MODIFIED ANION-EXCHANGE RESINS FOR IMPROVED CHROMATE SELECTIVITY AND INCREASED EFFICIENCY OF REGENERATION

Selective removal of hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), by anion-exchange processes is often resorted to for decontaminating various chromate-laden wastewaters in the presence of high concentration of competing sulfate ions. Experimental results are provided to show that a modified strong-base resin with tripropyl quaternary ammonium functionality offers greater chromate selectivity and improved efficiency of regeneration over widely used commercially available anion-exchange resins with trimethyl quaternary ammonium or dimethyl tertiary amine functionality. Use of this new, modified resin is likely to be more economic for decontaminating chromate-laden industrial wastewaters.