Cadmium removal from aqueous solution by emulsion liquid membrane (ELM): influence of emulsion formulation on cadmium removal and emulsion swelling

• Published in: Desalination and Water Treatment
• Main Author: Ahmad A.L.; Shah Buddin M.M.H.; Ooi B.S.; Kusumastuti A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor and Francis Inc. 2016
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84965045933&doi=10.1080%2f19443994.2016.1179674&partnerID=40&md5=2d09c7b433b2306b17482dcdb6b92f72

This work aims to investigate the best formulation of Emulsion Liquid Membrane to be used for cadmium removal from aqueous solution. The parameters involved in this study are carrier (Aliquat 336) and surfactant (Span 80) concentration, emulsification time as well as initial W/O (water-in-oil) volume ratio. Their effects on cadmium removal efficiency, E(%) were investigated together with their influence on emulsion swelling, δ(%). The emulsion globule was observed under a microscope to track its size change as the extraction process took place and the data were later used to quantify the occurrence of emulsion swelling. Corn oil was used as diluent to dissolve 3 wt.% of both, Aliquat 336 and Span 80 in forming the membrane phase. W/O mixture at volume ratio of 0.33 was homogenized for 12 min to prepare the emulsion and it was found to effectively remove 98.15% of cadmium at minimal swelling (34.24%). © 2016 Balaban Desalination Publications. All rights reserved.