Heavy metals removal by high gradient magnetic separation

Experimental data is presented on the effective removal of heavy metals such as cadmium, copper, nickel and zinc by absorption onto ferric hydroxide flocs. Ferric sulphate is used as the source of ferric ions along with a small amount of magnetite which is added to make use of high gradient magnetic separation. This paper examines the use of HGMS for this operation. The role of pH, flow rate through the filter, magnetic field strength and collection tube diameter is discussed in detail.