Removal of Toxic Metal Ions from Solutions Using Industrial Solid Byproducts

Abstract

Nowadays the problem of industrial wastes handling and disposal is increasing continuously, as more strict environmental considerations have to be taken into account. In this paper, selected experimental results are presented from our current research in toxic metals removal (e.g. Cu, Pb, As), related to the applications of mineral particles as by-products (red mud, pyrite, dolomite, etc.) for the induced removal of toxic metals from aqueous solutions. These by-products, existing in finely divided form and considered rather as solid industrial wastes, have been used as a cheap solid adsorbent or substrate. Appropriate methods for the subsequent solid/liquid separation were examined, among them flotation. Different parameters were tested and high removals of toxic metals were achieved. In this way, a useful application may be realized for the waste mineral particles.