Washing of Zinc(II) from Contaminated Soil Column

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Abstract
Several chemical washing procedures were applied to a zinc(II) contaminated (artificially) soil column to determine metal-extraction efficiency. Specific extractants examined include acid solution, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) organic complexing agents, and chlorine, all at various concentrations. Effects of ionic strength, flow rate, and type of zinc contamination were also determined. These parameters affect metal removal via various physicochemical mechanisms. The most efficient washing occurred using the organic chelating agents at the lowest flow rate (essentially complete zinc removal), although nearly as much zinc could be removed at higher flow rates, requiring less washing time. The washing efficiency is strongly dependent on the form of the zinc contamination in the soil.