This invention relates to a method for removing mercury from dilute
sulphuric acid. According to the method sulphuric acid solution is
scrubbed with an aqueous solution containing thiosulphate, which
precipitates the mercury present in the sulphuric acid solution either as
mercury sulphide or, in a chlorine-containing environment, as a mercury
sulphide-mercury chloride double salt. The quantity of thiosulphate to be
fed is adjusted so that it precipitates the mercury in the sulphuric acid
solution, but still does not form elemental sulphur.