Removal of heavy metal-cyanide complexes by ion exchange

Simultaneous removal of heavy metal and cyanide ions in an ion exchange column is studied on the basis of formation of metal-cyanide complexes at high pH range. Strong base anion exchange resin beads were contacted with water containing heavy metal (Cu, Cd, Zn) and cyanide ions in semi-fluidized and fluidized beds. Compositions of the heavy metal-cyanide complexes formed for different heavy metal and cyanide concentrations are used to explain the ion exchange behavior. Ion exchange equilibrium data of this study were fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm. The ion exchange capacity of CN- as metal complexes increased to about three times that of free cyanide due to higher selectivity of metal complexes on the anion exchange resin. The ion exchange efficiency of the three heavy metal-cyanide systems decreases as the concentration ratio of cyanide and heavy metal increases. The regeneration rates of the regenerants used was in the order of NaSCN>NaCN>NaOH, and the regeneration rate of NaOH was substantially lower than other two.