Sorption studies of heavy metal ions on a novel chelating resin and its application in the stripping of mercury (II)

A chelating resin containing a stable thiol group was synthesised, using polystyrene as the starting material. The resin is stable towards conc. HCl, 0.1M HNO(3) and 0.1M NaOH. The resin shows affinity towards Ag(+), Hg(2+), Bi(3+), Pb(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+) and Cd(2+). Extraction of these metal ions as a function of pH, kinetics of exchange and breakthrough capacities is evaluated. The selectivity of the resin for the metal ions is in the order Ag(+) > Hg2+ > Cu2+ > Pb2+ > Cd2+ > Zn2+. The equilibrium constants for exchange and kinetics of exchange are favourable for the recovery of mercury from lean sources. Application of the resin in the stripping of mercury from chlor-alkali plant affluent, and in the enrichment of mercury from seawater, have been investigated. Mercury sorbed resin can be regenerated using 5% thiourea in 0.1M HCl.