The Combined Use of Coagulants and Sorbents for Metals Removal from Contaminated Antarctic Waters

Treatment of waters contaminated with metals is usually a two-step process. The removal of contaminated particles via coagulation and flocculation, using coagulants such as ferric chloride, followed by adsorption or ion exchange for dissolved metals removal. In this study a combined suspended and dissolved metals removal technique is investigated utilising bentonite or chitosan. These materials have high metals adsorption capabilities as well as the potential to improve flocculation. This study investigates the combined use of ferric chloride with bentonite or chitosan as a low cost environmentally friendly alternative for removing both suspended and dissolved metals from contaminated Antarctic waters.