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This technical paper analyses the use of the adsorption technique for the removal of toxic metals, organics and refractory compounds from wastewater.

TitleThe use of inexpensive adsorbents to remove pollutants from wastewater
Publication TypeBook
Year of Publication1994
AuthorsViraraghavan, T, Tanjore, S
Secondary TitleEnvironmental systems reviews
Volumeno. 36
Paginationiv, 93 p.: 4 fig., 55 tab.
Date Published1994-01-01
PublisherEnvironmental Systems Information Center
Place PublishedBangkok, Thailand
Keywordsadsorption, bentonite, cab95/34, chemical quality, efficiency, heavy metals, literature reviews, local materials, research, wastewater treatment
Abstract

This technical paper analyses the use of the adsorption technique for the removal of toxic metals, organics and refractory compounds from wastewater. The paper points out that current research has sought to identify effective and economical alternative adsorbents, often produced from waste materials. It outlines factors governing the practicality of a particular adsorbent such as effectiveness on removing pollutants, as well as availability, cost and ultimate disposal of the adsorbent. The paper reviews the use of inexpensive adsorbents with a section on peat; fly ash; clays; and unconventional adsorbents such as iron hydrous oxide gel suspensions, activated alumina, serpentine mineral, barley straw, sawdust,treated barks, coconut shell, raw rice, peanut hulls, fine ground rubber and others. Each section discusses the effectiveness of these adsorbents in the removal of heavy metals and of organics giving detailed chemical analyses of the success of each supported by tables of test results. This research concludes that many of the non-conventional adsorbents are effective and economical. It found that both peat and clays are effective for toxic metals and organics and require little or no pretreatment; coal fly ash is more economical than activated carbon; and that industrial and waste by- products can be effective adsorbents. It suggests disposal methods for spent adsorbents and discusses the applicability of non-conventional adsorbents to developing countries. The highly technical nature of this paper makes it more suited to the specialist rather than the general reader.

Notes140 ref.
Custom 1341.9

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