Quantification of Free and Bound Fractions of Nickel in Natural Waters by Solvent Extraction with 1,2-Cyclohexanedione Bis-Benzoyl-Hydrazone

An hydrazone derivative, 1,2-cyclohexanedione bis-benzoyl-hydrazone (1,2-CHBBH), has been used as a selective reagent for an advanced environmental application consisting of separating the different species of nickel in natural waters by solvent extraction. The effects of pH and reagent concentration on the extraction process were studied, as well as the influence of both organic (humic acids) and inorganic ligands (Cl-). Under natural conditions, organic and inorganic nickel species presented different extraction behaviors, and the variations in extraction yields could be correlated with the concentrations of organic complexes in the samples, allowing the separation of labile and non-labile nickel species in both fresh and marine waters.