The excellent chelating properties of aminopolycarboxylic acid (APCAs) mean that they can be used for the removal of metals from contaminated waters.
This paper by researchers in Finland, Poland, Sweden, and Mauritius reviews research results obtained for both commercial and self-prepared adsorbents functionalised with four common APCAs: iminodiacetic acid (IDA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA).
The structural characteristics and unique metal binding properties of these chelating adsorbents are presented. The theory of the adsorption phenomena is discussed, based on the kinetics of adsorption, equilibrium adsorption isotherm models, and thermodynamic models.
The most important applications of APCA-functionalised adsorbents are also described. These APCA-functionalised adsorbents are found to be highly promising materials for metal removal from contaminated waters.
Water Research, Volume 47, Issue 14, 15 September 2013, Pages 4812–4832.
