Biogeochemistry of Chelating Agents

Book excerpt: Chelating agents are in widespread use in technical and industrial applications. They are used extensively to control metal speciation in the pulp and paper industry, in photographical processes, in cooling waters, the oil industry, and in the nuclear industry. Further, they are incorporated into industrial and household cleaners, personal care products, and foodstuffs. As a result of such extensive use, anthropogenic chelating agents are ubiquitous in the environment. Due to their strong interactions with metals they have received considerable attention due to the potential for adverse effects on ecosystems and health. The goal of this book is to bring together researchers from a variety of disciplines - chemistry, environmental chemistry, soil chemistry, microbiology, phytoremediation, bioremediation, wastewater treatment, industry (pulp and paper, textile, oil production) - to present different aspects of the unique chemical properties of these compounds. This book describes the biogeochemistry of these important compounds, from their structure and speciation, through their behavior in natural systems, to their use in enhanced phytoremediation and their removal through biodegradation.