Removal of selected nuisance anions by Octolig.

Octolig, a commercially available immobilized ligand (IMLIG), has been studied for its effectiveness in removing nuisance anions. The material consists of polyethylenediamines covalently linked to high surface-area silica, and has a high affinity for transition metal ions. Previous research indicated that anions could be removed quantitatively from aqueous solutions using the metal derivatives of Octolig as packing in column chromatography. The present study focused on the results with Octolig alone. Quantitative removals (> 99%) were obtained for arsenate, chromate, paramolybdate, selenious acid, and fluoride. Boric acid was not removed by under similar conditions, but previously the copper(II) derivative of Octolig had been partially successful. A mechanism of removal is proposed.