Tests were conducted using a novel sorbent, thiol-functionalized nanoporous silica material for its effectiveness in removing mercury from two waste streams. These waste streams originated from pilot-scale tests being conducted to refine the process of vitrifying radioactive sludges that result from chemical separation of targeted actinide species. Two waste streams resulting from this process (High Efficiency Mist Eliminator, HEME and melter condensate) contain mercury concentrations that ranged from ~700 to ~5 ppm respectively. The data showed that thiol functionalized Self-Assembled Monolayers on Mesoporous Silica (thiol-SAMMS) was effective in reducing mercury concentrations in these two waste streams to meet a treatment limit of =0.2 ppm. These tests demonstrated that the thiol-SAMMS can very selectively (Kd: 5 x 104 and 1 x 105 ml/g) and effectively scavenge strongly complexed mercury from dilute to relatively concentrated waste matrices to meet the UTS limits for effluents.
Revised: November 6, 2007 |
Published: July 2, 2007
Citation
Mattigod S.V., G.E. Fryxell, and K.E. Parker. 2007.A Thiol-functionalized Nanoporous Silica Sorbent for Removal of Mercury from Actual Industrial Waste. In Environmental Applications of Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Sorbents and Sensors. 275-283. London:Imperial College Press. PNWD-SA-7484.