Patent ID: 6264841
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
Classification: B01J,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of removing a dissolved metal constituent from a contaminated liquid comprising the steps of:(a) providing a flow stream containing the contaminated liquid, said flow stream having a concentration of the dissolved metal constituent greater than approximately 1300 ppm;(b) providing a plurality of shell components by comminuting substantially to a predetermined approximate particle size a shell stock including at least one shell containing a biomineralized calcium carbonate composition;(c) combining said shell components and said flow stream for mixing said shell components and the dissolved metal constituent within said flow stream;(d) growing upon at least one of said shell components a substantially insoluble metallic nodule by maintaining said shell components in substantial contact with the dissolved metal constituent over a predetermined time period, said metallic nodule containing at least a portion of the metallic constituent in a biometallic carbonate form; and,(e) separating said metallic nodule from said flow stream.