LIGAND-MODIFIED POLYMERIC SORBENTS FOR THE REMEDIATION OF DRINKING WATER: AN OVERVIEW AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

摘要

Polymer-based separation is an important methodology for the removal of toxic metal ions from water in the environment. They are readily adaptable to large scale processes, are in themselves environmentally compatible, can display rapid rates of removal and can be regenerable if the metal is loaded onto the polymer. The support can be a natural or synthetic polymer. Two of the more important criteria that such polymers have to meet are that they maintain their physical integrity for a long period of time and that they permit modification reactions for the immobilization of ligands. The ligands endow the polymer with its selectivity and proper choice of ligands allows for targeted metal ion removal.