Low Cost Sorbents Screening and Engineering Analysis of Zeolite for Treatment of Metals Contaminated Water and Soil Extracts

摘要

Heavy metals contamination is an environmental problem at Army installations engaged in firearms training and munitions production. Weathering and corrosion of expended munitions and leaching from wastewater lagoons, landfills and bum pits, has resulted in heavy metals contamination of the soil at these facilities. Transport of metals to the groundwater has been confirmed in some locations, requiring treatment of the groundwater at the site. Certain treatment processes for contaminated soil produce metals laden extracts, which also require treatment before reuse or disposal. Low cost sorbents with a high affinity for metals that can be disposed after use may provide an economic alternative to ion exchange and activated carbon. Metals sorption capacity is reported in the literature for a variety of natural materials and industrial byproducts. This information is useful in identifying potentially useful sorbents, but is limited to the specific conditions studied. Of primary interest are those sorbents with a demonstrated affinity for the metals of interest, that are inexpensive and readily available, and that require no modification prior to use. A field ready sorption technology for treatment of metals-contaminated water and waste streams was the principal objective of this work unit.