MERCURY REMOVAL FROM WASTE-WATER USING POROUS CELLULOSE CARRIER MODIFIED WITH POLYETHYLENEIMINE

An adsorbent for heavy metal was synthesized by introducing polyethyle neimine (PEI) into porous cellulose carriers. Evaluations of synthesis results and adsorbent properties were conducted. Elementary analysis of the adsorbent revealed extensive crosslinking of PEI with the modif ied matrix. Batch adsorption tests showed the ability of cell-PEI to s electively remove mercury even at acidic regions. At low concentration ranges, mercury adsorption by cell-PEI can be interpreted by the Lang muir isotherm. With this model, an adsorbent capacity and Hg-ligand st ability constant of approximately 288.0 mg g(-1) and 12.9 l mg(-1), re spectively, were obtained. From adsorption rate experiments, diffusivi ty of Hg in the carrier was found to be approximately equal to 7.30 x 10(-14) m(2) s(-1). Extensive crosslinking of PEI chains that restrict s ligand mobility was cited as the foremost factor contributing to the se observed properties. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd