the mixture.

Abstract: A two-step chemical precipitation process involving hydroxide precipitation and sulfide precipitation combined with “field separation ” technology such as magnetic separation, dissolved air flotation, vortex separation, or expanded plastics flotation, effectively removes chelated and non-chelated heavy metal precipitates and other fine particles from water. In the first-step, the non-chelated heavy metals are precipitated as hydroxides and removed from the water by a conventional liquid/solids separator such as an inclined plate clarifier to remove a large percentage of the dissolved heavy metals. The cleaned water is then treated in a second precipitation step to remove the residual heavy metals to meet discharge limits. In the second precipitation step, any metal precipitant more effective than hydroxide for metal precipitation can be used.

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 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: The present invention relates to the use of permanganate in the removal of heavy metal contaminants from heavy halide brines. In some embodiments, the present invention discloses methods of treating heavy halide brines that comprise providing a heavy halide brine that comprises a heavy metal contaminant, wherein the heavy metal contaminant comprises water-soluble ions; adding permanganate to the heavy halide brine; allowing a water-insoluble compound to form; and mixing the heavy brine and the water insoluble compound. In other embodiments, the present invention discloses methods of removing heavy metal contaminants from heavy halide brines.

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: A process for the recovery of arsenic trioxide from acid solutions, particularly the aqueous acid effluent produced by a gas-washing process in the pyrometallurgy of copper sulfide ores is provided. Generally, the process comprises concentrating the acid solution in one or more evaporators in series; crystallizing arsenic contained in the concentrated solution as arsenic trioxide crystals; filtering the crystallized solution to obtain a solid phase comprising impure arsenic trioxide crystals; and purifying the solid phase to obtain a purified crystal product comprising arsenic trioxide. The process produces a commercially salable arsenic trioxide product without producing any solid or liquid residues subject to special handling or treatment regulations.

Abstract: This invention offers an integrated technology in sequential treatment of wastewater. Low biodegradable organics and heavy metal ions are both contained in wastewater from surface finishing processes. The aim of the invention is to find the solution for treatment of organics and heavy metal ions in complicated wastewater that contains organics and heavy metal ions sequentially. Low biodegradable organics are oxidized by a fenton process with pH ranging from 2 to 5 and temperature ranging from 20° C. to 100° C. Heavy metal ions are then treated by a ferrite process with pH ranging from 8 to 12 and temperature ranging from 20° C. to 100° C. The integrated technology of the fenton process and the ferrite process (2FP) is advantageous to treat the wastewater from surface finishing processes, decrease the production of iron sludge caused in the fenton process and increase the quality of ferrite products.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming a well completion brine solution by using an organic chelant that is capable of discriminating between (i) iron and/or non-zinc heavy metals; and (ii) calcium and zinc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particular polymer which is derived from a copolymer polysaccharide formed by a main chain comprising similar or different anhydrohexose units and branches including at least one neutral or anionic anhydropentose and/or anhydrohexose unit. Moreover, the invention relates to the use of said polymer in the treatment of aqueous media, in particular the treatment of aqueous effluents containing heavy metals, the treatment of waste water, drinking water and for sludge conditioning. Said derivative polymer comprises one or more units bearing an oxime function at least at position C2.

Abstract: A chemical process for detoxifying spent CCA (copper, chrome, arsenic)—treated wood, from which CCA and detoxified wood are recovered for recycling comprising the steps of (a) treating CCA-treated wood in the presence of a liquefying reagent such as an organic solvent at 100–250° C. with or without ferrous ions to form liquefied CCA-treated wood (b) adding water or an aqueous solution of an organic solvent to the liquefied CCA-treated wood with stirring to obtain an aqueous solution of liquefied CCA-treated wood (c) adding complexing or precipitating agents, such as phosphoric acid or calcium hydroxide to the aqueous solution of step (b) thereby precipitating insoluble heavy metal complexes or precipitates and forming a solution of detoxified CCA-treated wood (d) separating said heavy metal complexes or precipitates from the solution of detoxified liquefied CCA-treated wood and (e) isolating chromated copper arsenate from said heavy metal complex or precipitate.

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: A method for in situ bioremediation of contaminants in the environment is described. The method includes adding an electron donor to ground water in an amount sufficient for a microbe in the ground water to use the electron donor for reducing the contaminant into an innocuous derivative thereof. Illustratively, the electron donor contains about 0.1 to 75% by weight of chitin, such as crustacean shell, partially deproteinized crustacean shell, ground mushrooms, or a fungal fermentation broth. The chitinous electron donor can be added to the ground water as a particulate solid or aqueous slurry.

