The molecule 4-aminophenol (4AP) is recognised as a serious environmental pollutant that enters the environment during the manufacture and processing of a variety of industrial processes and through the degradation of some pharmaceutical products. This paper describes a comparative study of 4AP removal from aqueous solutions by emulsion liquid membranes using acid and basic type 1-facilitated transports. The results are explained by analysing the stripping process through both the different relative acid/basic strength of the hydroxyl and amine groups of the 4AP molecule and the hydrogen-bonding capacity with water of the ionisation products generated by the reaction of 4AP with HCl or NaOH. To optimize the 4AP removal process, the influence of different experimental conditions (stripping agent concentration in the product phase, surfactant concentration in the membrane phase, stirring rate, feed phase/emulsion phase volume ratio, product phase/membrane phase volume ratio and emulsification rate and time) were studied. The kinetics of the removal process has been analysed by fitting the experimental results to first order, second order and the Behnajady and Avrami models. The Behnajady model presents an excellent fit, allowing to calculate both the initial removal rate and the maximal removal conversion. Optimal conditions of the removal process obtained through these parameters are in full agreement with those obtained from the experimental study.
Keywords: 4-aminophenol; acid/basic type 1 facilitations; emulsion liquid membranes; kinetics; optimisation.