Heavy Metal Removal

Heavy Metal Removal

Metals do not degrade in the environment . They can be very toxic to humans and animals, therefore industry must pre-treat wastewater and follow guidelines dictated by the EPA and their local authorities. The metals listed as hazardous commonly found in waste streams are as follows:

Antimony
Chromium
Nickel
Arsenic
Cobalt
Silver
Barium
Copper
Selenium
Beryllium
Lead
Vanadium
Cadmium
Mercury
Zinc

FAQ

Q. How do I remove mixed metals in my waste stream?
A. Traditional Hydroxide Precipitation is effective but limited, especially with mixed metals and chelated metals. Heavy Metal Precipitants (HMP) are very effective at enhancing the efficiency of removing metals down to PPB levels.

Q. What are common sources of Chelating Agents?
A. Soaps, Cleaners and Detergents

Q. Will Hexavalent (6+) Chrome precipitate?
A. Typically Hexavalent Chrome is removed first by reducing the chrome to its Trivalent State (3+). Please see Chrome Removal for a typical chrome removal application design.

Q. Are there any products that will not contribute as many solids as Lime (Calcium Hydroxide)?
A. Yes, you may possibly switch to liquid caustic soda if you improve the efficiency of your heavy metal precipitation scenario. This can be done through optimization of coagulation and flocculation reactions utilizing polymerized coagulants and/or flocculants. We can help you design a cost effective program.

Q. What is a coagulant vs. a flocculant?
A. A coagulant is a highly charged cationic organic, inorganic, or blend that serves to neutralize the negative charge on the suspended solids during clarification. A flocculant bridges these coagulated solids together by molecular weight and charge. Flocculants are typically an oil or latex-based chemistry.

Q. What are typical dosage ranges for Coagulants and Flocculants?
A. Inorganic Coagulants (50 - 200 PPM); Organic Coagulants (1 - 100 PPM); Anionic Flocculants (0.5 - 10 PPM); Cationic Flocculants (0.5 - 50 PPM)

Below is a precipitation curve examining pH verses concentration of dissolved metals

See Also:

Waste Water Treatment

Back to Wastewater Treatment Page

Other Sections

Heavy Metal Removal Plant Efficiency

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) Reduction Municipal Wastewater

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) Reduction Wastewater Recycling

Total Organic Compound (TOC) Reduction Biological Treatment

TSS and Clarification Wastewater Evaporators

Arsenic Removal Ozone

Water Re-use Cyanide Removal

Oil/Water Separation Lead Removal

Emulsion Breaking Chrome Reduction & Removal

Oil/Grease Separation Hexavalent Chrome

Odor Neutralization Nickel Removal

Sludge Dewatering (Conditioning) Copper Removal

G.R.A.S. Chemistry Mercury Removal

Coagulation Mixed Metals Removal

Flocculation Chelation

Polymer Chemistry Metal Precipitation

Organic Chemistry Phenol Removal

Inorganic Chemistry Odor Control

Jar Testing Ink Removal

Program Design Poly Blend Sizing

Plant Design

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A division of Florida Water Processing, Co. Established 1969

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