Factors Influencing Extraction:

The discussion of the previous section clearly indicates the fact that the extraction efficiency of an extractant will depend upon a number of variables. Thus, to explore and successfully exploit some of these variables for effective metal ion separations, a clear understanding of the effect of these variables on extraction is necessary.

On a broader basis, these parameters can be grouped under the category of aqueous and organic phase parameters. Besides those, there could be parameters, say temperature that can affect both. Therefore, these variables are being discussed along with an assumption in which equilibrium has reached. The present eleboration will deliberate on some of the well known variables along with one or two examples within each case to illustrate the point or general trend. An aqueous phase parameters are being elaborates first.