Assessment of aqueous extract of Gypsophila aretioides for inhibitory effects on calcium carbonate formation

Abstract

Abstract The aqueous extract of Gypsophila aretioides roots as a “green” or eco-friendly inhibitor of carbonate calcium formation was investigated. The presence of chelating factors such as polyphenol compounds and foaming agents in the plant extract was assessed. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) demonstrated the ability of G. aretioides extract for dissolution of the carbonate calcium precipitates. Moreover, conductivity measurements revealed that the G. aretioides extract could efficiently retard sedimentation of carbonate calcium from a brine solution of calcium ions exposed to carbonate ions by adding Na2CO3 to the system solution. In addition, chronoamperometry was performed for a period of 3 h by polarizing the steel electrode to -0.9 V (vs. SCE) at 40°C. The presence of G. aretioides extract at a concentration of 10% (w/v) in chronoamperometry prevented the precipitation of CaCO3 on the steel electrode surface. This was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses which showed an absence of precipitates and lack of calcium ions on the steel electrode after 3 h chronoamperometry, respectively. However, further studies are required in order to amend the characteristics of G. aretioides extract to render it more applicable as an eco-friendly, cost-effective, anti-scale agent for a wide range of industrial applications.