In previously published papers, interactions between different metal ions and
surfactants were observed, mostly through different membrane transport
techniques. Due to their amphiphilic properties and the possibility of micellar
aggregation, surfactants are widely used in various analytical procedures. In this
paper, the influence of the anionic surfactant: sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), on the
efficiency removing Pb(II) ions, trough bulk liquid membrane system, were
investigated. Macrocyclic ligands: 18-crown-6, dibenzo-18-crown-6,
dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 and benzo-18-crown-6 dissolved in organic solvents
(dichloromethane, and chloroform) were used as carriers for Pb(II) ions. Metal ions
concentration in aqueous phases was monitored by flame atomic absorption
spectrophotometry, after 3 hours of membrane transport. The presence of an
anionic surfactant SDS increases transport efficiency to about 50% comparing with
the system without surfactant. From the aspect of the macrocycle used, the addition
of an anionic surfactant in the receiving phase also reflected in an increased amount
of removed Pb(II) ions from the source phase, following the order:
DCH18C6>18C6>B18C6>DB18C6.
