SORPTION AND PRECIPITATION OF METALS IN ACTIVATED-SLUDGE

A conceptual model describing the relative roles of sorption and preci pitation processes for metals In solid-solution suspensions is present ed. The model performance is demonstrated using experimental data on s orption and precipitation of metals in samples of activated sludge mix ed liquor. Based on the experimental results presented here, it appear s that, at total metal and mixed liquor suspended solids concentration s and pH values generally encountered in full-scale municipal (or comb ined municipal/industrial) activated sludge systems, metals are primar ily removed by sorption processes. (C) 1994 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.