Extraction and separation of mercury(II) using triisobutyl phosphine sulfide (TIBPS/Cyanex) as an extractant and its application to industrial effluent

Studies have been carried out on the extraction of Hg(II) along with Cr(III), Fe(III), Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Pb(II) and Ag(I), from mineral acid media using TIBPS. The effect of different variables influencing extraction of Hg(II), such as, mineral acid used, nature of diluent, concentration of metal ion and extractant has been investigated. Based on the partition data some binary separations from Hg(II) have been achieved. The potential of the extractant for decontaminating Hg from paper industry effluent has been assessed.