Skip to main content
Review | Industrial and Domestic Waste Management | Volume 4 - Issue 1 - 2024 | 56-71 | https://doi.org/10.53623/idwm.v4i1.444
© 2024 by the author(s), and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License

Soil Washing Methods for Effective Removal of Heavy Metal Contaminants

Author(s): Jian Chong Chiu , Paran Gani
Author(s) information:
Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia

Corresponding author

Industrial and Domestic Waste Management

Volume 4 - Issue 1 - 2024

 About the journal
Submit your article

Soil pollution caused by heavy metals from anthropogenic activities poses a significant environmental and health threat globally. Traditional remediation methods like solidification/stabilization have limitations, prompting the need for alternative techniques. Soil washing emerges as a promising approach, employing physical and chemical methods to effectively remove contaminants. This paper explores soil washing methods, focusing on sites contaminated with heavy metals such as zinc, lead, nickel, mercury, arsenic, copper, chromium, and cadmium, particularly influenced by military and industrial activities. Several techniques, including physical separation and chemical extraction, are discussed, which consider a few factors such as magnetism, density, size, and hydrophobicity to concentrate metal contaminants and solubilize soils. Physical separation targets particulate contaminants, while chemical extraction addresses non-detrital metals or soils with adsorbed ionic forms. The study also analyses field applications of soil washing systems and the implementation of remediation techniques. It emphasizes the need for innovative soil remediation strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of heavy metal contamination on soil quality and human health.

Read Full-Text
Previous article
Next article

Chen, X.; Xia, X.; Zhao, Y.; Zhang, P. (2010). Heavy metal concentrations in roadside soils and correlation with urban traffic in Beijing, China. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 181, 640‒646. http://doi/org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.05.060.

Wu, Q.; Leung, J.Y.S.; Geng, X.; Chen, S.; Huang, X.; Li, H.; Huang, Z.; Zhu, L.; Chen, J.; Lu, Y. (2015). Heavy metal contamination of soil and water in the vicinity of an abandoned e-waste recycling site: Implications for dissemination of heavy metals. Science of The Total Environment, 506‒507, 217‒225. http://doi/org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.10.121.

Ashraf, S.; Ali, Q.; Zahir, Z.A.; Ashraf, S.; Asghar, H.N. (2019). Phytoremediation: Environmentally sustainable way for reclamation of heavy metal polluted soils. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 174, 714‒727. http://doi/org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.02.068.

Treatment Technologies for Site Cleanup: Annual Status Report, Twelfth Edition. (accessed on 1 February 2024) Available online: https://www.epa.gov/remedytech/treatment-technologies-site-cleanup-annual-status-report-twelfth-edition.

Dermont, G.; Bergeron, M.; Mercier, G.; Richer-Laflèche, M. (2008). Soil washing for metal removal: A review of physical/chemical technologies and field applications. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 152, 1‒31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2007.10.043.

Wills, B.A. (2008). Wills' Mineral Processing Technology: An Introduction to The Practical Aspects of Ore Treatment and Mineral Recovery, 7th Ed.; Butterworth-Heinemann (Elsevier): Burlington, Massachusetts, USA.

Contaminants and remedial options at selected metal-contaminated sites. Technical resource report. (accessed on 1 February 2024) Available online: https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=100026C0.TXT.

Mercier, G.; Duchesne, J.; Blackburn, D. (2001). Prediction of Metal Removal Efficiency from Contaminated Soils by Physical Methods. Journal of Environmental Engineering, 127, 4. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9372(2001)127:4(348).

Shim, H.Y.; Lee, K.S.; Lee, D.S.; Jeon, D.S.; Park, M.S.; Shin, J.S.; Lee, Y.K.; Goo, J.W.; Kim, S.B.; Chung, D.Y. (2014). Application of electrocoagulation and electrolysis on the precipitation of heavy metals and particulate solids in washwater from the soil washing. Journal of Agricultural Chemistry and Environment, 3, 130.

Cho, K.; Kim, H.; Purev, O.; Choi, N.; Lee, J. (2022). Physical Separation of Contaminated Soil Using a Washing Ejector Based on Hydrodynamic Cavitation. Sustainability, 14, 252. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010252.

