This invention presents chemical and biological methods, processes and systems for purifying, reclaiming and / or recycling
metal(s) in
aqueous solution. This invention presents methods, processes and systems for purifying, reclaiming and / or recycling: waste
sludge from water purification plants, waste catalyst form
polymer manufacturing plants and other waste aqueous
metal streams, wherein said
waste stream(s) contains at least one
metal in concert with BOD and / or TOC and / or COD. Removal of at least one of: BOD, TOC, COD and any combination therein is accomplished via a
biological reactor, wherein it is most preferred that an operating pH of 9.25+ / −0.50 is maintained to maximize the insoluble
oxide and / or
hydroxide form of the metal, while minimizing the ionic form, toxic form, of the metal, thereby providing an environment which is conducive to
biological activity. Post
biological reaction, metal(s) are removed from
aqueous solution with liquid / solids separation. Post
biological reaction bacteria are removed from
aqueous solution with liquid / solids separation. In the most preferred embodiment, the metals from liquid / solids separation are recycled into coagulant manufacture.