Removal of toxic metals from canola oil by newly synthesized calixarene-based resin

This study describes the synthesis, characterization, and application of a new p- sulfonatocalix[4]arene-based silica resin (calix-resin 5) for the extraction of selected metals, namely Pb, Cd, Co, Ni, Cu and Fe, from canola oil. Synthesis, morphology, purity, and elemental composition of calix-resin 5 were analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The metal extraction efficiency of calix-resin 5 was evaluated through the batch-wise method with a flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer following the wet acid digestion procedure. The results obtained showed that the newly fabricated adsorbent material calix-resin 5 is an efficient adsorbent and exhibits great potential as an alternative adsorbent for the extraction of selected Pb, Cd, Co, Ni, Cu, and Fe in canola oil metal extraction as compared to conventional clay or pure silica.