REMOVAL OF HEAVY METALS FROM CONTAMINATED AQUEOUS MEDIA USING SUSTAINABLE IONIC LIQUID-BASED AQUEOUS BIPHASIC SYSTEMS
The safety of drinking water is crucial for public health. Industrial and human activities have increased the use of heavy metals (cobalt, nickel, manganese) in water sources. These non-biodegradable, potentially carcinogenic metals pose serious health risks in drinking water. This study developed an efficient aqueous biphasic system (ABS) for removing these metals using real drinking water samples. Two ionic liquids, tetrabutylphosphonium DTPA ([TBP][DTPA]) and tetrabutylphosphonium acetate ([TBP][Ac]), were selected as ABS components, with ammonium sulfate as the salting-out agent. Phase diagrams were established, and extraction efficiencies were evaluated. The [TBP][DTPA] IL demonstrated superior performance, achieving over 95% extraction efficiency for all metals due to the stable complex formation with metal ions. The ABS proved highly effective for real samples, making it a promising approach for ensuring safe drinking water.