Decontamination of solutions containing EDTA using metallic iron.

EDTA removal from solutions using metallic iron was carried out at different values of pH, iron load and concentrations at free access of air and in closed vessels. The EDTA destruction was investigated using chemical and capillary electrophoresis analysis. Fe corrosion was studied voltammetrically and the composition of the precipitate formed was investigated using FT-IR spectroscopy and chemical analysis. The EDTA decomposition is remarkably enhanced by the addition of Cu(II) to the EDTA solutions and access of air. The precipitation of the derivatives of insoluble Fe with EDTA or its decomposition products proceeds along with the destruction of EDTA. In closed systems the main EDTA removal reaction is precipitation with iron ions.