Interaction of nitrilotriacetic acid with suspended and bottom material

An experimental investigation was made of the possible interaction of residual concentrations of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) in surface waters with metallic elements contained in sediments and bottom materials. Samples of bottom materials from typical bodies of surface waters were analyzed for their major, minor, and tract constituents. Eight representative samples of these were equilibrated with distilled water and with water containing 20 ppm of NTA and the resulting solutions were analyzed by three analytical techniques. Elements showing essentially no increase solubility in the presence of NTA were: barium, antimony, molybdenum, strontium, chromium, silver, tin, iron, lead, cadmium, copper, and mercury. Elements showing small increases in solubility were: nickel, zinc, manganese, and cobalt. Calcium and magnesium concentrations were increased somewhat above their normal relatively high concentrations.