Lixiviation (/lɪksɪviˈeɪʃən/) is a process that extracts soluble materials from solids by dissolving them in a solvent or water. The word is derived from the Latin word, "lixivium", meaning "lye". The spelling of the word can be broken down phonetically as lih-ksuh-vee-ey-shun. The first syllable "lih" is pronounced with a short 'i' sound, followed by a soft 'k' sound. The second syllable "suh" is also pronounced with a short 'u' sound, followed by a long 'e' sound in the third syllable "vee". Finally, the last syllable "ey-shun" is pronounced with a long 'a' sound.
Lixiviation is a term used in chemistry and metallurgy to describe the process of extracting soluble substances from a solid material using a liquid solvent. It involves adding the solvent to the solid material, allowing it to dissolve the desired soluble substances, and then separating the resulting solution from the insoluble residue.
In this process, the solvent acts as a medium to dissolve and carry away the desired substances from the solid material. This technique is commonly employed in various industries, including mining, pharmaceuticals, and environmental engineering.
Lixiviation is often used in the extraction of minerals from ores. It helps separate the valuable minerals from the unwanted impurities found in the ore. For example, in gold mining, lixiviation is carried out to extract gold particles from their host material using a cyanide solution.
The term can also be applied to other types of extractions, such as soil leaching or the extraction of flavors and aromas from plant materials in the food industry. Lixiviation is conducted using different solvents, depending on the target substances and their solubility characteristics.
Overall, lixiviation is an important process for extracting desired substances from solid materials using liquid solvents. It plays a crucial role in various industries where the separation and extraction of valuable components are required.
The removal of the soluble constituents of a substance by running water through it, leaching.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The operation or process of extracting alkaline salts from ashes by pouring water on them, the water imbibing the salts.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word lixiviation comes from the Latin word lixivium, which means lye or alkali. In turn, lixivium derives from the Latin verb lixivare, which means to wash or to bathe. Lixivare itself is a compound verb formed from lix, meaning lye, and lavare, meaning to wash.