Complexation parameters of heavy metals by olive mill wastewater determined by a cation exchange resin

Abstract

Complexing parameters in aqueous systems containing heavy metals and wastewater from olive‐oil mill (WOM) have been estimated using a cation exchange resin method. The parameters estimated were the maximum complexing ability (MCA), the stability constant (Kc) and a parameter indicating the stoichiometrical characteristics of the complex (a).

MCA of WOM for Cu, Zn, Pb and Mn was 0.470, 0.314, 0.068 and 0.300 mmol (g WOM)^‐1 respectively, and was related with the ionic radii of the various metal ions. The log Kc values followed the sequence: Cu>Pb>Zn>Mn in agreement with their respective electronegativities. In the case of Cu and Pb, data obtained here was compared with that determined in other work.

Key words:

• metal complexation
• olive‐oil mill wastewater