Gómez-Sagasti, M.T.; Anza, M.; Hidalgo, J.; Artetxe, U.; Garbisu, C.; Becerril, J.M. (2021). Recent Trends in Sustainable Remediation of Pb-Contaminated Shooting Range Soils: Rethinking Waste Management within a Circular Economy. Processes, 9, 572. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9040572.

Mulligan, C.; Yong, R.; Gibbs, B. (2001). An evaluation of technologies for the heavy metal remediation of dredged sediments. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 85, 145‒163. http://doi/org/10.1016/S0304-3894(01)00226-6.

Pasciucco, F.; Pecorini, I.; Di Gregorio, S.; Pilato, F.; Iannelli, R. (2021). Recovery Strategies of Contaminated Marine Sediments: A Life Cycle Assessment. Sustainability, 13, 8520. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158520.

Luttrell, G.; Westerfield, T.C.; Kohmuench, J.N.; Mankosa, M.J.; Mikkola, K.A.; Oswald, G. (2006). Development of high-efficiency hydraulic separators. Minerals and Metallurgical Processing, 23. 33‒39. http://doi/org/10.1007/BF03403333.

Priya, A.K.; Muruganandam, M.; Ali, S.S.; Kornaros, M. (2023). Clean-Up of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Soil by Phytoremediation: A Multidisciplinary and Eco-Friendly Approach. Toxics, 11, 422. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11050422.

Hu, B.; Huang, L.; Yang, B.; Xie, X.; Tong, X.; Zhang, X.; Sun, X. (2022). Flotation Performance and Adsorption Mechanism of a Novel Chelating Collector for Azurite. Minerals, 12, 441. https://doi.org/10.3390/min12040441.

Du, Y.; Tong, X.; Xie, X.; Zhang, W.; Yang, H.; Song, Q. (2021). Recovery of Zinc and Silver from Zinc Acid-Leaching Residues with Reduction of Their Environmental Impact Using a Novel Water Leaching-Flotation Process. Minerals, 11, 586. https://doi.org/10.3390/min11060586.

Cauwenberg, P.; Verdonckt, F.; Maes, A. (1998). Flotation as a remediation technique for heavily polluted dredged material. 1. A feasibility study. Science of The Total Environment, 209, 113‒119. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0048-9697(98)80102-2.

Rikers, R.A.; Rem, P.; Dalmijn, W.L. (1998). Improved method for prediction of heavy metal recoveries from soil using high intensity magnetic separation (HIMS). International Journal of Mineral Processing, 54, 165‒182. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-7516(98)00017-9.

Orjuela-Abril, S.; Torregroza-Espinosa, A.; Duarte-Forero, J. (2023). Innovative Technology Strategies for the Sustainable Development of Self-Produced Energy in the Colombian Industry. Sustainability, 15, 5720. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075720.

Lackner, M.; Hribernig, T.; Lutz, M.; Plank, M.; Putz, K. (2022). Extraction of aged hydrocarbons from contaminated soil using plant-oil-in-water emulsions combined with oil/water separation by reusable non-wovens. Applied Sciences, 12, 6179. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12126179.

Liu, Y.; Li, C.; Omar, R.B.; Shi, X.; Zhang, H.; Faiz, N.N. (2021). Sediment Sources and Dispersion on the Western Sunda Shelf, Malay Peninsula, Southern South China Sea. Water, 13, 2823. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13202823.

Ku, J.; Wang, K.; Wang, Q.; Lei, Z. (2024). Application of Magnetic Separation Technology in Resource Utilization and Environmental Treatment. Separations, 11, 130. https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11050130.

Choi, Y.; Rhee, S.-W. (2017). Evaluation of Energy Consumption in the Mercury Treatment of Phosphor Powder from Spent Fluorescent Lamps Using a Thermal Process. Sustainability, 9, 2013. https://doi.org/10.3390/su9112013.

Marino, M.; Brica, R.; Neale, C. (2006). Heavy metal soil remediation: The effects of attrition scrubbing on a wet gravity concentration process. Environmental Progress, 16, 208‒214. http://doi/org/10.1002/ep.3300160318.

Yarlagadda, P.S.; Matsumoto, M.R.; VanBenschoten, J.E.; Kathuria, A. (1995). Characteristics of Heavy Metals in Contaminated Soils. Journal of Environmental Engineering, 121, 276‒286. http://doi/org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9372(1995)121:4(276).

