Application of ultrafiltration assisted by complexation to treatment of industrial waste waters

A process for purifying waste waters containing heavy and common metals has been studied. The physicochemical conditions of complexation of metallic cations by a polyethyleneimine macroligand have been first determined. Separation has been achieved by ultrafiltration with inorganic membranes. The influence of physicochemical and hydrodynamic parameters have been studied in order to propose a whole flow-sheet applicable to treatment of 1 m3/h of waste waters. This work shows the applicability of ultrafiltration assisted by complexation to lower greatly the level of heavy metals in waters.