Removal of some heavy metals from inorganic industrial wastewaters by ion exchange method

Removal of heavy metals such as Cu(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) from wastewaters in several industrial areas of Kerman, Iran, was evaluated by using ion-exchange method. Dowex 50WX8 (H+) resin was selected as suitable adsorbent for reduction of toxic elements in wastewater. The most effective sorption was observed within in pH between 4-6, fow rate of 4 mL min(-1) and amount of 200 mg resin. Sorbent capacities for Cu(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) were 45; 50; 50; 40 and 60 mg/g respectively. The results determine that exchanger resin is extremely effective in lowering the metal content of wastewaters.