Effect of parameters on the transport of zinc ion through supported liquid membrane

The transport of zinc(II) from an aqueous solution containing zinc, iron, calcium and magnesium through supported liquid membrane (SLM) using di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) as a mobile carrier was studied, and parameters affecting on the metal transport were determined. The parameters and their values were given as; the feed solution pH (0.5–3), concentration of stripping solution (0.5–3.5 M), temperature (288–318 K), concentration of carrier (16–32%, v/v) and flow rate of feed and stripping solution (1–7 l min−1). The results showed that Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions were not transported at the pH range of feed phase studied, and Fe2+ ions were co-transported partially with zinc ions. Also, it was observed that the carrier concentration has no effect on the transport of zinc ions, while temperature, pH of feed phase, flow rate of feed and stripping phases and the stripping concentration are the important parameters.