Optimization of Trace Metal Ion Binding Properties of a Novel Schiff Base Using Response Surface Methodology

In this study, solvent extraction technique combined with response surface methodology (RSM) applying Box-Behnken design was applied to study the uptake of metal ions from aqueous solutions using bis(2,2I-methylylidenephenol)diaminoethane (H2BMPDE). The extractions were monitored based on the process variables of time, temperature and concentration of hydrochloric acid, metal ions and H2BMPDE. The extraction efficiencies of metal ions by H2BMPDE optimized using RSM models indicated the estimated extraction percentage of ˃99%. The predicted and experimental values under the same conditions showed less than 5% difference thereby making the Box-Behnken design approach an efficient, effective and reliable method for the uptake of metal ions from aqueous solution with H2BMPDE by solvent extraction technique. The novel Schiff base (H2BMPDE) synthesized was characterized using common physicochemical techniques of UV-Vis, FT-IR, elemental analysis, GC-MS and NMR spectral data. The result obtained indicated that the process could be applied in the removal of metal ions from environmental samples such as soil, industrial waste water and acid mine sites.