Process for treating an aqueous solution containing metal ions

The present invention relates to a method of treating an aqueous solution SA1 containing metal ions comprising the steps of: (a) preparation of particles by functionalization of polyurea particles with 8-hydroxyquinoline or a derivative thereof; (B) dispersion of these particles in the SA1 aqueous solution; (C) complexing the metal ions of the solution SA1 by forming bonds between the metal ions and particles; (D) separating the particles and the aqueous solution SA1.