Due to the excellent chelating properties of aminopolycarboxylic acid (APCAs), they can be used for the removal of metals from contaminated waters. This paper reviews the research results obtained for both commercial and self-prepared adsorbents functionalized with four most common APCAs: iminodiacetic acid (IDA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA). The structural characteristics and unique metal binding properties of these chelating adsorbents are presented. The theory of the adsorption phenomena is discussed based on the kinetics of adsorption, equilibrium adsorption isotherm models, and thermodynamic models. The most important applications of APCA-functionalized adsorbents are also described. APCA-functionalized adsorbents are found to be highly promising materials for metal removal from contaminated waters.
Keywords: Adsorption; Aminopolycarboxylic acid; Chelating agent; Heavy metals; Surface functionalization; Water treatment.
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