A series of cation exchange resins were prepared from some low-value a
gricultural residues. Carboxylate (maleate, succinate, end phthalate),
phosphate, and sulfate groups were incorporated onto the complex poly
saccharide matrix of oat hulls, corn cobs, and sugar beet pulp. Standa
rd reaction conditions were established, using cellulose as the model
polysaccharide. The magnitude of functional group incorporation, under
standard conditions, was taken as a measure of the reactivity of the
agricultural residues studied. In general, the order of reactivity was
sugar beet pulp > corn cob > oat hull. The unsubstituted and the func
tionalized agricultural residues were tested for their potential abili
ty to remove cations from waste water discharges. The capability of th
ese materials to remove cations from waste waters was estimated from t
heir calcium binding capacity. The calcium binding capacities of the r
esins prepared from the agricultural residues varied from around 559-3
466 mu equiv/g. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.