Chemical speciation and mobilization of copper and zinc in naturally contaminated mine soils with citric and tartaric acids

► Effects of citric and tartaric acid on metal mobilization in contaminated mine soils. ► Metal desorption was related to the type of organic acid and its concentration. ► Decreasing pH and dissolution of oxides by organic acids determined metal desorption. ► Low concentrations of organic acids did not increase metal mobilization. ► Citric acid at high concentrations (5-10 mM) remarkably promoted Cu mobilization.