Propylene Oxide−Ethylene Oxide Block Polymer as a Surfactant for Cloud Point Extraction of Some Metal Ions

Propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block polymer (PO-EO) is a surfactant with low cloud point. It has been used for separation of Cu2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, Cd2+ and Cr3+ ions in aqueous media. The effect of different factors on recovery percent, like pH, temperature, amount of chelating agent, and amount of surfactant have been studied. A very good separation of metal ions could be achieved at different pH values with good effeciency of separation under the optimum conditions. The analyses of metal ions were carried out using flame atomic absorption spectrometer with duterium lamp background correction and calibration curve method curve method.