Fibrous system for continuously capturing metals from an aqueous stream

A unique filtration device (10) which removes metal ions from a contaminated aqueous stream through the use of partially hollow wicking fibers (20) impregnated with a selected liquid (18) which can capture the metal ions in the aqueous stream. The wicking fibers (20) are formed into a filter element (12) which extends from a chamber (16) through which the aqueous stream is directed into a chamber (18) wherein the unwanted metal ions are removed from the extracting liquid (18). The wicking fibers (20) include internal longitudinal cavities (22) each with a relatively small longitudinal extending opening (24). The wicking fibers (20) are filled with the selected liquid extraction (18) which remains within the fiber through capillary action by which capillary action the individual wicking fibers (20) rapidly draw the selected liquid,(18) with which they comes into contact, through the internal cavities (22). The liquid extrant (18) remains within the wicking fiber cavities (22) and generally does not enter the space between the wicking fibers (20) yet through the longitudinal openings (24) the liquid (18) is in full communication with the metals contaminated aqueous stream flowing through the filter (12) and past the individual fibers (20).