Evaluation of lead removal from sandy soils using different electrolytes in electrokinetic experiments: prospective for remediation of a real site contaminated with mining wastes

The mixture of mining wastes with native soil has similarities with a low permeable porous structure in respect of electrical conductivity and adsorption capacity; therefore, electrokinetics appears as a suitable remediation treatment for sites containing potential toxic elements as Pb, Cd and As. In particular, this paper focuses on the evaluation of the main electrokinetic phenomena that removes Pb(II) from the model sandy soil (98.5% sand and 1.5% clay). For this purpose a study of five different electrolytes, used as moisturizing solution, as well as electrolytes, was done. Results from zeta potential measurements and electrokinetic experiments indicate that ammonium acetate and acetic acid were the best electrolytic solution that ensures the greater Pb removal from sandy soil contaminated with PbCO₃.