Recovery of heavy metal ions with calcium peroxide microparticles

Abstract

Sorption properties of micrometer calcium peroxide particles produced by the chemical reaction between calcium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide were studied. The dependences of the sorption properties of CaO₂ particles on temperature and acidity of the medium were used to find the optimal values of these parameters at which the sorption of metals is at the maximum. It was shown that CaO₂ particles are nearly as good in sorption properties with hematite and goethite nanoparticles and possess antifungal properties exceeding the corresponding characteristics of sulfur and silver nanoparticles. The simplicity of the method used to obtain the product containing 73% CaO₂, low expenditure due to the application of large-tonnage starting reagents, and its good sorption and antimicrobial properties make it possible to recommend this compound for purification of wastewater, natural water basins, and soil to remove heavy metal ions, with the simultaneous detoxication of these objects.