Surfactants in electrokinetic remediation of sediments to enhance the removal of metals

Abstract Purpose The study focuses on the use of surfactants as enhancing solutions in electrokinetic remediation trials sediments, with hypothesis that they will allow heavy metals to desorb from organic matter, and thus favour their removal solution. Materials methods A total 15 were conducted. As solutions, four different non-ionic commercial used, either alone or combination citric acid (CA) ethylenediaminetetraacetic (EDTA) both compartments. comparison distilled water was also performed. 30–40 VDC applied between activated titanium electrodes. pH, electroosmotic flow (EOF), mineralogy samples (before after tests), percentage Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Hg determined. Results discussion Every test showed an increase current intensity during first hours, certain cases, additional peaks found trial, which mostly attributed establishment EOF episodes. Depending case, transferred anolyte catholyte. Reversal occurred one but not detected others. Cr primarily removed when CA used. In catholite, Pb extracted preferentially EDTA. Surfactant B more effective at removing Zn As. Only a few treatments Cd surfactant C extracting most. electrolytes some experiments, being catholyte all collected anolyte. Cu trace levels Conclusions Surfactants have been shown help metal solubilisation degrees depending metal. Each has unique optimal species electrolyte. direction is determined by chemical conditions system whole, type surfactant. EDTA improve desorption general, charge density passed tests rather than symbiotic enhancement types solutions.