| abstract |
A process for sequestering metal ions by a polyelectrolyte, including presenting to the metal ions to be sequestered, as the sequestering polyelectrolyte, an alkali metal or ammonium salt of a poly- Alpha -hydroxyacrylic acid of the formula WHERE R1 and R2 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl of between one and three carbon atoms, M is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal and ammonium, and n is a positive integer between 3 and a higher value such that substantial solubility is maintained. |