DETERMINATION OF HEAVY METAL IONS IN WASTEWATER

Abstract

In this study, the efficiency of sorption processes and solid-phase immobilized reagents for determining ecologically hazardous heavy metal ions in wastewater was investigated. The sorption method was implemented using polymer ion exchangers, natural minerals, and modified nanoparticles, while the binding mechanisms of functional groups (–COOH, –NH₂, –SO₃H) with metal ions were analyzed. Immobilization of organic complex-forming reagents into a polymer matrix significantly increased the sensitivity of detecting trace metal ions. The use of immobilized sorbents enhanced preconcentration and enabled reliable determination of Cr(III), Cu(II), Mn(II), and Co(II) ions in the 10⁻⁵–10⁻⁶ mol/L range. The results provide a scientific and practical foundation for monitoring industrial wastewater, developing selective sorbents, and automating analytical processes.