Abstract: Improved methods for the extraction or dissolution of metals, metalloids or their oxides, especially lanthanides, actinides, uranium or their oxides, into supercritical solvents containing an extractant are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments specifically include enhancing the extraction or dissolution efficiency with ultrasound. The present methods allow the direct, efficient dissolution of UO2 or other uranium oxides without generating any waste stream or by-products.

Abstract: A supercritical oxidation process carried out in water is capable of oxidizing “organics” in precious metal organic compositions such as heterogeneous (Pt/C) or homogeneous precious metal catalysts and producing a precious metal oxide with few by-products and low losses of precious metal.

Abstract: A method of treating mine drainage water including the step of adding a scale control agent to the mine drainage water and, optionally, adding an oxidizing agent to the mine drainage water and/or precipitating and settling the metals in their hydroxide form from the water. The treated water may be safely returned to the environment.

Abstract: Agents are used as cleaning agents and also as agents to purify the water in water treatment plants. The agents are a mixture of phosphates and fatty acid salts. Precipitation agents are used such as, polyvalent metals. The pH is adjusted. Flocking agents can be used to increase the rate of separation. The purified water is removed after precipitation.

Abstract: A method which uses a process reactor having three separate reaction stages to remove high concentrations of heavy metals from acidic wastewater and chemical solutions. During each of three stages the pH level of the wastewater is increased and sludge and flocculate organic and metal hydrocyl matters are removed from the wastewater to provide clean water which is discharged in to a sewer system.

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 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: This invention relates to a method for treating acidic waste water, particularly mine effluent, and to a solid waste water treating material useful for the method. This waste water treating material is obtained by solidifying a mixture of rock wool and an inorganic binder mainly containing at least one kind selected from silicates, hydroxides and oxides of alkaline earth metals and alkali metals and has a porosity of 50% or more. When brought into contact with acidic waste water containing iron ions and sulfate ions, this waste treating material can not only neutralize the waste water but also remove harmful heavy metals such as iron and arsenic. Furthermore, it is easy to dispose the spent waste water treating material.

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: A method for removing metal contaminants from water uses lignin derivatives, such as lignosulfonates and kraft lignin, a coagulant, such as a metal salt, and a pH-increasing composition. The lignin derivative is dispersed in the contaminated water, the coagulant is added and the pH is adjusted as required to cause flocculation. A sludge is formed that contains the metals and that is separated from the treated water by filtration. Related methods are used to reduce the leachable metal content of contaminated soils. The invention also provides a composition for stabilizing the metal contaminants in soil, comprising lignin derivatives, a coagulant and a composition for increasing the pH. The mixture is blended with the contaminated soil, reducing its leachable metal content.

Abstract: Pollutants, such as heavy metals, phosphorus, and pathogenic organisms, are removed from water by adding a chemical coagulant to the water within an enclosure. The water and the coagulant are mixed, and coagulation and flocculation are permitted to occur. The mixing is stopped, and a floc is permitted to settle to the enclosure bottom. The floc contains the pollutant; so the treated water above the floc is free from at least some of the pollutant. At least some of the treated water is removed from the enclosure, and new water is added to the enclosure. The new water and the settled floc are mixed to resuspend components of the floc. The process is repeated for multiple iterations, until the floc no longer exhibits contaminant-removal capability, at which time the floc is removed from the enclosure.

Abstract: A method for treating (in situ) large bodies of water contaminated with heavy metals and having varying density stratas to immobilize the contaminant metals is disclosed. The method, or process for (in situ) immobilization of metals is focused on treating large bodies of water having metals therein that are also adjacent a border of soil or earthen materials in an attempt to immobilize the metals from penetrating through the soil. The method is also able to treat the soil water boundary within the pit lake to provide additional immobilization. The pit lakes can include open pit lakes, subterranean mine lakes, flowing streams and the like. The method is also able to treat an abandoned mine prior to the filling of the mine with water. Initially, the density mean of the body of water is determined, which is densest typical at regions at or approaching 4 degrees C.

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: The levels of iron sulfide present in a conduit, such as a pipeline, are reduced by contacting the conduit, on an inner surface, with a composition obtained from an aqueous solution containing at least one compound of Formula (I) and at least one amine or corresponding ammonium derivative in the presence of a solvent, wherein X is an anion of valency n. Preferably, the pH of the solution is about 8. Alternatively, the method employs a composition comprising tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine (TRIS) and at least one amine or corresponding ammonium derivative. The amine preferably is ammonia or a primary alkylamine. The compositions readily complex and thereby dissolve deposits of iron(II) sulfide, removing them from the conduit.

