Multielement extraction from aqueous solutions by palm kernel fatty acid distillate / Jenifer Dennis and Chang Siu Hua

Palm kernel fatty acid distillate (PKFAD) was investigated into its potentiality as green extractant for Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Mn(II) and Au(III) extraction from aqueous solutions. The pH-extraction isotherms of various elements by PKFAD were studied at a constant O:A ratio of 1:1. The separation factors of Cu(II) over other elements at pH 4.7 and different O:A ratios (1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 5:1, 10:1) were also studied. Results revealed that the highest Cu(II) (98%), Ni(II) (67.21%), Co(II) (62.38%), Mn(II) (96%) and Au(III) (99%) were achieved at pH 4.7, O:A of 1:1, inert salt concentration of 200 mM and temperature of 25°C. The extraction selectivity of Cu over other elements in descending order was Ni>Co>Mn>Au throughout the different extraction conditions studied. Therefore, PKFAD is a potential green organic solvent for the extraction of different elements from aqueous solutions.