| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4482597 | Water Research | 2012 | 9 Pages |
Different designs of electrokinetics were applied to simultaneously remove arsenic, copper, and lead from contaminated soils. Single electrokinetics (control) resulted in superior removal efficiencies for Cu (73.5%) and Pb (88.5%), though the removal of As (3.11%) was relatively little. Sequential bioelectrokinetics of bioleaching with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and electrokinetics enhanced the removal of As (25%), while Pb exhibited a significant decrease in removal efficiency (10.6%), due to the formation of insoluble compounds. In order to improve the overall performance, integrated bioelectrokinetics was designed by inoculating A. ferrooxidans into the electrolyte after 5 or 15 days of electrokinetics. Lead (75.8%) and copper (72%) were effectively removed through electrokinetics, after which arsenic (35%) was more efficiently removed by bioleaching-enhanced electrokinetics. A pilot-scale experiment indicated that integrated bioelectrokinetics is an effective means of remediation of soils contaminated with multiple heavy metals and arsenic.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (290 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Hybrid technique was recommended for simultaneous removal of As and heavy metals. ► Single electrokinetics, sequential and integrated bioelectrokinetics were compared. ► Integrated bioelectrokinetics was successfully achieved for simultaneous removal. ► A. ferrooxidans inoculation at 15th day of electrokinetics showed highest removal. ► Pilot-scale experiment proved that integrated bioelectrokinetics was effective.
