POLYMER BINDING ULTRAFILTRATION AS A METHOD FOR CONCENTRATION AND SEPARATION OF METALS

A hybrid method for the separation and concentration of metals was inv estigated. The method includes binding of target metal ions by a polye lectrolyte into water soluble macromolecular compounds and subsequent membrane separation of the bound metals from unbound components. The i nfluence of the composition and pH of the solution on the effectivenes s of the separation process was studied. A mathematical model of this process was developed. The competitive character of interaction of met als with a polymer, metal ion hydrolysis and other phenomena were take n into account in the model. Optimum process conditions were determine d and applied to the solution of particular problems such as the recov ery of valuable metals from sea water and treatment of industrial wast es.