Purification of an aqueous waste stream

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for purifying an aqueous waste stream providing a purified aqueous solution, the method comprises the steps of (i) contacting the aqueous waste stream with a first metal-capturing resin; (ii) allowing one or more metals to bind to the first metal-capturing resin, providing a captured fraction and an un-captured fraction; (iii) separating the un-captured fraction from the resin comprising the captured fraction; (iv) subjecting the resin comprising the captured fraction to a first elution buffer separating at least one metal solution comprising one or more metals from the captured fraction; (v) subjecting the un-captured fraction to a fractionation step removing one or more organic compounds, one or more PFAS compound, one or more metalloid, or a combination hereof from the un-captured fraction providing the purified aqueous solution.

Description

[0001] PURIFICATION OF AN AQUEOUS WASTE STREAM

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to purifying an aqueous waste stream. In particular the present invention relates to a method for purifying an aqueous waste stream providing isolated valuable products.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Wastewater or aqueous waste streams comprising metals poses several significant problems, both environmental and health-related for both humans and animals. These metals, in particular heavy metals or toxic metals from industrial wastewater, particularly from industries such as mining, battery production, electronics, and plating, can cause long-term damage to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health (as neurological damage, organ failure, or cancer) if not properly treated.

[0006] Metals like mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) may be toxic to aquatic organisms even at low concentrations. They can interfere with biological processes, causing mutations, reduced fertility, and death in fish and other aquatic life.

[0007] These metals can accumulate in aquatic organisms over time, especially in the tissues of fish and shellfish. These accumulated metals may reach toxic levels, impacting species throughout the food chain, including humans.

[0008] This accumulation may be a challenge, since metals accumulate in living organisms over time, as they are not easily excreted or metabolized. Over time these metals move up the food chain, their concentration increases, and becomes more and more dangerous. For example, mercury in water is absorbed by small organisms, then by fish, and ultimately by humans who consume the fish, leading to higher concentrations in top predators.

[0009] Discarding wastewater comprising metals is also problematic since the wastewater containing metals can infiltrate the soil, leading to long-term contamination. Metals like cadmium, lead, and zinc can accumulate in soils, causing toxicity that affects plant growth, soil microorganisms, and overall soil health. Contaminated soil may also reduce agricultural productivity by impairing plant growth and contaminating crops, which can further lead to human consumption of toxic metals.

[0010] Humans and animals living near industrial areas or polluted water bodies may face direct exposure to toxic metals through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion of contaminated water. The health hazards associated with exposure to some toxic metals may be:

[0011] Lead (Pb) : Can cause neurological damage, especially in children, along with anemia and kidney damage.

[0012] Mercury (Hg) : Causes brain damage, kidney failure, and developmental defects. Cadmium (Cd) : Linked to kidney disease, lung damage, and bone disorders. Chromium (Cr) : Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) is a known carcinogen and causes respiratory, skin, and liver damage.

[0013] Long-term effects from exposure to toxic metals can lead to life-threatening conditions such as cancer, organ failure, and developmental disabilities.

[0014] Some toxic metals may contaminate groundwater and drinking water. Groundwater may be contaminated when metals from wastewater or from the soil leach into groundwater, they can contaminate drinking water sources, posing severe health risks to communities relying on groundwater for their water supply. Contaminated drinking water poses severe health risks, including cancer, neurological disorders, and organ damage, and metals such as arsenic, lead, and mercury are considered particularly dangerous when consumed through water.

[0015] Many countries, like in Europe and in the US, have stringent limits on allowable concentrations of metals in drinking water, but managing and treating metal-contaminated water is expensive and technically challenging. Furthermore, most countries have strict regulations governing the discharge of metals into the environment. Failure to comply with these limits can result in fines, legal actions, or even shutdown of industrial facilities which may have serious consequences.

[0016] Presently, expensive wastewater treatment processes may be implemented to remove metals from wastewater before discharge, such treatment processes may be precipitation, ion exchange, or reverse osmosis. The resulting fractions comprising metal, and toxic metals, are then recovered using complex and expensive treatment processes.

[0017] Thus, there is a need in the industry for a method of purifying aqueous waste streams (e.g. wastewater) comprising a cascade of processes for recovering and isolating valuable metals and provide a purified aqueous solution that can be safely discharged into the environment or for being safely used as drinking water, and allowing companies to comply with regulatory standards.

[0018] Hence, an improved method would be advantageous, and in particular a more efficient, cheaper, simple, environmentally friendly and / or reliable method would be advantageous.

[0019] Summary of the invention

[0020] Thus, an object of the present invention relates to a method for purifying an aqueous waste stream providing isolated valuable metal products and a purified aqueous solution.

[0021] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method that solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art with efficiency, costs, fractionation, complexity and environment.

[0022] Thus, one aspect of the invention relates to a method for purifying an aqueous waste stream providing a purified aqueous solution, the method comprises the steps of:

[0023] (i) Contacting the aqueous waste stream with a first metal-capturing resin;

[0024] (ii) Allowing one or more metals to bind to the first metal-capturing resin, providing a captured fraction and an un-captured fraction;

[0025] (iii) Separating the un-captured fraction from the resin comprising the captured fraction;

[0026] (iv) Subjecting the resin comprising the captured fraction to a first elution buffer separating at least one metal solution comprising one or more metals from the captured fraction;

[0027] (v) Subjecting the un-captured fraction to a fractionation step removing one or more organic compounds, one or more PFAS compound, one or more metalloid, or a combination hereof from the un-captured fraction providing the purified aqueous solution.

[0028] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a recovered metal product comprising one or more major transition metals, one or more precious metals, one or more rare earth metals, one or more earth alkali metals, one or more alkali metals, or one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15.

[0029] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a purified aqueous solution comprising : more than 95 wt% water, such as more than 96 wt%, e.g. more than 97 wt%, such as more than 98 wt%, e.g. more than 99 wt%, such as more than 99.5 wt%, e.g. more than 99.8 wt%, in the range of 0.00001-0.05 mg / L of one or more major transition metal, in particular Cupper (Cu2+), such as in the range of 0.0001-0.03 mg / L, e.g. in the range of 0.01-0.025 mg / L; in the range of 0.00001-0.10 mg / L of one or more earth alkali metal, in particular Magnesium (Mg2+), such as in the range of 0.0001-0.025 mg / L, e.g. in the range of 0.01-0.05 mg / L; and / or in the range of 0.0001-0.5 mg / L sulphate (SO42+), such as in the range of 0.001- 0.3 mg / L, e.g. in the range of 0.1-0.25 mg / L.

