Electrochemical leaching remediation and bioaccessibility study of uranium-contaminated soil

One of the important aspects for remediation of contaminated soils is a reduction of metal bioaccessibility. Citric acid + ferric chloride was used as the electrolyte for the electrokinetic remediation of uranium contaminated soils. The results showed that the highest U removal rates of 70.45% was achieved (S1 site), which was higher than that achieved with leaching alone. After remediation, the bioaccessibility of U and associated metals was significantly reduced and metal stability was increased, especially at the anode. The bioaccessible concentrations of U, Mn, Pb and Zn were related to their respective metal concentrations, soil pH and metal morphologies. (author)