Cyanex 471X as extractant for the recovery of Hg(II) from industrial wastes

The extraction of Hg(II) from hydrochloric acid solutions has been investig ated using Cyanex 471X in xylene as an extractant. The results demonstrate that Hg(LT) is extracted into xylene as HgCl2 . 4L (L represents the extrac tant). The effect of the nature of the diluent on the extraction of Hg(II) with Cyanex 471X has been studied and correlated with the dielectric consta nt. The loading capacity of the extractant was also determined. IR spectral studies of the extracted complex were used to further clarify the nature o f the extracted complex. The potential of the extractant for decontaminatin g mercury from the brine sludge of a Chlor-Alkali plant has been assessed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.