The present invention is directed to processes for removing a contaminant
from dental effluents and includes transporting a three-phase effluent
through a suction line into a particle collection vessel, introducing a
suction line cleaning solution which includes a reagent into the suction
line, and introducing the three phase effluent and the line cleaning
solution into the collection vessel, wherein the effluent separates into
solid. liquid, and gas phases in the collection vessel and the reagent
includes a flocculant and/or a precipitant. and removing the gaseous and
liquid phases from the collection vessel. The contaminant includes
mercury. lead. and arsenic.