Composite material, preparation and use thereof

Disclosed are formed composite material compositions suitable for use in the removal of heavy metals from aqueous systems, a process for preparing said composite materials and a process for the removal of heavy metals using said composite materials. Formed particulate composite material compositions are comprised of (A) at least one ion exchange material; (B) at least one activated carbon; and, optionally, (C) at least one binder material. The method for preparing said composite material compositions comprises first mixing components (A), (B) and, optionally, (C), then forming particles from said mixture. The method for removing heavy metals from aqueous systems containing one or more heavy metals comprises contacting said aqueous system with one or more of the composite materials until the heavy metals are substantially removed from the aqueous system.