[0030] Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a first metal-capturing resin comprising at least 2 individual resins, such as at least 3 individual resins, e.g. at least 4 individual resins, such as 5 individual resins, wherein the at least 2 individual resins, such as at least 3 individual resins, e.g. at least 4 individual resins, such as at least 5 individual resins, e.g. 6 individual resins are configured for binding (in the following sequence) :

[0031] 1) one or more major transition metals,

[0032] 2) one or more precious metals,

[0033] 3) one or more rare earth metals,

[0034] 4) one or more earth alkali metals,

[0035] 5) one or more alkali metals, and / or

[0036] 6) one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15.

[0037] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a system comprising a first metalcapturing resin, a fractionation unit, and a metal recovery unit.

[0038] Brief description of the figures

[0039] Figure 1 shows a system and a method (1) according to the present invention for purifying an aqueous waste stream (2). The aqueous waste stream (2) is contacted with a first metal-capturing resin (3) and the one or more metals are allowed to bind to the first metal-capturing resin, providing a captured fraction and an un-captured fraction. The first metal-capturing resin (3) comprises 5 individual resins (4)-(8) where the first individual resin (4) is configured for capturing one or more major transition metals from the aqueous waste stream, the second individual resin (5) is configured for capturing one or more precious metals from the aqueous waste stream, the third individual resin (6) is configured for capturing one or more rare earth metals from the aqueous waste stream, the fourth individual resin (7) is configured for capturing one or more earth alkali metals from the aqueous waste stream, and the fifth individual resin (8) is configured for capturing one or more alkali metals from the aqueous waste stream, a final sixth individual resin (not shown) configured for capturing one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15 from the aqueous waste stream. The un-captured fraction (9) is then subjected to a fractionation step (10) removing one or more organic compounds and / or one or more PFAS compound. The fractionation step (10) removing one or more organic compounds and one or more PFAS compound may be done sequentially or simultaneously. After the removal of the one or more organic compounds and / or one or more PFAS compound, one or more metalloid, in particular arsenic and / or boron, may be removed from the uncaptured fraction (11) resulting in a purified aqueous solution (19) which is suitable for being safely discharged into the environment, for being used as drinking water, or even used as deionized water or ultrapure water.

[0040] The one or more metal absorbed / bound to the first metal-capturing resin (3) may be desorbed / eluted using a first elution buffer into at least one metal solution comprising one or more metals (20). Each of the individual resins (4)-(8) may be using different elution buffers or elution conditions, depending on the one or more metals present.

[0041] The at least one metal solution comprising one or more metals (20) may be subjected to a step of metal recovery (12). Each for the metal solutions comprising one or more metals (20) obtained from the individual resins (4)-(8), may be subjected to a second metalcapturing resin (12) comprising selective resins (13)-(17) suitable for recovering metals (18).

[0042] The metal recovery (12) may comprise a second metal-capturing resin (12) comprising selective resins (13)-(17) suitable for recovering metals (18) directly from the metal solutions obtained from the individual resins (4)-(8) of the first metal-capturing resin (3).

[0043] The metal recovery (12), e.g. the second metal-capturing resin, and the selective resins (13)-(17), may be configured to receive the metal solutions directly from the first metal capturing resin. Hence, either the metal solutions or the selective resins (or both) may be configured to provide suitable binding of the one or more metals to the selective resins, when supplied directly from the first metal-capturing resin (3) to the second metal-capturing resin (12), without prior modification of the at least one metal solution, e.g. without being subjected to changes in pH, ionic strength, polarity, or the like. Changes in temperature, flow rate, pressure etc. may however be changed if considered relevant.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous waste stream (2) may be supplied directly from the source of the aqueous waste stream to the first metal-capturing resin (3).

[0045] The aqueous waste stream (2) used in the example demonstrated in figure 1 is obtained from leakage water from soil (depone). However, aqueous waste streams (2) obtained from mine water (mine influenced water), seawater, wastewater from battery production, wastewater from battery regeneration, and wastewater from battery disposal, catalyst comprising waste streams, e.g. from the chemical industry, petrochemical industry, pharma industry, and wastewater from the production of electronics (e.g. cables) may also be described with suitable amendments in some of the individual resins (4)-(8) and in the selective resins (13)-(17), depending on the metals present, as well as suitable amendments in the fractionation step for removing the PFAS compounds and / or the metalloids, which are only relevant if present in the aqueous waste stream (2).

[0046] The present invention will now be described in more detail in the following.

[0047] Detailed description of the invention

[0048] Accordingly, the inventor of the present invention surprisingly found a simple method and a simple system which provides highly concentrated and highly valued metal products and purified water at low costs, in benefit for the environment and for human and animal health.

[0049] Hence, a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for purifying an aqueous waste stream providing a purified aqueous solution, the method comprises the steps of:

[0050] (i) Contacting the aqueous waste stream with a first metal-capturing resin; (ii) Allowing one or more metals to bind to the first metal-capturing resin, providing a captured fraction and an un-captured fraction;

[0051] (iii) Separating the un-captured fraction from the resin comprising the captured fraction;

[0052] (iv) Subjecting the resin comprising the captured fraction to a first elution buffer separating at least one metal solution comprising one or more metals from the captured fraction;

[0053] (v) Subjecting the un-captured fraction to a fractionation step removing one or more organic compounds, one or more PFAS compound, one or more metalloid, or a combination hereof from the un-captured fraction providing the purified aqueous solution.

[0054] The method according to the present invention may relate to a method for purifying an aqueous waste stream comprising one or more metals.

[0055] The method according to the present invention may relate to a method for purifying an aqueous waste stream comprising:

[0056] (a) one or more metals; and

[0057] (b) one or more organic compounds, one or more PFAS compound, and / or one or more metalloid.

[0058] The method according to the present invention may relate to a method for purifying an aqueous waste stream comprising one or more metals and one or more metalloid.

[0059] The method according to the present invention may relate to a method for purifying an aqueous waste stream comprising one or more metals and one or more organic compounds, and one or more metalloid.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present invention the first metal-capturing resin may comprise two or more individual resins, such as 3 or more individual resins, e.g. at least 4 or more individual resins, such as 5 or more individual resins, e.g. at least 6 or more individual resins, such as 7 or more individual resins, e.g. at least 8 or more individual resins, such as 9 or more individual resins. The one or more first metal-capturing resin may comprise one or more individual resin configured for capturing one or more major transition metals from the aqueous waste stream.

[0061] The one or more first metal-capturing resin may comprise one or more individual resin configured for capturing one or more precious metals from the aqueous waste stream.

[0062] The one or more first metal-capturing resin may comprise one or more individual resin configured for capturing one or more rare earth metals from the aqueous waste stream.

