Title: Modelling and prediction of removal of metal ions from aqueous solution through facilitated transport

Authors: Smita Dixit, Ashok Khanna, Yamini Sudha Sistla, S. Mukhopadhyay, Prashant K. Bhattacharya

Addresses: Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208 016, Uttar Pradesh, India. ' Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208 016, Uttar Pradesh, India. ' Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208 016, Uttar Pradesh, India. ' Chemical Engineering Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400 085, Maharashtra, India. ' Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208 016, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract: A mathematical model has been developed to predict metal ions (Cd⁺², Cu⁺², Au⁺³, Pd⁺² and Am⁺³) removals from aqueous solutions through facilitated transport using supported liquid membranes. Predictions from developed model found to be in good agreement with experimental data obtained from literature. Model incorporates kinetic mechanism of metal ion extraction with its diffusion through aqueous feed film and diffusion of its complex through membrane. Time variation of free carrier concentration in the membrane has been accounted. Further, the transience of co- or counter-transported species with metal ion has also been incorporated using electro-neutrality principle.

Keywords: hydrophobic membranes; metal ions; SLM; supported liquid membrane; mathematical modelling; prediction; kinetics; metal ion extraction; environmental remediation; wastewater treatment; cadmium; copper; gold; palladium; americium.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2010.029822

International Journal of Environmental Engineering, 2010 Vol.2 No.1/2/3, pp.73 - 91

Published online: 02 Dec 2009 *

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