Heavy metal pollution occurs in many industrial wastewaters
such as those produced by metal plating facilities, mining
operations, battery manufacturing processes, the production of
paints and pigments, and the glass production industry. This
wastewater commonly includes Cu, Ni, Cr, Cd, and Pb. These
heavy metals are not biodegradable and their presence in streams
and lakes leads to bioaccumulation in living organisms, causing
health problems in animals, plants, and human beings. Excessive
human intake of Cu leads to severe mucosal irritation and corrosion,
widespread capillary damage, hepatic and renal damage,
and central nervous system irritation followed by depression [1].
Severe gastrointestinal irritation and possible necrotic changes
in the liver and kidney can also occur. The effects of Ni exposure
vary from skin irritation to damage to the lungs, nervous system,
and mucous membranes [2]. Hexavalent chromium (Cr[VI])
is known to be a strong oxidant and to be highly toxic [3].Some heavy metals are also known carcinogens. Therefore, the
removal of excess heavy metal ions from wastewater is essen-