An aggregate composition and process for making the aggregate composition.
The aggregate composition includes an insoluble rare earth-containing
compound and a polymer binder. The insoluble rare earth-containing
compound can include one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. A
suitable insoluble cerium-containing compound can be derived from cerium
carbonate or a cerium salt. In a specific embodiment, the aggregate
composition consists essentially of one or more cerium oxides, the
polymer binder and optionally a flow aid. A process for making the
composition includes mixing the insoluble rare earth-containing compound
with a polymer binder to form a mixture, and subjecting the mixture to
mechanical, chemical and/or thermal treatment to adhere the rare earth
compound to the polymer binder. The aggregate composition can be used in
a variety of fluid treatment applications to remove one or more chemical
and biological contaminants in a fluid.