ABSTRACT
Th e presence of heavy metals in the environment is of major concern because of their toxicity and threat to human life and the environment. Primary drinking water standards for metals are regulated by the Clean Water Act. Values of maximum concentration limit (MCL) for metals are presented in Table 7.1. Metal discharge limits for industrial wastewater dis charges are a function of the industry and can vary from state to state. While it is not possible to list general wastewater discharge limits for a particular metal, it can be said that there is substantial regulatory pressure for reducing the metal limits in drinking water and in wastewater discharges. As heavy metal regulations become more stringent, new technolo gies must be developed.
