Performance of a diatomite-based sorbent in removing mercury from aqueous and oil matrices

Performance of diatomite based mercury sorbent (Chromosorb (R) QSR) powder and pellets was studied. Test results indicated that this sorbent was highly effective in removing various mercury species from aqueous and oil matrices.. More than 99% removal was achieved after 30 min treatment with the diatomite sorbent powder at 1 g/L sorbent loading for an initial ionic mercury concentration of 9700 ppb. The diatomite sorbent was also stable when stored at oxidizing condition or at high temperature up to 200 degrees C. For continuous mercury removal process, the diatomite sorbent powder can be used as filter aid in pressure filters and the diatomite sorbent pellets can be used in fixed bed columns. A number of case studies presented on actual industrial wastewater and crude oil samples further indicate that this new mercury sorbent could provide a practical solution to mercury contamination problems in many industries.