Selective extraction and concentration of chromium(VI) from acidic solutions containing various metal ions through emulsion liquid membranes using Amberlite LA-2

Chromium(VI) is a very harmful metal, highly toxic and carcinogenic in nature. Its separation from industrial effluents is of primordial importance. An extensive study on selective extraction and concentration of chromium(VI) from the acidic solutions containing various metal ions using an emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) technique is presented. The ELM consists of Amberlite LA-2 as an extractant, commercial kerosene as organic solvent, ECA 4360J as a surfactant and 0.5 M ammonium carbonate solution as stripping phase. The study has highlighted the importance and influence of membrane composition for maximizing the extraction of chromium(VI). For this reason, effects of various parameters such as chromium(VI) concentration in the acidic solution, mixing speed, type and concentration of stripping solution, type and acid concentration of the acidic solution, extractant and surfactant concentrations, phase ratio and treatment ratio were studied and optimum conditions were determined. The results showed that it is possible to extract 99% of chromium(VI) from the acidic solution containing Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) ions, at the optimum conditions.