Development of the Application of Magnetic Microsorbents for the Elimination of Hazardous Inorganic Contaminants from Natural Waters

Abstract

Magnetic, weakly basic anion exchangers with particle diameters between 100 μm and 250 μm were synthesised for the uptake of heavy metals from waste water or natural waters. These resins were investigated basically, including sorption equilibria and kinetics. Afterwards, the selective removal of copper and zinc was demonstrated in a continuously operating pilot plant, including regeneration and recycling of the resin. Experiments were carried out at different metal concentrations (2mg/dm³ to 10mg/dm³) and flow rates between 100dm³/h and 400dm³/h. For the evaluation of the process a theoretical model was developed. The calculations were confirmed by the experimental results.