Methods for Cyanide Removal from Wastewater: A Review

Abstract

Cyanide is a potent toxic species mostly present in industrial effluents from gold mining and metallurgical operations. The strong binding affinity of cyanide for metal ions makes it as the most favorable laxative agent for metal extraction particularly gold. The exponential growth of manufacturing and mining industries has posed a threat to the environment and human health in the form of cyanide exposure. Therefore, stringent environmental norms have been framed for the treatment of cyanide- bearing wastewaters up to a safe limit before disposal in environment. In this context, development of a feasible treatment, technology is imperative to meet the stringent norms. In this article, we have briefly discussed and presented a research trend on various available methods for removal of toxic cyanide species.