Introduction
Mercury is a dangerous and toxic element, and yet it is present in our environment around us, including water and soil. Mercury is often released into the environment through industrial activities. Mercurial compounds are both biodegradable and mobile, which also means it is easy for them to spread into the environment. Mercury is toxic to humans and animals, so it is important to understand the methods used to reduce or remove it from the environment. One of the most efficient and cost-effective methods of reducing mercury in environment is the wet refining process.
Wet Refining Process
The wet refining process is based on adsorption, where mercury is removed from the environment by extracting it with a reactive material. This process is commonly used in rivers and lakes, where mercury is adsorbed onto sand or activated carbon particles. The mercury is then collected, concentrated, and analyzed. It is also possible to use a variety of chemicals to remove or bind the mercury in the environment. The concentration of mercury in the environment decreases as the volume of the dispersed material decreases. The wet refining process is a cost-effective way to reduce mercury concentrations in the environment.
The process of wet refining can be divided into three basic stages. The first stage is the adsorption of the mercury onto the particles of the adsorbent material, such as activated carbon. Activated carbon has a high affinity for mercury and can effectively adsorb it from the environment. The affinity for mercury depends on the type of carbon used and the size of the adsorbent particles. The second stage is the desorption of the mercury from the adsorbent material. The desorption can take place in an alkaline or acid-based solution, depending on the type of adsorbent used. The desorbed mercury is then concentrated into a smaller, more manageable volume. The third stage is the analysis of the concentrated mercury. This is done to determine the exact concentration of the mercury and its chemical composition.
Conclusion
The wet refining process is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to reduce mercury concentration in the environment and make it safe to use. The process consists of three stages: adsorption, desorption, and analysis. The adsorption of mercury on activated carbon particles is effective in removing it from the environment. The desorption of mercury from the carbon can take place in either an alkaline or acid-based solution. Finally, the concentration of the mercury is analyzed and its chemical composition is determined. This process is used in numerous areas of the world, such as lakes and rivers, to reduce the risk of mercury contamination.
