Mohammad Ahmed

Fw8554
10/4/15
BE1200
Removal of Heavy Metal Ions from Water
Introduction:
Water is essential to sustain life for generations, but with recent advancements in industrial and
agricultural activities, heavy metal ion pollution has been a global problem, that is receiving
worldwide attention. Drinking water contaminated with heavy metal ions is a severe health
problem to individuals as well as the environment. Heavy metal ions are being discharged into
the environment as industries such as paper, batteries, pesticides, mining operations, and
fertilization are increasing. The most common toxic heavy metal ion includes: zinc, copper,
nickel, mercury, cadmium, lead and chromium.
Zinc is an essential trace element for humans, plants, animals, and other microorganisms, for it is
found in nearly 100 specific enzymes. Zinc is often included in the binding of proteins which
helps regulate many biochemical processes. However, an excess amount of Zinc can lead to
health problems such as stomach cramps, skin irritations, vomiting, and nausea.
Copper is an essential trace element for humans and plants as copper proteins have diverse roles
in biological electron transport chain. Too much of copper can however, result in vomiting,
cramps, and sometimes death.
Nickel plays an important role in the biology of microorganisms and plants, as an enzyme that
helps in they hydrolysis of urea contains nickel. Excess of nickel can cause lung and kidney
problems, and skin dermatitis.
Mercury is used in many devices that are used in todays society such as a thermometer,
barometer, manometer, and many more. Acute exposure to Mercury can cause diarrhea, fever,
and vomiting. Chronic exposure to Mercury can cause inflammation of the gum and mouth,
kidney disorder, neurotic disorder, and nausea.
Cadmium is utilized in batteries, nuclear fission, and many laboratory uses. Exposure to
cadmium can cause lung inflammation, lung cancer, and softening of the bones.
Lead is used in bioremediation, and build historic objects. Too much contact with lead can cause
brain dysfunction, vomiting, anemia, and kidney disease.
Lastly, chromium affects people by bleeding, red blood cells destruction, and lung cancer.
Heavy metal ions are becoming a more serious problem every day. These compounds are of
public health concerns, and affect all living organisms. Heavy metal ions should be removed
from source waters which includes ground and surface waters to protect the people and maintain

a healthy environment. We will discuss the removal of the ions through numerous methods as
well as the advantages.

Works Cited
http://www.researchgate.net/publication/49665121_Removal_of_Heavy_Metal_Ions_from_Wast
ewaters_A_Review
http://www.sadgurupublications.com/ContentPaper/2012/1_129_JCCPS_2(1)2012_P.pdf
http://www.intechopen.com/books/ion-exchange-technologies/selective-removal-of-heavy-metalions-from-waters-and-waste-waters-using-ion-exchange-methods