Mercury recovery from aqueous solutions by polymer-enhanced ultrafiltration using a sulfate derivative of chitosan

Jose Carreon, Imelda Saucedo, Ricardo Navarro, Maria Maldonado, Ricardo Guerra and Eric Guibal

Abstract

The sulfatation of chitosan, by reaction with chlorosulfonic acid under controlled conditions, allowed increasing the pH range of chitosan solubility. The biopolymer was characterized using FTIR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and titration analysis and it was tested for mercury recovery by polymer enhanced ultrafiltration (PEUF). In slightly alkaline conditions (i.e., pH 8) mercury recovery was possible and at saturation of the polymer the molar ratio –NH2/Hg(II) tended to 2.6. Polymer recycling was possible changing the pH to 2 and the polymer was reused for 3 cycles maintaining high metal recovery. The presence of chloride ions influences metal speciation and affinity for the polymer and

Key Words

recovery; mercury; cadmium; polymer enhanced ultrafiltration; PEUF; chitosan; sulfated chitosan.

Address

Universidad de Guanajuato, Division de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Departamento de Quimica, Cerro de la Venada s/n, Pueblito de Rocha, Guanajuato, Gto, C.P. 36040, Mexico Centro de Innovacion Aplicada en Tecnologias Competitivas, A.C., Calle Omega 201, Fracc. Industrial Delta, Leon, Gto. C.P. 37545, Mexico Ecole des Mines d

← Back to Volume 1, No. 4