초록 ▼

A method of generating an adsorbent product for use in magnetic separation of contaminants from an influent liquid comprises the steps of: (i) mixing at least one micro-organism with the liquid in a chemostat vessel; (ii) magnetically separating a magnetic fraction of liquid from the vessel from a n

A method of generating an adsorbent product for use in magnetic separation of contaminants from an influent liquid comprises the steps of: (i) mixing at least one micro-organism with the liquid in a chemostat vessel; (ii) magnetically separating a magnetic fraction of liquid from the vessel from a non-magnetic fraction (iii) returning the magnetic fraction to the vessel; and (iv) collecting precipitated material from the vessel for use as the adsorbent product. In an embodiment, a solution comprising heavy metals is fed to a chemostat containing sulphur-generating micro-organisms, iron, sulphates and a nutrient compound together with N.sub.2. Liquid is drawn off to a high gradient magnetic separator where the non-magnetic fraction containing decontaminated liquid is separated off; the slurry is removed for use as an adsorbent. Sulphide generating micro-organisms are listed. Dy and Er salts or complexes can be added, as can other specified micro-organisms.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [3.] A method of generating an adsorbent product for use in bio-magnetic separation of contaminants from an influent liquid containing contaminants, the method comprising;(i) mixing two or more types of micro-organisms with the influent liquid containing the contaminants in a

[ What is claimed is:] [3.] A method of generating an adsorbent product for use in bio-magnetic separation of contaminants from an influent liquid containing contaminants, the method comprising;(i) mixing two or more types of micro-organisms with the influent liquid containing the contaminants in a chemostat vessel to allow some of the micro-organisms to attach to the contaminants to form a magnetic product;(ii) magnetically separating a magnetic fraction of liquid containing the magnetic product from the chemostat vessel from a non-magnetic fraction;(iii) returning the magnetic fraction to the chemostat vessel whereby those of the two or more types of micro-organisms that preferentially attach to the contaminants are promoted in the chemostat vessel; and(iv) collecting precipitated material from the chemostat vessel for use as the adsorbent product.