Removal of Antimony from Aqueous Systems

Abstract
Antimony(III) is readily removed from aqueous systems by coprecipitation with ferric hydroxide and by adsorbing colloid flotation with ferric hydroxide and sodium dodecyl sulfate. Aluminum hydroxide is not effective in removing antimony. Precipitation with lime requires quite large quantities of lime in order to reduce residual Sb levels to desired levels. Precipitation of the sulfide in the presence of Fe(II) or Fe(III) may produce low residual concentrations, but runs the risk of exposure to highly toxic hydrogen sulfide.