Complexing agents for metal removal using ultrafiltration membranes: a review

Water pollution by human activities is major issue. In particular, toxic metals are of particular concern, thus calling for advanced methods to remove metals from contaminated waters. Here we review the use of polymeric complexing agents such as pectin, alginate, chitosan, polyethyleneimine, polyacetic acid, polystyrene sulfonate sodium polyacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol and diethylaminoethyl cellulose, to increase the efficiency of metal removal up to 100% by ultrafiltration.