Transportation of complexing agents released by pulp and paper industry: A Finnish lake case

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Complexing agents (EDTA, DTPA) are used to bind metal ions in pulp and paper industry. Their role will increase significantly when the total chlorine free (TCF) processes will be applied to a larger extent. EDTA and DTPA were analysed in the waters from the southern part of the Lake Saimaa (SE Finland) influenced by the effluents of three pulp and paper mills. The samples were collected at different distances from the points of emission. The results of analyses suggest that EDTA can persist in lake water and is able to propagate for considerable distances, while DTPA can be detected only in the near surroundings of the site of release. Some EDTA was found even in the sampling points that were considered as background reference. The environmental fate of complexing agents is discussed.