Removal of heavy metals from wastewater using synthetic chelating agents

Abstract

Abstract The issue of heavy metal water pollution is one that concerns everyone. Both plants and humans are negatively impacted by heavy metals. Consequently, the environment and water resources require an efficient heavy metal remediation technique. In this context, a series of compounds were investigated as potential chelating agents for the removal of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb cations from water. By solvent extraction, it was shown that the chelating ligands’ affinity for Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb as indicated by the extraction performance was in the following order: Cu > Zn > Cd > Pb. The size and electrical characteristics of the metal as well as the ligand structure affect how well L1–L6 extracts that metal.