Application of APDC coupled polyurethane foam sorbent for the removal and recovery of toxic heavy metals Hg, Cd and Pb from industrial effluents

A novel, highly stable, selective and efficient sorption medium was synthesized for the removal of toxic metals from industrial effluents by coupling a chelating agent Ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APDC) with flexible open cell polyether polyurethane foam. The performance efficiency of the new sorbent was evaluated by static and dynamic methods for removing toxic heavy metals Hg, Cd and Pb from effluents. In fixed bed downflow column studies, a quantitative uptake of Hg (II) 400 mg/L,Cd (II) and Pb (II) 60 mg/L was attained at flow rates of 3.58 L/m(2).5. The design parameters using the APDC-PUF as sorption material for a batch reactor and for column reactor and cost effectiveness of the process were evaluated. The sorption potential of the APDC-PUF was demonstrated for the treatment of real industrial wastes from a common effluent treatment plant, Chloro alkali industry and municipal sewage.