Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Duran Karakas

Duane S Boning

Francis X Pink

Ilhan Olmez

A method for the removal of copper from waste waters includes providing a solution to be treated, the solution comprising copper; introducing a source of ferric ions and a source of ferrous ions into the solution; and adjusting the pH of the solution to promote formation of a copper-containing ferrite precipitate, whereby the solution is depleted in copper. In instances where the solution contains ferric ions, the method includes introducing a source of ferrous ions into the solution to obtain a solution comprising ferric ions and ferrous ions; and adjusting the pH of the solution to promote formation of a copper-containing ferrite precipitate, whereby the solution is depleted in copper. The method may include a step for removing oxidizers by introducing a source of ferric ions or ferrous ions to the solution to decomposed the oxidizer; introducing a source of ferric ions or ferrous ions to the solution to obtain a solution comprising ferric ions and ferrous ions; and adjusting the pH of the solution to promote formation of a copper-containing ferrite precipitate, whereby the solution is depleted in copper. The method may be applied to other aqueous systems for the removal of a variety of metals from waste water. Ferrite may be removed by magnetic separation.

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Ankara, Turkey

Duran Karakas