Remediation of Toxic Metal-Contaminated Soil Using EDTA Soil Washing

摘要: Soil washing with chelating agents permanently removes toxic metals from contaminated soils by forming water-soluble complexes. EDTA-based method where chelant and process waters are recycled in a closed loop no wastewater generated aims at sustainable remediation reclamation of soils. For Pb-contaminated Meža Valley Slovenia, geostatistical simulation showed that it has potential to reduce the area Pb above critical regulatory threshold limit 91 %. In small-scale laboratory trials, earthworms simulated abiotic environmental factors changed availability mobility still remaining washed soil after remediation. No such shifts were measured remediated exposed agricultural practice field conditions. Remediation reduced metal concentration roots, green parts fruits most tested plants; uptake edible was below stipulated for foodstuffs European Union legislature. However, some extent deteriorates properties functioning as plant microbial substrate. addition, micronutrients removed along due non-selective nature EDTA chelation. Revitalisation providing missing structure, nutrients activity partly restored growth functions.