[0063] The one or more first metal-capturing resin may comprise one or more individual resin configured for capturing one or more earth alkali metals from the aqueous waste stream.

[0064] The one or more first metal-capturing resin may comprise one or more individual resin configured for capturing one or more alkali metals from the aqueous waste stream.

[0065] In an embodiment of the present invention the first metal-capturing resin may be provided with at least 2 individual resins, such as at least 3 individual resins, e.g. at least 4 individual resins, such as at least 5 individual resins, e.g. 6 individual resins having the following configurations: at least one individual resin configured for capturing one or more major transition metals from the aqueous waste stream. at least one individual resin configured for capturing one or more precious metals from the aqueous waste stream. at least one individual resin configured for capturing one or more rare earth metals from the aqueous waste stream. at least one individual resin configured for capturing one or more earth alkali metals from the aqueous waste stream. at least one individual resin configured for capturing one or more alkali metals from the aqueous waste stream. at least one individual resin configured for capturing one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15 from the aqueous waste stream. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first metal-capturing resin may comprise at least 2 individual resins for selective capturing of specific metals.

[0066] The first metal-capturing resin may comprise individual resins provided for selective capturing of specific metals. Each of these individual resins may be configured individually depending on the metal(s) to be removed from the aqueous waste stream.

[0067] In an embodiment of the present invention one individual resin may be provided for capturing / binding metal ions having a valence of 1, another individual resin may be provided for capturing / binding metal ions having a valence of 2, a further individual resin may be provided for capturing / binding metal ions having a valence of 3, yet another individual resin may be provided for capturing / binding metal ions having a valence of 4, a further individual resin may be provided for capturing / binding metal ions having a valence of 5.

[0068] Preferably, each of the at least 2 individual resins of the first metal-capturing resin may be configured for binding :

[0069] 1) one or more major transition metals,

[0070] 2) one or more precious metals,

[0071] 3) one or more rare earth metals,

[0072] 4) one or more earth alkali metals,

[0073] 5) one or more alkali metals, or

[0074] 6) one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15.

[0075] In an embodiment of the present invention one individual resin may be configured for binding the one or more major transition metals, one individual resin may be configured for binding one or more precious metals, one individual resin may be configured for binding one or more rare earth metals, one individual resin may be configured for binding one or more earth alkali metals, one individual resin may be configured for binding one or more alkali metals, and / or one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15.

[0076] Preferably, the individual resins may be serial connected whereby the un-captured fraction obtained from one individual resin may be applied or contacted to a second individual resin and so on.

[0077] The preferred order of sequence of the individual resins of the first metal-capturing resin may be individual resin configured for binding :

[0078] 1) one or more major transition metals,

[0079] 2) one or more precious metals, 3) one or more rare earth metals,

[0080] 4) one or more earth alkali metals,

[0081] 5) one or more alkali metals, and

[0082] 6) one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15.

[0083] If one or more of this group of metals are not present in the aqueous waste stream, the one or more individual resin(s) may be omitted, but the order of sequence will be maintained.

[0084] In this way the aqueous waste stream and the various un-captured fractions may be depleted or substantially depleted from different metals or different groups of metals, preferably in a sequential manner.

[0085] In an embodiment of the present invention the un-captured fractions obtained from a first individual resin of the first metal-capturing resin may be depleted, or substantially depleted in one or more major transition metals (preferably depleted, or substantially depleted in all major transition metals present in the aqueous waste stream); the un- captured fractions obtained from a second individual resin of the first metal-capturing resin may be depleted, or substantially depleted in one or more precious metals (preferably depleted, or substantially depleted in all precious metals present in the aqueous waste stream); the un-captured fractions obtained from a third individual resin of the first metalcapturing resin may be depleted, or substantially depleted in one or more rare earth metals (preferably depleted, or substantially depleted in all rare earth metals present in the aqueous waste stream); the un-captured fractions obtained from a forth individual resin of the first metal-capturing resin may be depleted, or substantially depleted in one or more earth alkali metals (preferably depleted, or substantially depleted in all earth alkali metals present in the aqueous waste stream); the un-captured fractions obtained from a fifth individual resin of the first metal-capturing resin may be depleted, or substantially depleted in one or more alkali metals (preferably depleted, or substantially depleted in all alkali metals present in the aqueous waste stream) and / or the un-captured fractions obtained from a sixth individual resin of the first metal-capturing resin may be depleted, or substantially depleted in one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15 (preferably depleted, or substantially depleted in all metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15 present in the aqueous waste stream).

[0086] In the context of the present invention the term "individual resin" relates to a resin of the first metal-capturing resin which is physically separated from another resin of the first metal-capturing resin. Hence, the two individual resins are not mixed together. The first metal-capturing resin, and the individual resins, used for metal capture may preferably be designed to selectively bind and remove metal ions from aqueous waste stream according to the present invention, making them useful for treating e.g. industrial effluents, mining wastewater, and other sources of metal contamination.

[0087] Different types of resins may be suitable for first metal-capturing resin, and the individual resins.

[0088] In an embodiment of the present invention the first metal-capturing resin may be selected from an affinity resin, an ion exchange resin, a chelating resin, a hybrid resin or a combination hereof.

[0089] Preferably, the first metal-capturing resin may be consisting essentially of an ion exchange resin.

[0090] In the context of the present invention, the term "consisting essentially of", relates to a limitation of the scope of a claim to the specified features or steps and to those features or steps, not mentioned and that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention.

[0091] In an embodiment of the present invention each of the individual resin may be selected from one of an affinity resin, an ion exchange resin, a chelating resin, or a hybrid resin.

[0092] Affinity resins may be specialized materials used in affinity chromatography. The affinity resin may comprise a ligand specially designed for creating a binding or interaction between the one or more metal and the affinity resin.

[0093] Ion exchange resins may be polymers with functional groups that can exchange specific ions with those in the water. Depending on the desired binding the ion exchange resin may be provided as: a cation exchange resin - having negatively charged functional groups, e.g., sulfonic acid, carboxylic acid, that may attract and bind positively charged metal ions (cations) from the aqueous waste stream or an anion exchange resin - having positively charged functional groups (e.g., quaternary ammonium) that can capture negatively charged metal complexes or anionic metal species. Chelating resins may be resins that comprises functional groups capable of forming strong, selective complexes with metal ions. The chelating resins according to the present invention may be configured for selective recovery of high-value and / or toxic metals.

[0094] Hybrid Resins may relate to resins combining traditional ion exchange or chelating functionalities with other materials, like activated carbon or silica, to enhance metal removal performance.

