Removal of free and complexed heavy-metal ions by sorbents produced from fly (Musca domestica) larva shells.

Fly larva shells (FLS) are formed as a side product in the biological treatment of organic wastes, and chitin and chitosan produced from the FLS have been used as sorbents for heavy-metal ions. Sorbents are characterised by FT-IR measurements and pH-potentiometric titration and by determination of their surface area, and the content of main elements (C, N, P, S) and ashes. Free metal ions are sorbed best (up to 0.