Alternative chelating agents: Evaluation of the ready biodegradability and complexation properties

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Martins, J.G (Author) Other; Neto, I.F.F. (Author) Other; Pinto, I.S.S. (Author) Other; Soares, E.V. (Author) Other; Barros, M.T. (Author) Other; Helena Soares (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Environmental Science and Health - Part A Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering

Vol. 49

Pages: 344-354

ISSN: 1093-4529

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 3 Citations

Scopus - 6 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-JAE

DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2014.846706

Abstract (EN): The ready biodegradability of four chelating agents, N,N-(S,S)-bis[1-carboxy-2-(imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]ethylenediamine (BCIEE), N-ethylenedi-L-cysteine (EC), N,N-bis (4-imidazolymethyl)ethylenediamine (EMI) and 2,6-pyridine dicarboxylic acid (PDA), was tested according to the OECD guideline for testing of chemicals. PDA proved to be a readily biodegradable substance. However, none of the other three compounds were degraded during the 28days of the test. Chemical simulations were performed for the four compounds in order to understand their ability to complex with some metal ions (Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) and discuss possible applications of these chelating agents. Two different conditions were simulated: (i) in the presence of the chelating agent and one metal ion, and (ii) in the simultaneous presence of the chelating agent and all metal ions with an excess of Ca. For those compounds that were revealed not to be readily biodegradable (BCIEE, EC and EMI), applications were evaluated where this property was not fundamental or even not required. Chemical simulations pointed out that possible applications for these chelating agents are: food fortification, food process, fertilizers, biocides, soil remediation and treatment of metal poisoning. Additionally, chemical simulations also predicted that PDA is an efficient chelating agent for Ca incrustations removal, detergents and for pulp metal ions removal process.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11