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

► Multiple ultra-sonically aided soil washes with a non-ionic surfactant in combination with ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid, extracted trace elements and PAH compounds efficiently. ► An appreciable fraction of soil macro-elements was un-reactive but much of the trace element burden was susceptible to complexometric extraction. ► Corrosion of zero-valent magnesium liberated hydroxide that precipitated trace metals and transposed trace metal complexes to their Mg-EDDS analogs. ► Nine successive washes mobilized virtually all target PAHs and decreased levels of 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.