Bioadsorbers To Recover Heavy Metals

Description and Advantages

In Germany, ATEC Dr. Mann GmbH and the Fraunhofer Institute for International Engineering and Biotechnology (IGB) have developed a process that employs bioadosorbers for recovering heavy metals. Synthetic-resin ion exchangers utilized in conventional recovery processes are produced from petroleum, a limited resource. The novel bioadsorbers are made using residual products of cereal processing. The novel patented process involves doping bran with phosphate groups, enabling it to bind heavy metals. After regeneration with acid, the bioadsorbers can be reused.

ATEC Mr. Mann GmbH and IGB are now working on adsorbers that can remove chlorinated hydrocarbons and humic matter from wastewater.

Contact:

Dr. Manfred Kuhn, Fraunhofer IGB, Germany.
Tel: +49(711) 9704 167;
Fax: +49(711) 9704 200;
Email: Kuenh@igb.fhg.de; Or
Dr. Gunter Mann, ATEC
Dr. Mann GmbH, Germany,
Fax: +49 (6261) 6729 500;
E-mail: faatec@aol.com

Source: VATIS UPDATE: Waste Technology, July-August 2001