We will present new data on a novel, thin film, ion exchange membrane (IEM) used in the removal of heavy metals, particularly lead, from aqueous media. The IEM is a polyvinyl alcohol and polyacrylic acid copolymer that is cross-linked with formaldehyde to insure the resulting membrane is insoluble in water. There are several advantages to this film including 1) it is preferential to heavy metals including lead and cadmium over calcium, and in fact starts in the calcium form, 2) the film is relatively cheap, 3) the film is easily regenerated by washing with dilute acidic solution, and 4) it can be made into several shapes and sizes and can be coated onto other supports.  In this poster we will present the use of coating the IEM on a new support with novel benefits. We will show the results of two studies in which the support was coated with the IEM and packed in a large column. The first study shows the ability of the IEM to remove lead from an aqueous solution using several passes through a column. The second will show the results from a continuous flow study. In both cases the IEM was effective and quick in removal of lead from solution.

Use of an insoluble polyacrylic acid ion exchange membrane coated solid support column for the removal of lead from aqueous solutions

246th National Meeting (2013)

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