Abstract

The binding ability of poly(4-vinylpyridine) hydrochloride resin for Cu(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Hg(II), Pb(II), Cr(III), and U(VI) was investigated. All these ions, except Hg(II), could be not removed from aqueous solutions under the same conditions. The selective sorption of Hg(II) from mixtures of ions was observed. The elution of Hg(II) bound to the resin was also investigated using various concentrations of nitric acid and perchloric acid. Due to rapid complexation, a high mercury ion-binding capacity, high selectivity, and ease of regenerability, the resin can be useful for the removal and recovery of mercury ions from aqueous solutions.