An innovative method for removing Hg2+ and Pb2+ in PPM concentrations fromaqueous media

An innovative method has been developed in our laboratory permitting the re moval of Hg2+ and Pb2+ in ppm concentrations from waste water via Rotary El ectrode Separator. Our method combines the electrode reduction process and the action of the centrifugal force. Matter having a density higher than pu re water is concentrated at the bottom region of the spinning container whe re a less noble metal M(s) is located. Our experimental results indicated t hat the % removal of the metal ions from the aqueous media depends on the v elocity of the spinning centrifuge, the area of the sacrificed metal in con tact with the test solution and the time of spinning. It was determined tha t Hg2+ (54 ppm) and Pb2+ (52 ppm) were removed similar to 100 and 98.3%, re spectively, at the spinning velocity of 6000 rpm and over a time of 30 minu tes or less. This high % removal of Hg2+ and Pb2+ from the waste water cann ot be achieved by simple electroless deposition or electrodeposition. Our t echnique may have a major impact on waste water treatment processes dealing with the removal of trace toxic metal ions from the feed. (C) 1999 Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.