Studies on the extraction of arsenic from mixed media with MIBK

A systematic study was carried out on the extraction of tri- and pentavalent arsenic by methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) from single and mixed mineral acid solutions. It was found that the extraction of arsenic, which is rather low from single acid solutions, is highly increased from binary mixtures of sulphuric acid and acid halide solutions. The extraction of some other elements was investigated at the optimum conditions for the extraction of arsenic and analytical advantages are mentioned. Extraction experiments were carried out by batch. Equal volumes from each aqueous and organic phase were mechanically shaken for 20 min at room temperature (20+-3 deg C). After phase separation, the distribution ratio D was determined radiometrically in the two phases. A methane flow counter was used for β-activity measurements after the preparation of dry samples on quartz plates. NaI/Tl detector was used for measuring the γ-activity in solutions. (T.I.)