University of California

Arrowhead Center, Inc.

New Mexico State University Technology Transfer Corporation

Michael D Johnson

Dallas D Hill

F Coyne Prenger

Robert M Wingo

Laura A Worl

Fernando Cadena C

Dennis D Padilla

The present invention comprises a method and composition using akaganeite, an iron oxide, as an ion adsorption medium for the removal of arsenic from water and affixing it onto carrier media so that it can be used in filtration systems.

Treatment of arsenic-contaminated water using akaganeite adsorption

A process for removing heavy metals from water is provided. The process includes the steps of introducing magnetite to a quantity of water containing heavy metal. The magnetite is mixed with the water such that at least a portion of, and preferably the majority of, the heavy metal in the water is bound to the magnetite. Once this occurs the magnetite and absorbed metal is removed from the water by application of a magnetic field. In most applications the process is achieved by flowing the water through a solid magnetized matrix, such as steel wool, such that the magnetite magnetically binds to the solid matrix. The magnetized matrix preferably has remnant magnetism, but may also be subject to an externally applied magnetic field. Once the magnetite and associated heavy metal is bound to the matrix, it can be removed and disposed of, such as by reverse water or air and water flow through the matrix. The magnetite may be formed in-situ by the addition of the necessary quantities of Fe(II) and Fe(III) ions, or pre-formed magnetite may be added, or a combination of seed and in-situ formation may be used. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the removal of heavy metals from water using the process outlined above.

Magnetic process for removing heavy metals from water employing magnetites

A method of producing ferrate is disclosed, in which Fe.sup.3+ is oxidized with monoperoxosulfate (HSO.sub.5.sup.-) to form K.sub.2 FeO.sub.4 /K.sub.2 SO.sub.4. The isolation of the potassium ferrate (K.sub.2 FeO.sub.4) product in a sulfate matrix (K.sub.2 SO.sub.4) stabilizes the ferrate against decomposition and inhibits clumping of the solid product by inhibiting moisture adsorption. The method is a safe, simple process for the production of ferrate that is reliable, fast, and inexpensive, and that avoids the use of chlorine or chlorinated products, thus avoiding their harmful side effects. The improved ferrate product of this method is particularly useful for water and wastewater treatment, especially in the treatment of sulfides and hydrazines, and in other applications.

Method for synthesizing ferrate and ferrate produced thereby

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Las Cruces, NM, United States of America

Michael D Johnson