ABSTRACT

Most methods for the ion exchange separation of lead (Pb) from solutions of complex composition, such as those from natural materials, are based on its adsorption on strongly basic resins. On exchangers of this type Pb is effectively retained from hydrochloric (HCl) and hydrobromic (HBr) acid media as well as from nitric acid systems containing organic solvents. By means of these techniques many more selective separations of Pb from accompanying elements can be achieved than by the application of cation exchange resins or chelating polymers. In 0.1 to 4 M HBr solutions the adsorbability of Pb on anionic resins of the quaternary ammonium type is higher by orders of magnitude than that observed in HCl media of comparable acidity. Anion exchange separation procedures, which are based on the adsorption principles have variously been employed in connection with the determination of Pb in geological materials, biological samples and industrial products.