Sulfonated cross-linked polyethylenimine for selective removal of mercury from aqueous solutions

The increasing levels of mercury contamination in aquatic environments pose a significant risk to both ecological and human health. This study aims to develop an effective polymeric material for the selective removal of mercury from aqueous solutions. Using a sulfonated cross-linked polyethylenimine, the methodology involves synthesizing the polymer and optimizing parameters for maximum adsorption capacity. Various experimental techniques were used to evaluate the performance of the synthesized polymer, including adsorption isotherms and kinetics studies. The results demonstrate that the sulfonated cross-linked polyethylenimine exhibits a high selectivity and capacity for mercury ions compared to other metal ions commonly found in wastewater. Furthermore, the adsorption process follows pseudo-second-order kinetics and fits well with the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating a monolayer coverage on the adsorbent surface. This research offers promising insights into the utilization of modified polymeric materials for environmental remediation, particularly for the treatment of mercury-laden wastewater. The findings suggest that this material could be a viable option for industries seeking efficient methods to mitigate mercury pollution in water sources.