comparative investigation of some non-ionic surfactants in the removal of pb2+ ions using cloud point extraction

In this research, cloud point extraction was carried out for the removal of pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions using oc-30, triton x-100 and sorbitol as non-ionic surfactants. the effective parameters such as optimum ph, pb2+ concentration, ligand concentration, surfactant concentration, ionic strength, and the selectivity of the method for pb2+ions extraction were investigated. the best condition of extraction with maximum efficiency (76%) was determined at ph (4.0-4.5), cation concentration (50mg/l), surfactant concentration (0.01mol/l), and ligand concentration (0.001mol/l). the results of the sem images emphasized the presence of pb2+ ions in the surfactant aqueous solution. according to the chain length and molecular weight, the best conditions for removing pb2+ ions were recorded as oc-30˃ triton x-100˃ sorbitol.