Removal of Mercury Compounds From Wastewater

Over the past several decades, increasing attention has focused on wastewater reclamation. Legislative measures aimed at protecting the environment currently regulate wastewater composition. In addition, with greater demand for fixed natural water supplies, wastewater renovation has become more important. Potential reuses may include agricultural and industrial processes; wastewater may even find its way into potable supplies. The processes involved in wastewater reclamation are complex. A multitude of pollutants may be present in any given effluent. One contaminant which has long been recognized as a potential threat to human health is the metal, mercury. Within the environment, mercury may take a variety of forms. Perhaps the most toxic of these are the methylated mercurial compounds. Methylmercury and dimethylmercury can be created by anaerobic bacteria from inorganic mercurial sediments. They may then accumulate in the food chain. Mercury can be removed from wastewater by a number of different processes. Of the various methods, chemical precipitation, ion exchange, and biological remediation are perhaps the most important.

The first United States legislation addressing water pollution was enacted late in the 19th century. In 1886 and 1899, Congress passed laws designed to protect shipping from the dumping of solid wastes. It wasn't until the 20th century though, that the health effects of wate

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on, and is rather volatile. Moreover, soluble species of mercury exhibit a very high affinity for solids. These species may bind the solids so tightly that only their destruction will release the bound metal. Soluble mercury also reacts with certain substances to form secondary compounds. For example, its reaction with sulfides can produce compounds which are relatively insoluble. In addition, inorganic mercury may be methylated by microorganisms present in the sediments of lakes and rivers. Methylmercury and dimethylmercury are produced by anaerobic bacterial through the action of methylcobalamin. An intermediate in the synthesis of methane, methylcobalamin, brings about the following methylation reaction: HgCl2 + Methylcobalamin -> CH3+Hg + Cl- Although this process remains poorly understood, it is known that both methylmercury and dimethylmercury can accumulate in plants and animals. Mercury is highly poisonous. Charged forms of the metal can bind to and inactivate certain enzymes. In addition, because of their lipophilic nature, methylated mercurial compounds can accumulate in higher organisms and cause systemic disease. These organomercurial compounds may be absorbed through either the lungs or the skin. To
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Approximate Pages = 14 (250 words per page)

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