Electrodialysis is primarily used to recover which type of byproducts?

Electrodialysis is a process commonly used to separate and recover ions from solutions, particularly in water treatment applications. The method utilizes ion-selective membranes that allow the passage of specific ions while preventing others. This enables the efficient separation of charged particles from a solution.

The correct choice, which pertains to "plating byproducts such as Nickel," highlights the ability of electrodialysis to recover valuable metals that are often involved in electroplating processes. In electroplating, various metals, including nickel, are deposited on surfaces for purposes such as corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal. Electrodialysis effectively recycles these metals from wastewater generated during the plating process, promoting resource recovery and sustainability.

In contrast, while heavy metals, organic compounds, and inorganic salts can be treated or separated through various wastewater treatment methods, they are not the primary focus of electrodialysis. Electrodialysis’s specific design and functionality make it particularly suited for the efficient recovery of ions like those found in metal plating processes, making it a vital technology in industrial applications where metal recovery is essential.