Metals and metalloids treatment in contaminated neutral effluents using modified materials

• Published in: Journal of environmental management 2018-04, Vol.212, p.142-159
• Main Authors: Calugaru, Iuliana Laura, Neculita, Carmen Mihaela, Genty, Thomas, Zagury, Gérald J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Contaminated neutral effluents; Low-cost reactive materials; Metalloids; Metals; Modified materials; Sewage; Sorption; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Purification
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.02.002

Circumneutral surface water and groundwater can contain hazardous concentrations of metals and metalloids that can threaten organisms in surrounding ecosystems. Extensive research has been conducted over the past two decades to prevent, limit, and treat water pollution. Among the currently available treatment options is the use of natural and residual materials, which is generally regarded as effective and inexpensive. The modification of such materials enhances the removal capacity of metals and metalloids, as well as the physical and chemical stability of the materials and resulting sludge (after treatment). This paper reviews several modified materials that have produced and evaluated in the past twenty years to treat various contaminants in water under specific conditions. Important factors on performance improvement following the modifications are emphasized. Sorption capacity and kinetics, and element removal mechanisms are also discussed. Element recovery, material regeneration, water reuse, evaluation of treatment efficiency for real effluents are also considered, as well as the applicability of these materials in both active and passive treatment systems. Modified natural and residual materials are a promising option for the treatment of metals and metalloids in circumneutral contaminated waters. However, further research is necessary to evaluate their field-scale performance and to properly assess treatment costs. •Contaminated neutral effluents can bear significant loads of metals and metalloids.•Modified natural and residual materials show good performance in water treatment.•Further field scale testing and cost treatment calculation should be performed.