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Nickel wastewater treatment

I have a sample containing Nickel. I get no floc appearing when I adjust the pH with NaOH to 10.5-11.5.Can anyone tell me the reason behind this?

I do not have much information now. The raw wastewater pH is 1.0-2.0 (acidic). I get floc when I adjust pH to 3 and add FeCl3. When adjust pH to alkaline, it is observed that all particles are soluble.

Hope I can get your advise.

Thank you!

Dennis Ling
student - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
August 14, 2009

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Hi, Dennis. Maybe your sample has little or no nickel in it despite its label. Otherwise, there could be a powerful complexant or chelater in the solution. Once you add the FeCl3 it is very difficult to know how much if any of the floc is a result of the nickel content vs. the iron that you've added.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
August 14, 2009