Removal of Lead II from Aqueous Solution

The Cloud Point Extraction (CPE) of Pb(II) ion was investigated using Triton X-114 in combination with alanine and phenylalanine as biodegradable systems. This study aimed to evaluate the extraction efficiency of lead ions under varying concentrations of surfactant, amino acids, and temperature. An empirical smoothing method coupled with Box-Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to assess four key responses: extent of solute extraction (E), remaining solute, surfactant concentrations in the dilute phase, and volume fraction of coacervate at equilibrium. The results demonstrated high extraction efficiencies—94% with alanine and 98% with phenylalanine—under optimal conditions. This led to a significant reduction in solute concentration in the dilute phase, achieving reductions of approximately 4 and 12 times for alanine and phenylalanine, respectively. The study also explored the effect of pH on extraction efficiency. Furthermore, the ability to recycle the surfactant/amino acid system through pH alteration was confirmed, highlighting its potential for practical application in environmental remediation.