The re-emission of mercury (Hg), as a consequence of the formation and dissociation of the unstable complex HgSO3, is a problem encountered in flue gas desulphurization (FGD) treatment in coal-fired power plants. A model following a pseudo-second-order rate law for Hg2+ reduction was derived as a function of [SO32-], [H+] and temperature and fitted with experimentally obtained data to generate kinetic rate values of (0.120 ± 0.04, 0.847 ± 0.07, 1.35 ± 0.4) mM-1 for 40°, 60°, and 75℃, respectively. The reduction of Hg2+ increases with a temperature increase but shows an inverse relationship with proton concentration. Plotting the model-fitted kinetic rate constants yields ΔH = 61.7 ± 1.82 kJ mol-1, which is in good agreement with literature values for the formation of Hg0 by SO32-. The model could be used to better understand the overall Hg2+ re-emission by SO32- happening in aquatic systems such as FGD wastewaters.

Adsorption using highly porous and highly functionalized sorbents is a straightforward removal technology currently being employed, however the range of contaminants is limited. A novel sorbent was synthesized from activated carbon and Zr-based UiO66 metal organic framework to remove both cationic and oxyanionic metals from aqueous solutions. The composite was characterized using FSEM-EDS, FT-IR, XRD, and TGA, and showed successful integration of UiO66 on the surface of activated carbon. Batch adsorption tests with ICP-OES reveal that the composite has removal efficiency >95% for Pb (II), Cu (II), Se (IV), and As (V). The hybrid material is a promising sorbent for the removal of both cationic and oxyanionic metals for wastewater purification.