Comparison of anion removal capacities of Octolig and Cuprilig

Mixtures of sodium salts of phosphate, arsenate, and fluoride were used in chromatography and batch experiments to compare the capacity of two immobilized ligands (IMLIGs) to remove these anions: Octolig and its copper (II)-based metallolig, Cuprilig. The focus of this study was twofold. First, to find out which material, Octolig or Cuprilig, would remove these anions most effectively; and secondly to determine the optimal capacity for removal of representative anions. Removal capacity was evaluated by two methods: by chromatography and by a batch method. The methods gave identical results, but the batch method was more convenient. Cuprilig had a lower capacity for removal of phosphate than Octolig. The capability of Octolig for removing anions was: phosphate > arsenate > fluoride >>> chloride >>>> bromide. Replication of phosphate removal was good for a given batch of Octolig. Of three different samples of Octolig, two seemed to be alike based on the phosphate- removal capacity; the third was different on the basis of a Student's t-test. This distinction indicates the batch procedure could serve as a quality control/assurance technique.