[0095] Action of the first metal-capturing resin, and the individual resins, for capturing or binding one or more metals from the aqueous waste stream may include:

[0096] Adsorption: o Metal ions in the aqueous waste stream are adsorbed onto the surface of the first metal-capturing resin, or the individual resins, via ionic or covalent interactions. The adsorption process may preferably be driven by electrostatic attraction between the resin's functional groups and the metal ions. o For ion exchange resins the resins exchange ions with the surrounding solution. For example, a cation exchange resin with sodium ions can exchange those sodium ions for metal cations, effectively removing them from the aqueous waste stream. o For chelating resins the resin may use specific functional groups to form stable complexes with metal ions. The chelating groups, such as thiols or amines, tightly bind metal ions, preventing them from remaining in the aqueous phase.

[0097] Elution of absorbed metals from the first metal-capturing resin, or the individual resins o Elution of metals from the first metal-capturing resin, or the individual resins is crucial for obtaining a valuable metal recovery and for maintaining performance of the first metal-capturing resin, or the individual resins, over multiple cycles. o Elution may be performed by acid or base elution by adjusting pH with acids or bases can desorb metal ions from the resin, by change in ionic strength using salt solutions, e.g. using high concentrations of salts, such as NaCI or CaCk, and thereby exchange the bound metal ions with less competitive ions, effectively regenerating the resin, and / or by using specific chelating agents which may selectively strip metals from the first metal-capturing resin, or the individual resins. The resins according to the present invention may be used in packed bed mode, fluidised bed mode, expanded bed mode, or a combination hereof. A combination may e.g. involve application of the aqueous waste stream to the first metal-capturing resin at fluidised mode or expanded bed mode and elution of the at least one metal solution using packed bed mode.

[0098] The one or more metal according to the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of one or more major transition metals; one or more precious metals; one or more rare earth metals; one or more earth alkali metals, one or more alkali metals, one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15, and a combination hereof.

[0099] The one or more major transition metals according to the present invention may be selected from a chemical element found in groups 4-12 of the periodic table. The one or more major transition metals according to the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of Titanium (Ti), Zirconium (Zr), Hafnium (Hf) Rutherfordium (Rf), Vanadium (V), Niobium (Nb), Tantalum (Ta) Dubnium (Db), Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum (Mo), Tungsten (W), Seaborgium (Sg), Manganese (Mn), Technetium (Tc), Rhenium (Re), Bohrium (Bh), Iron (Fe), Ruthenium (Ru), Osmium (Os), Hassium (Hs), Cobalt (Co), Rhodium (Rh), Iridium (Ir), Meitnerium (Mt), Nickel (Ni), Palladium (Pd), Platinum (Pt), Darmstadtium (Ds), Copper (Cu), Silver (Ag), Gold (Au), Roentgenium (Rg), Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), and Copernicium (Cn).

[0100] Preferably, the one or more major transition metals according to the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Cobalt (Co), Titanium (Ti), Vanadium (V), Molybdenum (Mo), Silver (Ag), Gold (Au), Platinum (Pt), Palladium (Pd), Ruthenium (Ru), Rhodium (Rh), Iridium (Ir), and Osmium (Os). Even more preferably the one or more major transition metals according to the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn).

[0101] In an embodiment of the present invention the one or more major transition metals does not include gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, osmium, which may be included in a separate category called precious metals. The precious metals according to the present invention are described below.

[0102] Most preferably, the one or more major transition metals according to the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of Titanium (Ti), Zirconium (Zr), Hafnium (Hf) Rutherfordium (Rf), Vanadium (V), Niobium (Nb), Tantalum (Ta) Dubnium (Db), Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum (Mo), Tungsten (W), Seaborgium (Sg), Manganese (Mn), Technetium (Tc), Rhenium (Re), Bohrium (Bh), Iron (Fe), Hassium (Hs), Cobalt (Co), Meitnerium (Mt), Nickel (Ni), Darmstadtium (Ds), Copper (Cu), Roentgenium (Rg), Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), and Copernicium (Cn).

[0103] Preferably, the one or more rare earth metals according to the present invention may be selected from a chemical element found in group 3 of the periodic table. The one or more rare earth metals according to the present invention may preferably be selected from the group consisting of Scandium (Sc), and Yttrium (Y), Lanthanides (including Lanthanum (La), Cerium (Ce), Praseodymium (Pr), Neodymium (Nd), Promethium (Pm), Samarium (Sm), Europium (Eu), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy), Holmium (Ho), Erbium (Er), Thulium (Tm), Ytterbium, (Yb), Lutetium (Lu)), and Actinides (including Actinium (Ac), Thorium (Th), Protactinium (Pa), Uranium (U), Neptunium (Np), Plutonium (Pu), Americium (Am), Curium (Cm), Berkelium (Bk), Californium (Cf), Einsteinium (Es), Fermium (Fm), Mendelevium (Md), Nobelium (No), and Lawrencium (Lr).

[0104] The one or more rare earth metals according to the present invention may preferably comprise Scandium (Sc) and Thorium (Th).

[0105] The one or more precious metals according to the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Ir), osmium (Os), and a combination hereof.

[0106] The one or more earth alkali metals according to the present invention may be selected from the group of elements in Group 2 of the periodic table. These metals are known for having two electrons in their outer shell, which they readily lose to form divalent cations (M2+).

[0107] Preferably, the one or more earth alkali metals according to the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of Beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), radium (Ra) and a combination hereof.

[0108] The one or more earth alkali metals according to the present invention may comprise magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) or a combination hereof

[0109] The one or more alkali metals according to the present invention may be selected from the group of elements in Group la of the periodic table. These metals are known for having one electron in their outer shell, which they readily lose to form monovalent cation (M+). Preferably, the one or more alkali metals according to the present invention may be selected from lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (R.b), caesium (Cs), and francium (Fr).

[0110] The one or more alkali metals according to the present invention may be selected from rubidium (R.b), caesium (Cs), and a combination hereof.

[0111] In the context of the present invention, when referring to the one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15, the metalloids in the groups are not included, since these are not metals.

[0112] Preferably, the one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15 (not including the metalloids which are not metals) may be selected from the group consisting of Aluminum (Al) , Gallium (Ga), Indium (In), Thallium (Tl), Tin (Sn), Lead (Pb), Flerovium (Fl), Bismuth (Bi), and Moscovium (Me).

