The invention generally relates to a process for the recovery or removal of metal
species from a solution or slurry comprising the steps of: a) contacting the solution
or slurry with a polymeric material, selected from the group consisting of a solid
superhydrophilic polyurethane polymer containing a chelating and/or solvating agent,
a water-insoluble polymeric chelating agent dispersed in a water-insoluble carrier
solution, and a water-soluble polymeric chelating or co-ordinating agent to load
the polymeric material with metal species wherein said polymeric material; b) separating
the loaded polymeric material from the solution or slurry; and c) recovering or
removing the metal from the polymeric material. There is also considered a polymeric
material for use in the recovery of metal species from a solution or slurry, the
polymeric material comprising a solid superhydrophilic polyurethane polymer containing
a chelating or co-ordinating agent and/or a solvating agent.
