Heavy Metals Removal from Waste Water in Electroplating Industry with the Use of Montmorillonite Clay

Abstract

Acid processing of montmorillonite clay ensured production of the sorbent agent for heavy metals removal from waste waters. Sorption properties of the sorbent in relation to heavy metals were defined for static and dynamic conditions. The authors proposed the conceptual process flowsheet for heavy metals removal from chromiferous galvanic waste waters. The flowsheet provides for prereduction of Cr⁶⁺ to Cr³⁺, slaked lime precipitation of heavy metal hydroxides and subsequent post-treatment of waste waters for heavy metals removal in order to achieve regulatory requirements with the use of montmorillonite clay treated with 1 M of HCl solution.