Patent ID: 7491337
Filing Date: 2009-02-17
Classification: C02F

Abstract:
1. A method for the removal of one or more cationic, anionic and/or nonionic surfactants-from water, the method comprising: a) contacting the water with a pH adjusting agent/medium for a time and under conditions to provide a pH adjusted water; b) a first medium that has a negative charge in the pH adjusted water for a time and under conditions such that a proportion of cationic surfactants present in the water are adsorbed onto said medium and removed from the water; c) a second medium that has a positive charge in the pH adjusted water for a time and under conditions such that a proportion of anionic surfactants present in the water are adsorbed ontosaid medium and removed from the water; and d) a third medium that has a high surface area, is porous, adsorbs hydrophobic uncharged material and/or adsorbs hydrophobic charged material in the pH adjusted water, for a time and under conditions such that a proportion of non-ionic surfactants present in the water are adsorbed onto said medium and removed from the water,