Process for the Extraction of Heavy Metals Dissolved in Seawater

摘要

A process is claimed for the extraction of heavy metals, particularly uranium, which are dissolved in seawater. The heavy metals are concentrated by adsorption on a matrix material of natural black peat. The procedure involves the following steps: adsorber matrix of black peat containing a biologically recent humic acid and having a maximum of 99% by weight of material serving as the carrier material for the humic acid is placed in contact with seawater until as high a proportion as possible of heavy metals are adsorbed; adsorber matrix is removed from seawater and the heavy metals are extracted with dilute hydrochloric acid which is made by the electrolytic decomposition of sodium chloride in the seawater; the extract is adjusted to a pH range of 4 to 8 with sodium hydroxide which is also prepared by the electrolytic decomposition of sodium chloride in the seawater; the eluate is treated again with an adsorber matrix containing humic acid for further concentration of the heavy metals, and the metals are finally processed off as metal salts. (ERA citation 06:018082)