Dahlin, C.L.; Williamson, C.A.; Keith Collins, W.; Dahlin, D.C. (2002). Sequential Extraction Versus Comprehensive Characterization of Heavy Metal Species in Brownfield Soils. Environmental Forensics, 3, 191‒201. https://doi.org/10.1006/enfo.2002.0090.

Tessier, A.P.; Campbell, P.; Bisson, M. (1979). Sequential Extraction Procedure for the Speciation of Trace Metals. Analytical Chemistry, 51, 844–851. http://doi/org/10.1021/ac50043a017.

Isoyama, M.; Wada, S.-I. (2007). Remediation of Pb-contaminated soils by washing with hydrochloric acid and subsequent immobilization with calcite and allophanic soil. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 143, 636‒642. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2007.01.008.

Tejowulan, R.S.; Hendershot, W. (1998). Removal of trace metals from contaminated soils using EDTA incorporating resin trapping techniques. Environmental Pollution, 103, 135‒142. http://doi/org/10.1016/S0269-7491(98)00080-3.

Zhang, M.; Yang, S.; Zhang, Z.; Guo, C.; Xie, Y.; Wang, X.; Sun, L.; Ning, Z. (2023). Development and Application of an Integrated Site Remediation Technology Mix Method Based on Site Contaminant Distribution Characteristics. Applied Sciences, 13, 11076. https://doi.org/10.3390/app131911076.

Tampouris, S.; Papassiopi, N.; Paspaliaris, I. (2001). Removal of contaminant metals from fine grained soils, using agglomeration, chloride solutions and pile leaching techniques. Journal of hazardous materials, 84, 297‒319. http://doi/org/10.1016/S0304-3894(01)00233-3.

Abumaizar, R.J.; Smith, E.H. (1999). Heavy metal contaminants removal by soil washing. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 70, 71‒86. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-3894(99)00149-1.

Lim, T.-T.; Chui, P.-C.; Goh, K.-H. (2005). Process evaluation for optimization of EDTA use and recovery for heavy metal removal from a contaminated soil. Chemosphere, 58, 1031‒1040. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2004.09.046.

Ehsan, S.; Prasher, S.O.; Marshall, W.D. (2006). A washing procedure to mobilize mixed contaminants from soil: II. Heavy metals. Journal of Environmental Quality, 35, 2084‒2091. http://doi/org/10.2134/jeq2005.0475.

Mulligan, C.N.; Yong, R.N.; Gibbs, B.F. (1999). On the use of biosurfactants for the removal of heavy metals from oil-contaminated soil. Environmental Progress, 18, 50‒54. https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.670180120.

Mulligan, C.N.; Yong, R.N.; Gibbs, B.F.; James, S.; Bennett, H.P.J. (1999). Metal Removal from Contaminated Soil and Sediments by the Biosurfactant Surfactin. Environmental Science & Technology, 33, 3812‒3820. http://doi/org/10.1021/es9813055.

Pianowska, K.; Kluczka, J.; Benke, G.; Goc, K.; Malarz, J.; Ochmański, M.; Leszczyńska-Sejda, K. (2023). Solvent Extraction as a Method of Recovery and Separation of Platinum Group Metals. Materials, 16, 4681. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16134681.

Mystrioti, C.; Papassiopi, N. A (2024). Comprehensive Review of Remediation Strategies for Soil and Groundwater Contaminated with Explosives. Sustainability, 16, 961. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16030961.

Ko, I.; Lee, C.-H.; Lee, K.-P.; Lee, S.-W.; Kim, K.-W. (2006). Remediation of soil contaminated with arsenic, zinc, and nickel by pilot-scale soil washing. Environmental Progress, 25, 39‒48. http://doi.org/10.1002/ep.10101.

Read Full-Text
About this article

SUBMITTED: 01 May 2024
ACCEPTED: 16 June 2024
PUBLISHED: 20 June 2024
SUBMITTED to ACCEPTED: 47 days
DOI: https://doi.org/10.53623/idwm.v4i1.444

Cite this article
Chiu, J. C. ., & Gani, P. (2024). Soil Washing Methods for Effective Removal of Heavy Metal Contaminants. Industrial and Domestic Waste Management, 4(1), 56–71. https://doi.org/10.53623/idwm.v4i1.444
Accessed
190
Citations
0
Share this article