Cyanide (CN-) is a highly poisonous ion that binds with the enzyme cytochrome C oxidase. This complex inhibits cellular respiration and energy production, resulting in cytotoxic hypoxia affecting the central nervous system (CNS) and heart. Death typically occurs from respiratory arrest following CNS failure.
Cyanide compounds are used in a wide range of industrial applications. Hydrogen cyanide is used in the production of nylon 6/6 and methyl methacrylate plastics. Potassium or sodium cyanide are used in mining operations to leach gold from ore. Cyanide salts are used in metal plating baths for electroplating of brass, bronze, cadmium, copper, gold, silver and zinc.
Other industrial processes employing cyanide include petroleum refining, steel production, microelectronics manufacturing, specialty chemical and pharmaceutical production.
The acute toxicity and wide-spread industrial usage of cyanide makes environmental testing critically important. Intentional contamination of drinking water or food products with cyanide is also a potential national security threat.
Easy-control cyanide processing solutions ensure you meet strict effluent requirements. For example, Xylem’s online cyanide analyzer measures available cyanide in precious metal leaching, detoxification and tailings solutions, providing superior accuracy and tighter control of cyanide use and costs. Additional solutions include ozone treatment systems for cyanide destruction, and instrumentation that measures mine water quality and flow.
