Mercury removal from liquid and solid mixed waste

Based on bench-scale laboratory experiments, the following conclusions were reached: Sulfur-impregnated, activated, carbon pellets (Mersorb) can be used to remove mercury (Hg{sup 2+}) to below EPA`s toxic characteristic level (0.2 mg/L). Mersorb works under acid conditions (pH 2) but its capacity is reduced by approximately 50% compared with neutral conditions. Competing ions present in the target waste stream reduced the Mersorb capacity by 50%. Mersorb appears to be economical compared with leading ion exchange resin. KI/I{sub 2} leaching solution can be used to remove up to 99% of Hg in contaminated soil and glass. KI/I{sub 2} leaching solution worked well with several mercury species, including Hg{sup 0}, HgO, HgS, and HgCl{sub 2}. KI/I{sub 2} leaching solution worked well with a wide variety of initial mercury concentrations. Radionuclide surrogate studies suggested that uranium will not partition into KI/I{sub 2} leaching solutions. Cesium may partition into the KI/I{sub 2} leaching solution because of the high solubility of cesium salts