This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a cationic ion-exchange sorbent derived from vermiculite and epoxy acrylate copolymers, designed to address freshwater scarcity by removing toxic metal ions from aqueous environments. The sorbent was engineered to preserve the chemical integrity of freshwater while adhering to environmental safety standards. Vermiculite served as the base material, modified with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), acrylonitrile (ACN), and orthophosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) in a mass ratio of 1:0.35:0.15:3. Optimization experiments explored varying H₃PO₄ proportions (two- and threefold increases) to refine the synthesis conditions. The materials underwent microwave irradiation at 300 W for 10 min. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups (P=O, P−O−C), enhancing sorption capacity, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a porous structure crucial for adsorption. Sorption properties, assessed via atomic emission spectroscopy, demonstrated capacities of 39.80 mg/g for MoO₄²⁻ and 39.06 mg/g for ReO₄⁻, with extraction efficiencies of 79% and 78%, respectively. Chemical stability tests indicated the sorbent retained up to 90% of its functionality in aggressive environments, highlighting its robustness. The developed sorbent offers a high-performance, cost-effective solution for heavy metal removal from wastewater, advancing sustainable water purification technologies.

The problem of treatment and neutralization of wastewater from chemical, petrochemical and oil refining industries is associated with the removing from them of suspended solid and plastic particles of pollution of various chemical natures, oil and petroleum products, heavy metals, surfactants, acids, alkalis, phenols and other harmful substances. To effectively treat water, various filters are used, which differ in parameters and characteristics. The purpose of this work is to determine the possibility of replacing cartridge filters used at PetroKazakhstan Oil Products LLP with easily regenerable bag filters. In the course of the research, it was found that the use of cartridge and bag filters contributes to more effective water treatment, in particular, from suspended sub- stances. When comparing them, we can say that the latter is advantageous in that it does not need to be changed when clogged, like a cartridge filter, but simply rinsed and used again in the technological chain. The bag element is quite simply washed in water, but if it is heavily clogged, it can be washed either in a solution of citric acid (20 g/l) or in an alkali solution (10 g/l).