Performance of a diatomite-based sorbent in removing mercury from aqueous and oil matrices

Abstract

Performance of diatomite based mercury sorbent (Chromosorb® QSR) powder and pellets was studied. Test results indicated that this sorbent was highly effective in removing various mercury species from aqueous and oil matrices. More than 99% removal was achieved after 30 min treatment with the diatomite sorbent powder at 1 g/L sorbent loading for an initial ionic mercury concentration of 9700 ppb. The diatomite sorbent was also stable when stored at oxidizing condition or at high temperature up to 200 °C. For continuous mercury removal process, the diatomite sorbent powder can be used as filter aid in pressure filters and the diatomite sorbent pellets can be used in fixed bed columns. A number of case studies presented on actual industrial wastewater and crude oil samples further indicate that this new mercury sorbent could provide a practical solution to mercury contamination problems in many industries.