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. 2017 Nov;9(Suppl 1):S79-S81.
doi: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_90_17.

Recovery of Mercury from Dental Amalgam Scrap-Indian Perspective

Kadandale Sadasiva  1 , Sreeram Rayar  1 , Unnikrishnan Manu  1 , Kumarappan Senthilkumar  1 , Srinivasan Daya  2 , Nagarajan Anushaa  3
Affiliations

Recovery of Mercury from Dental Amalgam Scrap-Indian Perspective

Kadandale Sadasiva et al. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2017 Nov.

Abstract

Aim: The aim is to recycle mercury from dental amalgam scrap using the vacuum distillation method.

Materials and methods: A total of 150 g of dental amalgam scrap was taken in a round bottom flask and was subjected to vacuum distillation at 398°C. The vapor of mercury was collected in another round bottom flask.

Observation: The procedure is carried out for mercury recovery using vacuum distillation apparatus, and mercury vapor are collected in a round bottom flask, and the silver is recovered using sucrose as reducing agent. Using 150 g of dental amalgam scrap 50%-80% of silver are recovered, and silver has a purity of 70%-80%. However, the total time required in the reduction process ranged between 303 and 600 min.

Conclusion: Mercury could be recycled from dental amalgam scrap through vacuum distillation method at 398°C and its implication of dental amalgam scrap in an Indian perspective.

Keywords: Dental amalgam; mercury recycling; vacuum distillation.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic diagram showing extraction of mercury
Figure 2
Figure 2
Customized apparatus for mercury recovery from dental amalgam scrap
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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