Abstract
We herein present a novel and sustainable technology for mercury recycling, with the maximum observed uptake capacity. Facile synthesis of the most efficient (~1.9 gg−1) nano-trap, made of montmorillonite-Fe-iron oxides, was performed to instantaneously remove mercury(II) ions from water. Elemental Hg was recovered from the adduct, by employing Fe granules, at ambient conditions. Varied pHs and elevated temperatures further enhanced this already highly efficient recycling process. The reduction of Hg(II) to Hg(I) by the nano trap and Hg(I) to Hg(0) by Fe granules are the main driving forces behind the recycling process. Facile sustainable recycling of the nano-trap and Fe granules require no additional energy. We have further developed a recyclable model for Hg nano-trap, which is inexpensive (<$5 CAD), and can remove mercury in a few seconds. This technology has multiple applications, including in the communities exposed to mercury contamination.
Highlights
We present a novel and sustainable technology for mercury recycling, with the maximum observed uptake capacity
Developing highly efficient protocol for decontamination of water from mercury is vital for the protection of health and ecosystem
We investigated removal of Hg from aqueous environmental samples and water samples from tap water (McGill University, Canada)
Summary
Received: 5 July 2018 Accepted: 8 October 2018 Published online: 02 November 2018. We present a novel and sustainable technology for mercury recycling, with the maximum observed uptake capacity. The United Nation International Treaty of Minamata was adopted in 2013 by close to 140 countries This treaty is designed to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions of mercury containing compounds. Electrochemistry[2] or complex redox reactions[3] are often followed for effective recycling of Hg. In this paper, we have used iron-iron oxides for instantaneous and efficient removal of mercury from aqueous solution, and iron granules to recover elemental mercury very quickly. We have used iron-iron oxides for instantaneous and efficient removal of mercury from aqueous solution, and iron granules to recover elemental mercury very quickly It is an instantaneous, cheap and efficient Hg recycling process, in contrast to most existing protocols
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