METHOD OF REMOVING HEAVY METALS AND SOLIDS BY COMPLEXING BIODEGRADABLE POLYELECTROLYTES (PECTIN AND CHITOSAN)

摘要

The invention relates to a method of removing suspended heavy metals and solids through the application of a cationic polyelectrolyte solution, such as chitosan, and an anionic polyelectrolyte solution, such as pectin. When said solutions interact and act in synergy, they form a polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) which traps therein the heavy metals contained in contaminated waste. In this way, the invention can be used to remove and purify particles contained in industrial and/or domestic waste, in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Said invention affords the advantage of using products which are biodegradable and abundant in nature.