[0113] The one or more metal according to the present invention may include one or more metal selected from the group comprising : the combination of one or more major transition metals and one or more precious metals, preferably using one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more major transition metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more precious metals; or the combination of one or more major transition metals and one or more rare earth metals, preferably using one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more major transition metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more rare earth metals; or the combination of one or more major transition metals and one or more earth alkali metals, preferably using one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more major transition metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more earth alkali metals; or the combination of one or more major transition metals and one or more alkali metals, preferably using one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more major transition metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more alkali metals; or the combination of one or more major transition metals and one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15, preferably using one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more major transition metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more metals from groups 13, 14 and / or 15; or the combination of one or more major transition metals and one or more precious metals and one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15, preferably using one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more major transition metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more precious metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more metals from groups 13, 14 and / or 15; or the combination of one or more major transition metals and one or more precious metals and one or more earth alkali metals, preferably using one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more major transition metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more precious metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more earth alkali metals; or the combination of one or more major transition metals and one or more precious metals and one or more alkali metals, preferably using one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more major transition metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more precious metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more alkali metals; or the combination of one or more major transition metals and one or more alkali metals and one or more earth alkali metals, preferably using one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more major transition metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more alkali metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more earth alkali metals; or the combination of one or more major transition metals and one or more precious metals and one or more rare earth metals, preferably using one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more major transition metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more precious metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more rare earth metals; or the combination of one or more major transition metals and one or more rare earth metals and one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15, preferably using one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more major transition metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more rare earth metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15; or the combination of one or more major transition metals and one or more earth alkali metals and one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15, preferably using one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more major transition metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more earth alkali metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15; or one or more precious metals in combination with one or more earth alkali metals and / or one or more alkali metals, and / or one or more rare earth metals, and / or one or more metals from groups 13, 14, preferably using one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more precious metal in combination with one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more earth alkali metal, and / or one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more alkali metal, and / or one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more rare earth metals, and / or one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more metals from groups 13, 14.

[0114] In an embodiment of the present invention the aqueous waste stream may in addition to one or more metal comprise one or more metalloid.

[0115] In the context of the present invention the term "metalloid" may be a chemical element that exhibits some properties of metals and some of nonmetals. The metalloids may relate to elements with properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals.

[0116] Preferably, the metalloid according to the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, tellurium, and polonium. Even more preferably, the metalloid according to the present invention may be boron, arsenic, or a combination hereof.

[0117] In an embodiment of the present invention the aqueous waste stream may in addition to one or more metal comprise one or more organic compounds. These one or more organic compounds may compose of carbon-based compounds, which often ends up in the aqueous waste stream from natural sources, industrial activities, agricultural runoff, or improper waste disposal. These impurities can vary widely in their chemical nature, toxicity, and impact on the water quality.

[0118] The one or more organic compounds according to the present invention may include:

[0119] Natural Organic Compounds that may come from decaying of plant and animal matter, soil runoff, and microbial activity. The components may include (but are not limited to humic acids, fulvic acids, tannins, lignin, and other dissolved organic carbon compounds. Pesticides and Herbicides compounds that may come from agricultural runoff, urban stormwater, and improper disposal of chemicals. The components may include (but are not limited to) atrazine, glyphosate, and chlorpyrifos.

[0120] Volatile Organic Compounds that may come from Industrial discharges, fuel spills, solvent use, and leakage from storage tanks. The components may include (but are not limited to) benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene (BTEX), trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene.

[0121] Petroleum Hydrocarbons that may come from oil spills, leaks from pipelines, refineries, and urban runoff. The components may include (but are not limited to) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), aliphatic hydrocarbons, and oil residues. Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) that may come from wastewater discharge, improper disposal of medications, and agricultural runoff from livestock operations. The components may include (but are not limited to) antibiotics, hormones, painkillers, cosmetics, and detergents.

[0122] Plasticizers and Microplastics that may come from breakdown of plastics, industrial effluents, and household waste. The components may include (but are not limited to) phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and microplastic particles.

[0123] Detergents and Surfactants that may come from household wastewater, industrial cleaning, and runoff from car washes. The components may include (but are not limited to) sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), alkyl benzene sulfonates (ABS), and nonylphenol ethoxylates.

[0124] Phenols and Chlorophenols that may come from industrial effluents, pesticide degradation, and wood preservatives. The components may include (but are not limited to) phenol, cresols, and chlorophenols.

[0125] Organic Dyes and Colorants that may come from textile industry, printing, and paper manufacturing. The components may include (but are not limited to) azo dyes, indigo, and methylene blue.

[0126] Fat, Oil, and Grease that may come from food processing, restaurants, and domestic wastewater.

[0127] Polychlorinated Biphenyls that may come from industrial discharge, improper disposal of electrical equipment, and contaminated sediments.

[0128] Synthetic Organic Chemicals that may come from industrial processes, chemical manufacturing, and household products. The components may include (but are not limited to) dioxins, furans, and various industrial solvents.

[0129] In an embodiment of the present invention the aqueous waste stream may in addition to one or more metal comprise one or more PFAS compounds (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances). PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industries around the world and are considered a significant concern to the environment and human and animal health. PFAS contains carbon-fluorine bonds and PFAS may include PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid), and / or PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate)

[0130] In an embodiment of the present invention the aqueous waste stream may in addition to one or more metal further comprise one or more organic compounds and one or more metalloid.

[0131] In a further embodiment of the present invention the aqueous waste stream may in addition to one or more metal further comprise one or more PFAS compounds and one or more metalloid.

[0132] In yet an embodiment of the present invention the aqueous waste stream may in addition to one or more metal further comprise one or more organic compounds and one or more PFAS compound.

[0133] In an embodiment of the present invention the aqueous waste stream may in addition to one or more metal further comprise one or more organic compounds and one or more metalloid and one or more PFAS compound.

[0134] The un-captured fraction obtained from the first metal-capturing resin may comprise water in combination with one or more organic compounds, one or more PFAS compound, and / or one or more metalloid.

[0135] The un-captured fraction may be subjected to a fractionation step removing one or more organic compounds, one or more PFAS compound, one or more metalloid, or a combination hereof from the un-captured fraction providing the purified aqueous solution.

[0136] The purified aqueous solution may comprise water, preferably water in a quality ready for being discharged into the environment or for being used as drinking water, deionized water or ultrapure water.

[0137] In an embodiment of the present invention the fractionation step may include solid-liquid extraction, crossflow filtrations, evaporations (e.g. under reduced pressures), coagulation or flocculation.

[0138] Evaporation may be a suitable step for fractionating the un-captured fraction where the purified aqueous solution may be obtained in an evaporate (obtained from the vapor) and the organic compounds, the PFAS compounds, and / or the metalloid are maintained in the residue. The residue comprises the organic compounds, the PFAS compounds, and / or the metalloid that remains behind after evaporation as these components may be less volatile components, compared to water, which is a more volatile component.

[0139] In another embodiment of the present invention the one or more organic compounds, one or more PFAS compound, one or more metalloid, or a combination hereof may be removed from the un-captured fraction by one or more solid-liquid extraction.

