Synthesis of Disaccharide based Xanthates for the Removal of Some Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solutions

Two samples of lactose xanthates (LX1 and LX2) have been synthesized by the reaction of lactose (La), and carbon disulphides (CS2) in basic medium using NaOH/KOH. The synthesized products were extracted with diethyl ether and dried in air resulting in the formation of yellow coloured liquid products. The formation of synthesized xanthates has been confirmed by FT-IR (IR) spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The synthesized xanthates were utilised for the removal of heavy metal (CuII and NiII) ions and turbidity from wastewater. It was found that, LX1, LX2 and pure lactose (La) removes 94.9%, 95.4%, 93.8%, &95.4%, 73.3%, 70.98% of CuII and NiII respectively. These results show improved metals and turbidity removal with LX1, LX2 in comparison to many other coagulants reported in literature.