Title: Removal of Pb²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions from Acidic Soil Leachate: a comparative study between electrocoagulation, adsorption and chemical precipitation processes

Authors: Patrick Drogui; Nathalie Meunier; Guy Mercier; Jean-Francois Blais

Addresses: Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS-Eau Terre et Environnement), Universite du Quebec, 490 rue de la Couronne, Quebec, Qc G1K 9A9, Canada. ' Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS-Eau Terre et Environnement), Universite du Quebec, 490 rue de la Couronne, Quebec, Qc G1K 9A9, Canada. ' Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS-Eau Terre et Environnement), Universite du Quebec, 490 rue de la Couronne, Quebec, Qc G1K 9A9, Canada. ' Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS-Eau Terre et Environnement), Universite du Quebec, 490 rue de la Couronne, Quebec, QQc G1K 9A9, Canada

Abstract: This study evaluates the effectiveness of three physico-chemical processes in treating acidic soil leachate. Chemical precipitation was tested using calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide, and electrocoagulation was evaluated via an electrolytic cell using mild steel electrodes, whereas sorption process was tested using cocoa shells as sorbent. Chemical precipitation was as effective as electrocoagulation in reducing both metals (Pb and Zn) under the permissive level (2.0 and 10 mg l^?1 respectively), more than 97% of each metal was removed. By comparison, the sorption process using cocoa shells allowed reaching 90% of Pb removal, while the process removed 92% of Zn.

Keywords: lead; zinc; physico-chemical processes; acidic soil leachate; solubilisation; leaching; electrocoagulation; sorption; cocoa shells; metal removal; calcium hydroxide; sodium hydroxide; adsorption; chemical precipitation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2011.042634

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2011 Vol.8 No.3/4, pp.241 - 257

Published online: 24 Jan 2015 *

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