this invention presents chemical and biological methods , processes and systems for purifying , reclaiming and / or recycling metal in aqueous solution . this invention presents methods , processes and systems for purifying , reclaiming and / or recycling : waste sludge from water purification plants , waste catalyst form polymer manufacturing plants and other waste aqueous metal streams , wherein said waste stream contains at least one metal in concert with bod and / or toc and / or cod . removal of at least one of : bod , toc , cod and any combination therein is accomplished via a biological reactor , wherein it is most preferred that an operating ph of 9 . 25 +/− 0 . 50 is maintained to maximize the insoluble oxide and / or hydroxide form of the metal , while minimizing the ionic form , toxic form , of the metal , thereby providing an environment which is conducive to biological activity . post biological reaction , metal are removed from aqueous solution with liquid / solids separation . post biological reaction bacteria are removed from aqueous solution with liquid / solids separation . in the most preferred embodiment , the metals from liquid / solids separation are recycled into coagulant manufacture .