Application of fibrous ion exchangers for removal of heavy metals from sewage

The accumulation and removal of the heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb. Zn) by fibrous ion exchangers at different stages of a typical biological wastewater treatment system, have been studied. In particular, the chelating ion exchanger FIBAN X-l allows rapid and efficient sorption of the heavy metals from primary treated effluents. The degree of removal of Cu ion was about 17%; for both Cd and Pb the removal efficiency was >40%. Applied in batch process mode FIBAN X-l should diminish the content of heavy metals in sewage and treated effluent.