[0140] The one or more organic compounds may be removed from the un-captured fraction by subjecting the un-captured fraction to an organic-capturing resin and / or to activated carbon.

[0141] The one or more PFAS compounds may be removed from the un-captured fraction by subjecting the un-captured fraction to an PFAS-capturing resin and / or to activated carbon.

[0142] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the method for purifying the aqueous waste stream may comprise the following sequence of steps: a) removal of one or more metal, and b) removal of one or more organic compounds, one or more PFAS compounds and / or removal of one or more metalloid.

[0143] In an embodiment of the present invention the method for purifying the aqueous waste stream may comprise the following sequence of steps: a) removal of one or more metal, and b) removal of one or more organic compounds.

[0144] The method for purifying the aqueous waste stream may comprise the following sequence of steps: a) removal of one or more metal, b) combined removal of one or more PFAS compounds and one or more organic compounds, and c) removal of one or more metalloid.

[0145] The method for purifying the aqueous waste stream may comprise the following sequence of steps: a) removal of one or more metal, b) removal of one or more PFAS compounds, c) removal of one or more organic compounds, and d) optionally, removal of one or more metalloid.

[0146] In an embodiment of the present invention the method for purifying the aqueous waste stream may comprise the following sequence of steps: a) removal of one or more metal, b) removal of one or more organic compounds, c) removal of one or more PFAS compounds, and d) optionally, removal of one or more metalloid.

[0147] In an embodiment of the present invention the one or more organic compounds and the one or more PFAS compounds may be separated from the un-captured fraction using the same resin and / or using the same activated carbon.

[0148] The PFAS-capturing resin, the organic-capturing resin, and the resin for capturing the one or more organic compounds and the one or more PFAS compounds may be selected from an affinity resin, an ion exchange resin, a chelating resin, a hybrid resin or a combination hereof. These resins have been described in more details previously, in respect of the first metal-capturing resin, and this description also applies here for the PFAS-capturing resin, the organic-capturing resin, and the resin for capturing the one or more organic compounds and the one or more PFAS compounds.

[0149] In yet an embodiment of the present invention the one or more organic compounds, one or more PFAS compound, one or more metalloid, or a combination hereof may be removed from the un-captured fraction by one or more crossflow filtration.

[0150] The one or more organic compounds, one or more PFAS compound, one or more metalloid, or a combination hereof may be removed from the un-captured fraction by one or more filtration processes. The filtration process may be selected from ultrafiltration, microfiltration, nanofiltration, reversed osmosis, forward osmosis, or a combination hereof. Preferably, the filtration process may be selected from nanofiltration, reversed osmosis, forward osmosis, or a combination hereof.

[0151] Preferably, the filter used in the filtration process may be a ceramic filter or a polymeric filter.

[0152] The one or more PFAS compounds separated from the un-captured fraction during the fractionation step may be subjected to burning. The one or more organic compounds separated from the un-captured fraction during the fractionation step may be subjected to burning or may be converted to biofuel and / or biooils.

[0153] In the present context the aqueous waste stream according to the present invention may be any waste that primarily comprises water and comprises dissolved, suspended, or emulsified contaminants. These contaminants can include a wide range of substances, such as one or more metal, one or more organic compounds, one or more metalloid, and / or one or more PFAS compound.

[0154] In an embodiment of the present invention the aqueous waste stream comprises a high- water content. Preferably, the high-water content relates to a aqueous waste stream comprising above 80 wt% water, e.g. above 85 wt% water, such as above 90 wt% water, e.g. above 95 wt% water, such as above 97 wt% water, e.g. in the range of 80-97 wt% water, such as in the range of 85-95 wt% water, e.g. about 90 wt% water. The remaining constituents in the aqueous waste stream may be contaminants as described herein, present in varying concentrations.

[0155] The aqueous waste streams according to the present invention may be generated from various industrial, commercial, agricultural, and domestic processes and the aqueous waste streams needs to be treated properly before being discharged into the environment or before being reused.

[0156] Preferably, the aqueous waste stream according to the present invention may be provided from mine water (mine influenced water, acid mine drainage), leakage water from soil (leachate), seawater, wastewater from battery production, wastewater from battery regeneration, and wastewater from battery disposal. Chemical industry that uses chemical catalysts, petrochemical industry, pharma industry that applies chemical catalysis, production of electronics (e.g. cables).

[0157] In an embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous waste stream may be supplied directly from the source to the first metal-capturing resin. The source of the aqueous waste stream may be obtained from a mine water source (mine influenced water source), leakage water source from soil (depone source), seawater source, wastewater source from battery production, wastewater source from battery regeneration, wastewater source from battery disposal, catalyst comprising waste streams, e.g. from the chemical industry, petrochemical industry, pharma industry, and wastewater from the production of electronics (e.g. cables). In an embodiment of the present invention the aqueous waste stream obtained from mine water (mine influenced water) and being contacted with the first metal-capturing resin may have a pH in the range of pH 0-6, such as in the range of pH 0.5-5, e.g. in the range of pH 1-4, such as in the range of 1.5-3, e.g. in the range of pH 1.75-2.5, such as around pH 2.

[0158] In another embodiment of the present invention the aqueous waste stream obtained from leakage water from soil (depone) and being contacted with the first metal-capturing resin may have a pH in the range of pH 4-9, such as in the range of pH 5-8, e.g. in the range of pH 6-7.5, such as around pH 7.

[0159] The one or more metals from the captured fraction may be obtained from the first metalcapturing resin by subjecting the resin comprising the captured fraction to a first elution buffer separating at least one metal solution comprising one or more metals from the captured fraction.

[0160] The individual resins of the first metal-capturing resin may be subjected to the same or to different first elution buffers. Preferably, the individual resins of the first metal-capturing resin may be subjected to different first elution buffers.

[0161] The flow rate of the first elution buffer for eluting the captured fraction from the first metal-capturing resin may be in the range of 0.1-10 bed volumes, such as in the range of 0.25-9 bed volumes, e.g. in the range of 0.5-8 bed volumes, such as in the range of 0.75- 7 bed volumes, e.g. in the range of 1.0-6 bed volumes, such as in the range of 1.25-5 bed volumes, e.g. in the range of 1.5-4 bed volumes, such as in the range of 1.75-3.5 bed volumes, e.g. in the range of 2-3 bed volumes.

[0162] The at least one metal solution (obtained from the first metal-capturing resin) may comprise at least one major transition metal solution, at least one precious metal solution, at least one rare earth metal solution, at least one earth alkali metal solution, at least one alkali metal solution,, and / or at least one metal from groups 13, 14, and / or 15.

