Development of the technology of separated treatment of galvanic bath waste streams with subsequent heavy metals precipitation

Physical-chemical methods of separated decontamination of highly concentrated waste streams from galvanic (electroplating) baths containing nickel, copper, and zinc ions using modified forms of vermiculite have been suggested. At the first stage, decontamination is performed by the method of coagulation using a detergent solution (decontamination degree up to 99%). Thereafter, the produced low-concentration solutions underwent electrochemical treatment with addition of sodium chloride using ruthenium oxide coated titanium anode and cathode. The third stage of extra adsorption decontamination by vermiculite-based sorbents was introduced for nickel- and copper-containing galvanic waste streams. The highest degree of decontamination from nickel and copper was attained using the vermiculite treated by 12% hydrochloric acid and cellulose.