Removal of sulfide contaminants from carbonate waters with production of

Abstract

Carbonate waters from subterranean and other sources which are contaminated with dissolved sulfides contribute to environmental pollution. Herein the sulfides are removed without otherwise polluting the environment by conversion to insoluble metal sulfide reaction products separable from the carbonate waters with production of CO.sub.2 -free H.sub.2 S as a valuable byproduct. The dissolved sulfides are reacted with metal salt to form an insoluble sulfide reaction product from which the decontaminated carbonate water is separated, the reaction product is then decomposed by reacting with an aqueous acid comprising the negative radical of the metal salt thus producing H.sub.2 S essentially free of CO.sub.2 as a valuable product. The reformed metal salt is recycled. Conditions are provided for extracting ammonia contained in the carbonate water and for removing arsenic and/or mercury matter therefrom.