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

An innovative method has been developed in our laboratory permitting the removal of Hg2+ and Pb2+ in ppm concentrations from waste water via Rotary Electrode Separator. Our method combines the electrode reduction process and the action of the centrifugal force. Matter having a density higher than pure water is concentrated at the bottom region of the spinning container where a less noble metal M(s) is located. Our experimental results indicated that the % removal of the metal ions from the aqueous media depends on the velocity of the spinning centrifuge, the area of the sacrificed metal in contact with the test solution and the time of spinning. It was determined that Hg2+ (54 ppm) and Pb2+ (52 ppm) were removed similar to 100 and 98.3%, respectively, at the spinning velocity of 6000 rpm and over a time of 30 minutes or less. This high % removal of Hg2+ and Pb2+ from the waste water cannot be achieved by simple electroless deposition or electrodeposition. Our technique may have a major impact on waste water treatment processes dealing with the removal of trace toxic metal ions from the feed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.