Comparative Investigation of Some Non-Ionic Surfactants in the Removal of Pb2+ Ions Using Cloud Point Extraction

In this research, cloud point extraction was carried out for the removal of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions using OC-30, Triton X-100 and Sorbitol as non-ionic surfactants. The effective parameters such as optimum pH, Pb2+ concentration, ligand concentration, surfactant concentration, ionic strength, and the selectivity of the method for Pb2+ions extraction were investigated. The best condition of extraction with maximum efficiency (76%) was determined at pH (4.0-4.5), cation concentration (50mg/L), surfactant concentration (0.01mol/L), and ligand concentration (0.001mol/L). The results of the SEM images emphasized the presence of Pb2+ ions in the surfactant aqueous solution. According to the chain length and molecular weight, the best conditions for removing Pb2+ ions were recorded as OC-30˃ Triton X-100˃ Sorbitol.