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Title: Batch extraction studies of cationic and anionic heavy metallic species by a mixed solvent extraction system

Journal Article · · Separation Science and Technology
; ;  [1]
  1. New Jersey Inst. of Tech., Newark, NJ (United States)

Removal of toxic heavy metals from wastewaters and their recovery is a challenging problem. Simultaneous and synergistic batch extraction from water of copper present as a cation (Cu{sup 2+}) and Cr{sup 6+} present as an anion (HCr{sub 2}O{sub 7}{sup {minus}}) into a mixed solvent extraction system have been studied. The mixed solvent extraction system consists of the diluent kerosene, the cation exchanger LIX 84, and trioctylamine (TOA) which extracts anions via ion-pair formation with a proton. Highly efficient extraction has been achieved for both copper and chromium. Simultaneous extraction of two cations, Cu{sup 2+} and Zn{sup 2+}, as well as the anionic form of Cr{sup 6+}, (HCr{sub 2}O{sub 7}{sup {minus}}), has also been studied using mixtures of LIX 84, di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (D2EHPA), and TOA in the diluent kerosene. For an appropriate mixture composition, all three metallic ionic species can be simultaneously extracted with high efficiency. The extent of complexation between the basic extractant, TOA, and the acidic extractant/s is important in determining the extraction efficiency. A model developed for the extraction of Cu{sup 2+} using a mixed solvent extraction system provides a reasonable description of the observed extraction behavior and provides a first step for modeling.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
323980
Journal Information:
Separation Science and Technology, Vol. 33, Issue 16; Other Information: PBD: Dec 1998
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English