A NANOBIOCOMPOSITE FOR THE REMOVAL OF MERCURY(II) IONS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION

摘要

The invention discloses a nanobiocomposite and a method of using the same for removal of mercury(II) ions from aqueous environment. The nanobiocomposite is composed of a biopolymer, montmorillonite and polyaniline. This nanobiocomposite in conjunction with a nickel nitrate can be used to remove mercury effectively up to concentration of 300mg/L. A maximum removal efficiency up to 75% of Hg(II) was achieved. Hg(II) is removed by electrostatic attraction by the surface functional groups of the nanobiocomposite followed by chelation mainly caused by the interaction between a transition metal and a non transition metal.