[0163] The flow rate for contacting the aqueous waste stream with the first metal-capturing resin may be in the range of 0.1-10 bed volumes, such as in the range of 0.25-9 bed volumes, e.g. in the range of 0.5-8 bed volumes, such as in the range of 0.75-7 bed volumes, e.g. in the range of 1.0-6 bed volumes, such as in the range of 1.25-5 bed volumes, e.g. in the range of 1.5-4 bed volumes, such as in the range of 1.75-3.5 bed volumes, e.g. in the range of 2-3 bed volumes. In the present context the term "bed volumes" refers to the volumetric size of the first metal-capturing resin used.

[0164] In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one metal solution may be subjected to a step of metal recovery.

[0165] Preferably, the step of metal recovery may be a selective metal recovery which makes it possible to separate the metals present in the at least one metal solution into a recovered metal product, preferably, into a substantially pure recovered metal product.

[0166] In an embodiment of the present invention the pure recovered metal product may be provided in liquid form or in solid form.

[0167] The recovered metal product may be provided as a salt of the metal.

[0168] The step of metal recovery may be selected from liquid-liquid extraction, solid-liquid extraction, flocculation, coagulations, precipitation, smelting, electrolysis, and / or electrowinning.

[0169] Preferably, the step of metal recovery may be solid-liquid extraction. Preferably, the solidliquid extraction may comprise a second metal-capturing resin.

[0170] The second metal-capturing resin may comprise at least one selective resin suitable for recovering metals from the at least one metal solution obtained from the first metalcapturing resin.

[0171] In an embodiment of the present invention, the metal recovery may be a solid-liquid extraction using a second metal-capturing resin.

[0172] The step of metal recovery (e.g. using the second metal-capturing resin) may be provided by subjecting the at least one metal solution obtained directly from the first metalcapturing resin to the second metal-capturing resin.

[0173] Preferably, the metal recovery, e.g. the second metal-capturing resin, and the at least one selective resin, may be configured to receive the at least one metal solution directly from the first metal capturing resin.

[0174] The term "directly from" may relate to the application of the at least one metal solution obtained from the first metal-capturing resin to the metal recovery, e.g. to the second metal-capturing resin, without prior modification of the at least one metal solution, e.g. without being subjected to changes in pH, ionic strength, polarity, or the like. Changes in temperature, flow rate, pressure etc. may however be changed if considered relevant.

[0175] The second metal-capturing resin may provide a selective recovery of one or more metals in the at least one metal solution.

[0176] Preferably, the second metal-capturing resin may comprise one or more selective metal resins, such as two or more selective resins, e.g. 3 or more selective resins, such as 4 or more selective resins, e.g. 5 or more selective resins, such as 6 or more selective resins, e.g. 7 or more selective resins.

[0177] In an embodiment of the present invention, the step of metal recovery may comprise a second metal-capturing resin, the second metal-capturing resin may comprise at least one selective resin for at least one major transition metal solution, at least one selective resin for at least one precious metal solution, at least one selective resin for at least one rare earth metal solution, at least one selective resin for at least one earth alkali metal solution, at least one selective resin for at least one alkali metal solution, and / or at least one selective resin for one one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15.

[0178] Different types of resins may be suitable for the second metal-capturing resin, and for the selective resins.

[0179] In an embodiment of the present invention the second metal-capturing resin, and the selective resins, may be selected from an affinity resin, an ion exchange resin, a chelating resin, a hybrid resin or a combination hereof. These resins have been described in more details previously, in respect of the first metal-capturing resin, and this description also applies here for the second metal-capturing resin.

[0180] The second metal-capturing resin may be consisting essentially of an ion exchange resin.

[0181] In an embodiment of the present invention a first elution buffer may be selected which does not, or which does substantially not, interfere with the adsorption of the at least one metal in the metal solution to the second metal-capturing resin.

[0182] Alternatively (or additionally), a second metal-capturing resin may be configured not to be affected by the first elution buffer comprising the metal solution. Preferably, the aqueous waste stream may be selected from mine water (mine influenced water), leakage water from soil (depone), seawater, wastewater from battery production, wastewater from battery regeneration, wastewater from battery disposal catalyst comprising waste streams, e.g. from the chemical industry, petrochemical industry, pharma industry, and wastewater from the production of electronics (e.g. cables).

[0183] More preferably, the aqueous waste stream may be selected from mine water (mine influenced water), leakage water from soil (depone), wastewater from battery production, wastewater from battery regeneration, wastewater from battery disposal, catalyst comprising waste streams, e.g. from the chemical industry, petrochemical industry, pharma industry, and wastewater from the production of electronics (e.g. cables).

[0184] Even more preferably, the aqueous waste stream may be selected from mine water (mine influenced water), leakage water from soil (depone), seawater, wastewater from battery production, wastewater from battery regeneration, and wastewater from battery disposal.

[0185] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a recovered metal product comprising one or more major transition metals, one or more precious metals, one or more rare earth metals, one or more earth alkali metals, one or more alkali metals or one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15.

[0186] The recovered metal product may have a concentration of impurities below 10 wt%, such as below 8 wt%, e.g. below 6 wt%, such as below 5 wt%, e.g. below 4 wt%, such as below 3 wt%, e.g. below 2 wt%, such as below 1 wt%, e.g. below 0.1 wt%, such as below 0.01 wt%, e.g. in the range from 0.01-10 wt%, such as in the range of 0.1-8 wt%, e.g. in the range from 1-6 wt%, such as in the range of 2-5 wt%, e.g. in the range from 3-4 wt%.

[0187] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a purified aqueous solution comprising : more than 95 wt% water, such as more than 96 wt%, e.g. more than 97 wt%, such as more than 98 wt%, e.g. more than 99 wt%, such as more than 99.5 wt%, e.g. more than 99.8 wt%, in the range of 0.00001-0.05 mg / L of one or more major transition metal, in particular Cupper (Cu2+), such as in the range of 0.0001-0.03 mg / L, e.g. in the range of 0.01-0.025 mg / L; in the range of 0.00001-0.10 mg / L of one or more earth alkali metal, in particular Magnesium (Mg2+), such as in the range of 0.0001-0.025 mg / L, e.g. in the range of 0.01-0.05 mg / L; and / or in the range of 0.0001-0.5 mg / L sulphate (SO42+), such as in the range of 0.001- 0.3 mg / L, e.g. in the range of 0.1-0.25 mg / L.

[0188] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a first metal-capturing resin comprising at least 2 individual resins, such as at least 3 individual resins, e.g. at least 4 individual resins, such as 5 individual resins, wherein the at least 2 individual resins, such as at least 3 individual resins, e.g. at least 4 individual resins, such as 5 individual resins, e.g. 6 individual resins are configured for binding (in the following sequence) :

[0189] 1) one or more major transition metals,

[0190] 2) one or more precious metals,

[0191] 3) one or more rare earth metals,

[0192] 4) one or more earth alkali metals,

[0193] 5) one or more alkali metals, and

[0194] 6) one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15.

