Removal of mercuric ions by systems based on cellulose derivatives

A few cellulose derivatives were prepared by the reaction of chlorodeoxycellulose (CDC) with ethylenediamine (ED), thiourea, thiosemicarbazide, thioacetamide, and others. These derivatives were found to be able to remove mercuric ions to an extent greater than 99% from a 10 ppm aqueous solution of mercuric chloride. For example, thiocellulose obtained by reacting CDC with thiourea and subsequently hydrolyzing it showed such good removal in the batch and continuous removal tests which involved passing the solution through a column packed with this cellulose derivatives.