Simultaneous mobilization of macro- and trace elements (MTEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds from soil with a nonionic surfactant and [S,S]-ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS) in admixture: PAH compounds

► Multiple ultra-sonically aided soil washes with a non-ionic surfactant in combination ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid, extracted trace elements and PAH compounds efficiently. ► Complexing reagents increased the recovery of both benzo[α]pyrene and chrysene from the organic matter-rich soil. ► An exponential decay model adequately described the recovery of PAH compounds from soil. ► Nine successive mobilized virtually all target PAHs and decreased levels of most trace elements to comply with recommended maxima. ► The advantages of recycle included a decreased consumption of reagents and water, toxicologically innocuous products and a cleaned soil.