Work

Removal of Trace Toxic Oxyanions from Hypersaline Brines Using Temperature Swing Solvent Extraction

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Hypersaline brines are problematic to remediate since existing desalination methods are unsuitable for high salinities. Furthermore, the ubiquitous presence of micropollutants in brines can complicate desalination and treatment efforts. Here, we demonstrate temperature swing solvent extraction, TSSE, for the desalination of high-salinity brines containing trace concentrations of toxic oxyanions selenate and arsenate and environmentally relevant anions phosphate and sulfate. TSSE showed excellent rejection toward all four trace anions, with as little as 0.20% of the oxyanions ending up in the product water. Through regression analysis of the partitioning behavior of a series of anions (chloride, nitrate, acetate, sulfate, carbonate, and phosphate) in biphasic diisopropylamine–water–salt systems against 16 ion-specific parameters, the solubility limit of the salt in pure water was identified as a principal factor governing the fate and transport of the salt.

Source: ACS ES&T Water

DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.4c00681

Authors: Ian H. Billinge, Elizabeth Dach, Kinnari M. Shah, Ngai Yin Yip

Institution: Columbia University

Language: English

Topic: Chemical and Physical Properties in Aqueous Solutions

Subfield: Filtration and Separation

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: green

Funder: Bureau of Reclamation