Use of polymeric sub-micron ion-exchange resins for removal of lead, copper, zinc, and nickel from natural waters

This research investigated the removal capacity of polymeric sub-micron ion-exchange resins (SMR) for removal of lead, copper, zinc, and nickel from natural waters in competition with natural organic matter (NOM). Polymeric SMR particles were created and tested to ensure that they were adequately dispersed in the solution. They removed little NOM (10% or less) from river water and wastewater, indicating that competition from NOM was not a major concern. SMR were able to remove 82% ± 0.2% of lead, 46% ± 0.6% of copper, 55% ± 20% of zinc, and 17% ± 2% of nickel from river water spiked with 500 μg/L of each. Similarly, in wastewater, they were able to remove 86% ± 0.1% of lead, 38% ± 0.8% of copper, 28% ± 1% of zinc, and 11% ± 1% of nickel.

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