[0195] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a system comprising a first metal-capturing resin, a fractionation unit, and a metal recovery unit.

[0196] The metal recovery unit may be provided for separating at least one metal solution obtained from the first metal-capturing resin. Preferably, the metal recovery unit is in fluid connection with first metal-capturing resin allowing the at least one metal solution to be transferred directly from the first metal-capturing resin to the metal recovery unit.

[0197] The fractionation unit may be provided for removing one or more organic compounds, one or more PFAS compounds, and / or one or more metalloids from an un-captured fraction, preferably providing a purified aqueous solution. Preferably, the fractionation unit may be in fluid connection with first metal-capturing resin allowing the un-captured fraction to be transferred directly from the first metal-capturing resin to the fractionation unit.

[0198] It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention. References

[0199] (1): A system and a method

[0200] (2): An aqueous waste stream

[0201] (3): A first metal-capturing resin

[0202] (4): A first individual resin

[0203] (5): A second individual resin

[0204] (6): A third individual resin

[0205] (7): A fourth individual resin

[0206] (8): A fifth individual resin

[0207] (9): An un-captured fraction

[0208] (10): A fractionation step removing organic compounds and / or PFAS compounds

[0209] (11): A fractionation step removing metalloid

[0210] (12): A second metal-capturing resin

[0211] (13): A first selective resin

[0212] (14): A second selective resin

[0213] (15): A third selective resin

[0214] (16): A fourth selective resin

[0215] (17): A fifth selective resin

[0216] (18): Recovered metals

[0217] (19): A purified aqueous solution

[0218] (20): Metal solutions comprising one or more metals

Claims

29Claims1. A method for purifying an aqueous waste stream providing a purified aqueous solution, the method comprises the steps of:(i) Contacting the aqueous waste stream with a first metal-capturing resin;(ii) Allowing one or more metals to bind to the first metal-capturing resin, providing a captured fraction and an un-captured fraction;(iii) Separating the un-captured fraction from the resin comprising the captured fraction;(iv) Subjecting the resin comprising the captured fraction to a first elution buffer separating at least one metal solution comprising one or more metals from the captured fraction;(v) Subjecting the un-captured fraction to a fractionation step removing one or more organic compounds, one or more PFAS compound, one or more metalloid, or a combination hereof from the un-captured fraction providing the purified aqueous solution.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first metal-capturing resin comprises at least 2 individual resins for selective capturing of specific metals.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein each of the at least 2 individual resins of the first metal-capturing resin may be configured for binding:1) one or more major transition metals,2) one or more precious metals,3) one or more rare earth metals,4) one or more earth alkali metals,5) one or more alkali metals, or6) one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15.

4. The method according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the first metalcapturing resin consisting essentially of an ion exchange resin.

5. The method according to anyone of claims 1-4, wherein the at least one metal solution is subjected to a step of metal recovery.

306. The method according to claim 5, wherein the metal recovery is a solid-liquid extraction using a second metal-capturing resin.

7. The method according to anyone of claims 5-6, wherein the step of metal recovery comprises a second metal-capturing resin, the second metal-capturing resin may comprise at least one selective resin for at least one major transition metal solution, at least one selective resin for at least one precious metal solution, at least one selective resin for at least one rare earth metal solution, at least one selective resin for at least one earth alkali metal solution, at least one selective resin for at least one alkali metal solution, and / or at least one selective resin for at least one metal from groups 13, 14, and / or 15.

8. The method according to anyone of claims 6-7, wherein a first elution buffer is selected which does not, or which does substantially not, interfere with the adsorption of the at least one metal in the metal solution to the second metal-capturing resin.

9. The method according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the purified aqueous solution comprises: in the range of 0.00001-0.05 mg / L of one or more major transition metals, in particular Cupper (Cu2+), such as in the range of 0.0001-0.03 mg / L, e.g. in the range of 0.01-0.025 mg / L; in the range of 0.00001-0.10 mg / L of one or more alkali earth metal, in particular Magnesium (Mg2+) such as in the range of 0.0001-0.025 mg / L, e.g. in the range of 0.01-0.05 mg / L; and / or in the range of 0.0001-0.5 mg / L sulphate (SO42+), such as in the range of 0.001- 0.3 mg / L, e.g. in the range of 0.1-0.25 mg / L.

10. The method according to anyone of claims 1-9, wherein the aqueous waste stream may be selected from mine water (mine influenced water), leakage water from soil (depone), wastewater from battery production, wastewater from battery regeneration, wastewater from battery disposal, catalyst comprising waste streams, e.g. from the chemical industry, petrochemical industry, pharma industry, and wastewater from the production of electronics (e.g. cables).

11. The method according to anyone of claims 1-10, wherein the first metal-capturing resin comprises one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more major transition metals and one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more precious metals.

12. The method according to anyone of claims 1-10, wherein the first metal-capturing resin comprises one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more major transition metals in combination with one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more earth alkali metals and / or one or more individual resins configured for binding the one or more alkali metals.

13. A purified aqueous solution comprising : more than 95 wt% water, such as more than 96 wt%, e.g. more than 97 wt%, such as more than 98 wt%, e.g. more than 99 wt%, such as more than 99.5 wt%, e.g. more than 99.8 wt%, in the range of 0.00001-0.05 mg / L Cupper (Cu2+), such as in the range of 0.0001- 0.03 mg / L, e.g. in the range of 0.01-0.025 mg / L; in the range of 0.00001-0.10 mg / L Magnesium (Mg2+), such as in the range of 0.0001-0.025 mg / L, e.g. in the range of 0.01-0.05 mg / L; and / or in the range of 0.0001-0.5 mg / L sulphate (SO42+), such as in the range of 0.001- 0.3 mg / L, e.g. in the range of 0.1-0.25 mg / L.

14. A first metal-capturing resin comprising at least 2 individual resins, such as at least 3 individual resins, e.g. at least 4 individual resins, such as 5 individual resins, wherein the at least 2 individual resins, such as at least 3 individual resins, e.g. at least 4 individual resins, such as at least 5 individual resins, e.g. 6 individual resins are configured for binding, in the following sequence:1) one or more major transition metals,2) one or more precious metals,3) one or more rare earth metals,4) one or more earth alkali metals,5) one or more alkali metals, and6) one or more metals from groups 13, 14, and / or 15.

15. A system comprising a first metal-capturing resin, a fractionation unit, and a metal recovery unit.

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