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: The present invention provides a process for removing metals from aqueous solutions. This process entails contacting the aqueous solution with at least one neutralizing agent and at least one precipitating agent that preferentially precipitates metals from the aqueous solution. The neutralizing agent is a lithic material that neutralizes the acidity of the aqueous solution to promote the precipitation of metals form the aqueous solution. The precipitating agent is a lithic material that serves as a preferred locus of deposition for the metals precipitated by the neutralizing agent, i.e. those metals precipitated form the aqueous solution during neutralization.

Abstract: A process for removing metal sulfates from dilute aqueous solutions in which a conductivity control solution is injected into the stream. The solution is selected to increase the conductivity of the stream to a value wherein the ion state of each metal is then modified by passing the stream between electrodes of each pair of an array of pairs of electrodes. A voltage is imposed across each pair of electrodes, selected according to a target ion state for each of the various contaminants. The pH of the stream is then increased to a value where precipitate of metal hydroxide of the metal sulfates are formed. The precipitated metal hydroxide is then removed from the stream leaving a reduced amount of sulfate ions.

Abstract: A water filtration device (3) and method which removes heavy metals and organic compounds from raw water is provided.

Abstract: A method for treating an electroless plating liquid or other metal-containing solution that also contains reducing agents. The method includes providing a reaction vessel containing an anode, a cathode, and a hydrogen ion-permeable membrane separating the anode and the cathode, placing the metal-containing liquid in contact with the anode, placing a catholyte solution in contact with the cathode; driving an electrical current through the anode and the cathode to oxidize the reducing agents present, and removing the used catholyte solution and the partially treated liquid from the electrodes, optionally from the reaction vessel to separate reservoirs. The partially treated liquid and an anolyte solution are placed in contact with the cathode and anode, respectively, and a current is again driven through the anode and cathode, plating a majority of the metal ions onto the cathode. The steps of oxidizing the reducing agents and plating the metal ions may also be reversed in order.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for efficiently removing a metal from wastewater formed by subjecting the liquid waste to wet combustion treatment or wet oxidation treatment, said liquid waste resulting from an acrylic acid production process. Provided is a method for removing a metal from wastewater formed by subjecting at least a part of liquid waste to wet combustion treatment or wet oxidation treatment, said liquid waste resulting from an acrylic acid production process involving the steps of forming acrylic acid through catalytic vapor phase oxidation of at least one of propane, propylene, and acrolein, and purifying the acrylic acid through distillation, wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) removing a solid content from the wastewater; (b) removing carbonate ions and carbonate salts from the treated liquid obtained by the step (a); and (c) removing a metal from the treated liquid from the step (b).

Abstract: A method of treating mine drainage water including the step of adding a scale control agent to the mine drainage water and, optionally, adding an oxidizing agent to the mine drainage water and/or precipitating and settling the metals in their hydroxide form from the water. The treated water may be safely returned to the environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixture and a process for the treatment of waste materials and the use of the mixture for the treatment of waste materials and waste material treated therewith. The mixture comprises (A) at least one zinc salt of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid, (B) at least one calcium salt of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid, (C) at least one hydrophobing agent, (D) at least one amino alcohol and (E) NH3.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for remediating metal contaminants using hydrocarbons which stimulate the growth of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria. The metal contaminants may include heavy metals such as arsenic, antimony, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, iron, manganese, magnesium, radium, nickel, selenium, silver, thallium and zinc. The hydrocarbon may include alkanes, alkenes, Aalkynes, poly(alkene)s, poly(alkyne)s, aromatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbon polymers and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Butane is a particularly suitable hydrocarbon which stimulates the growth of butane-utilizing bacteria. Remediation may occur in-situ or ex-situ, and may occur under aerobic, anaerobic or dual aerobic/anaerobic conditions. Examples of applications include the remediation of heavy metals, the remediation of arsenic impacted surface water, groundwater and/or soil, the remediation of acid mine drainage, and the treatment of spent metal plating solutions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for the treatment of water and wastewater. In one embodiment, a method of treating water according to the present invention includes mixing sludge and precipitant with the water to be treated, mixing ballast with the water, and separating the water into treated water and sludge. Some or all of the separated sludge may be recycled for mixing with the precipitant and water to be treated.

Abstract: A photo-chemical remediation of Cu-CMP waste streams basically includes the following acts: adding photo-catalyst particles into waste streams containing copper ions and organic pollutants and exposing the waste streams to UV light or sunlight to make copper ions become deposited on surfaces of the photo-catalyst particles. Whereby, the copper ions are removed from the waste streams. Meanwhile, organic and inorganic pollutants are decomposed by the photolysis capability of the photo-catalyst to make the waste streams dischargable within environmental standards to the environment.