Heavy metal ions removal by chelating resin

Purpose Preparation of chelating resin to be used in the removal of heavy metal ions from solutions. Design/methodology/approach Chelating resin based on poly (glycidyl‐methacrylate‐co‐N, N‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide) containing ethylenediamine was synthesised and used in removal of heavy metals from solutions. Findings The optimal pH values for adsorption of different metal ions occur in the range 4.0‐10.0 depending on the metal ion used. The adsorption of metal ions increases with increasing treatment duration to reach to the equilibrium state. Also, the adsorption of metal ions depends on the degree of cross linking of the chelating resin, and a higher degree of cross linking results in a lower degree of metal ion adsorption. The chelating resin was highly effective for the collection of metal ions by batch and column methods. The metal ions adsorbed could be eluted with 2M HNO3 except Co2+ and the resin could be reused. Research limitations/implications The different factors affecting the metal ions (Cu2+, Co2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, Pb2+ and Hg2+) loading in resin such as pH, contact time and cross linking density were studied. Practical implications The practical applicability of the chelating resin for final stage of waste water treatment is recommended for use as a polishing agent. Originality/value The resins prepared were used successfully in removing heavy metals from water.