Heavy Metals Removal from Water and Wastewater

The chapter summarizes the main treatment processes used for the removal of heavy metals from water and wastewater. Heavy metals present a recalcitrant and persistent character, a bioaccumulating ability in the environment, therefore their removal from water and wastewater represents a worldwide concern. This chapter reviews the recent advances and technical applicability of the methods that have been used to treat heavy metal-containing water. The discussed technologies include chemical precipitation, coagulation-flocculation, flotation, ion exchange, adsorption, membrane filtration, and electrochemical methods. The main advantages/disadvantages and limits of each method are evaluated. It was observed that even if are made a lot of research on each mentioned method in practice is still necessary for intensive work for each case. In all methods, there are things that could be improved; therefore, future studies must be focused on the development of cost-effective materials and methods that involve low treatment costs, high efficiency, and minimal impact on the environment.