Enhancing lead extraction efficiency from contaminated soil: A synergistic approach combining biodegradable chelators and surfactants

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) 2024-10, Vol.366, p.143528, Article 143528
• Main Authors: Ni, Shengbin, Rahman, Shafiqur, Yoshioka, Shoji, Imaizumi, Minami, Wong, Kuo H., Mashio, Asami S., Ohta, Akio, Hasegawa, Hiroshi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biodegradable chelators; Biodegradation, Environmental; Cetrimonium - chemistry; Cetylpyridinium - chemistry; Chelating Agents - chemistry; Environmental Restoration and Remediation - methods; Ethylenediamines - chemistry; Ionic surfactants; Lead - chemistry; Lead - isolation & purification; Lead contamination; Lead mobilization; Soil - chemistry; Soil Pollutants - chemistry; Soil washing; Succinates - chemistry; Surface-Active Agents - chemistry
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143528

Lead (Pb), a persistent and bio-accumulative contaminant, poses threats to the environment and human health. The effective removal of Pb from contaminated soil proves challenging due to its tendency to form stable complexes with soil components. Chelators have been extensively studied for their ability to extract metal contaminants, including Pb, from soil environment. However, the prolonged environmental persistence of traditional chelators and the high cost of biodegradable alternatives have hindered their practical application in remediation efforts. This study investigated a novel synergistic approach that combined a biodegradable chelator, [S,S]-ethylenediamine succinic acid (EDDS), with cationic and anionic surfactants to enhance Pb extraction efficiency. The study revealed that cationic surfactants, such as cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), significantly enhanced Pb extraction efficiency when combined with EDDS, whereas anionic surfactants, like sodium N-dodecanoyl-taurinate (SDT) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), inhibited the extraction process. Specifically, blending 5 mmol L−1 EDDS with 20 mmol L−1 CPC resulted in a 72.6% enhancement in Pb extraction efficiency. The proposed synergistic strategy offers a promising avenue for soil remediation, mitigating Pb contamination while preserving essential soil minerals. By addressing chelator limitations and improving efficiency, this approach presents a viable solution for enhancing soil remediation practices. [Display omitted] •Designed a synergistic soil remediation strategy using a chelator–surfactant blend.•Cationic surfactants enhanced Pb extraction efficiency when combined with chelators.•Anionic surfactants inhibited Pb removal process, reducing extraction efficiency.•Study impacts on essential soil mineral extraction, including Ca, Fe, and Al.•Proposed a cost-effective and environmentally friendly soil remediation approach.