Optimization of Emulsion Liquid Membrane for Lead Separation from Aqueous Solutions

This study focuses on evaluating the process parameters and their effects on extraction of lead as well as emulsion breaking. The Signal / Noise ratios have been used to study the performance characteristics. Six parameters affecting extraction by emulsion liquid membrane, namely, TOPO, Span80, and internal phase concentration, feed/emulsion ratio, agitation time and feed pH have been optimized with considerations to lead extraction and emulsion breaking. The standardized effects of the independent variables and their interactions were tested by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) with 95% confidence limits (α= 0.05) and Pareto chart. The use of the optimal values of these parameters has been proved useful in maximizing the extraction efficiency and minimizing the emulsion breakage. TOPO concentration of 0.1498 M, Span 80 concentration of 3.007 v%, Internal phase concentration of 0.183 M, Feed/emulsion volume ratio of 1.407, agitation time of 30 minutes, and feed pH of 5 are determined as the optimum parameters