A Versatile Chemical from Industry to Food: Uses and Advantages of EDTA

EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid) , one of the indispensable components of the chemical industry, is a versatile chelating agent that has a wide range of uses in both industry and daily life. As Pamu Kimya , we would like to share with you what EDTA is, how it works and in which sectors it is used, which has an important place in our chemical product portfolio.

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What is EDTA and How Does It Work?

EDTA is an organic amino polycarboxylic acid. It has the chemical formula C10H16N2O8 . Its most basic function is chelating , that is, capturing metal ions and removing them from solution. Thanks to this feature, EDTA is used in a wide range of applications from water purification processes to cosmetic formulations.

Chemical Structure of EDTA

The nitrogen and carboxyl groups in the structure of EDTA form strong complexes with metal ions. In this way, calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), iron (Fe³⁺) and other heavy metals in the solution are bound by EDTA and removed from the system or rendered ineffective.

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Areas of Use of EDTA

1. Industrial Cleaning and Water Treatment

As Pamu Kimya, EDTA, which we frequently use in our industrial cleaning product formulations, plays a critical role in softening hard water and preventing scaling . EDTA binds calcium and magnesium ions in water, allowing soaps and detergents to work more efficiently.

Areas of Use:

• Boiler and pipe cleaning
• Industrial laundries
• Water treatment plants

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2. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

In the cosmetics industry, EDTA is used to provide formula stability and extend the shelf life of products. EDTA prevents undesirable reactions such as color change, oxidation and deterioration by binding metal ions in the formulation.

Areas of Use:

• Shampoos and shower gels
• Creams and lotions
• Toothpastes
• Make-up products

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3. Food and Beverage Industry

In the food industry, EDTA is used as a food additive and is especially preferred in canned foods to provide color and taste stability . It is also used in beverages and canned vegetables to prevent the negative effects that may be caused by metal ions. The form used in the food industry is usually Disodium EDTA or Calcium Disodium EDTA .

Areas of Use:

• Canned vegetables and fruits
• Carbonated drinks
• Mayonnaise and sauces
• Salad dressings

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4. Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry

In the medical field, EDTA is an important agent used in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning . Toxic metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic accumulated in the body are chelated and eliminated from the body with the help of EDTA. It is also used as an anticoagulant in some blood tests to prevent blood clotting.

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5. Agriculture and Plant Nutrition

In the agricultural sector, EDTA is used to create chelated forms of microelements . In this form, which can be more easily absorbed by plants, minerals such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) complex with EDTA and support plant growth.

Areas of Use:

• Leaf fertilizers
• Soil conditioners
• Greenhouse and hydroponic farming practices

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Advantages of EDTA

✅ Effective in a Wide pH Range: Remains stable in acidic and basic environments.
✅ Versatile Use: It can be used in many sectors from industry to food.
✅ High Chelating Power: It has a strong binding capacity to various metal ions.
✅ Formulation Stability: Provides long shelf life in cosmetics and cleaning products.

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Environmental and Health Assessment

The widespread use of EDTA also brings its environmental impacts to the agenda. Since it is a substance that is difficult to biodegrade in nature, special processes may be needed in wastewater treatment plants . For this reason, as Pamu Kimya , we continue our R&D studies on environmentally friendly alternatives and biodegradable chelating agents.

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Quality and Reliable EDTA Solutions from Pamu Kimya

As Pamu Kimya , we offer EDTA and its derivatives in different purity levels to suit your industrial and commercial needs. Our products are produced in accordance with international quality standards and offer special solutions for your sector. If you are looking for a reliable supplier for the food, cosmetics, cleaning and water treatment sectors, we are always with you as Pamu Kimya.