PROCESS FOR REMOVING METAL COMPOUNDS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

This method of removing metal compounds, in particular lead, mercury, copper, zinc, cadmium, cobalt, chrome, nickel and manganese compounds from water solutions, in particular from industrial sewage, for example from glass works, porcelain enamel plants and biological treatment plants, and from natural syrups, consists of putting the water solution containing the metal compounds into contact with oxyhumolite, which accompanies deposits of brown coal and consists of a mixture of natural high-molecular acids containing hydroxyl, carboxyl, methoxyl and aminic groups, formed after thousands of years of biochemical and biological processes from plant and animal materials. The metal absorption process is carried out at temperatures of 10 to 100 degrees C and at pH 4 to 7, preferably at pH 4 to 6. The absorption process can be carried out in batches or by the percolation of the water solution containing the metal compounds through an oxyhumolite column. When the metals are completely absorbed, the oxyhumolite is separated mechanically.