Synthesis and evaluation of different thio-modified cellulose resins for the removal of mercury (II) ion from highly acidic aqueous solutions

► Thio- and/or amine-modified cellulose resin materials were synthesized. ► Hg(II) ion adsorption properties in highly acidic solution were determined. ► Selectivity for Hg(II) as only ruthenium(II) somewhat adsorbed onto it out of 14 other metal ions studied.