Ruthenium - Ru
| Atomic number | 44 |
|---|---|
| Group / period / block | 8 / 5 / d |
| Relative atomic mass | 101.07 |
| Density at 20 °C | 12.1 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 2333 °C |
| Boiling point | 4147 °C |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d7 5s1 |
Ruthenium
Ruthenium is a hard, silvery-white platinum-group metal used in electronic components, including chip resistors, and in chemical catalysis. Its compounds can have different oxidation states and properties; the metal itself should not be confused with dissolved ruthenium species in water.
Ruthenium is rare in the Earth's crust and is generally recovered as a by-product of processing platinum-group-metal ores. Any water-treatment concern is likely to be associated with a specific industrial, catalyst or refining stream rather than ordinary source water.
Ruthenium in water treatment
Water-treatment context: For a ruthenium-bearing stream, identify dissolved and particulate forms, oxidation state and complexing agents before selecting a separation process. Metal recovery and residuals management may also be relevant; the element name alone does not establish a universal treatment method.
Elemental metals and dissolved metal species behave differently in water. Water chemistry and the exact compound or complex must be considered when assessing treatment.
Back to the periodic table of elements
Sources and further reading
Ruthenium page last reviewed: by Lenntech.