Removing Heavy Metals From Contaminated Soils: A simple method of washing heavy metals out of contaminated soils using common soap

John Hawkins

ISBN 10: 3847325027 / ISBN 13: 9783847325024

Published by LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing 2011-12-27, 2011

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 6666-IUK-9783847325024

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Removing Heavy Metals From Contaminated Soils: A simple method of washing heavy metals out of contaminated soils using common soap
• Publisher: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing 2011-12-27
• Publication Date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3847325027
• ISBN 13: 9783847325024
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Soap can remove water hardness ions (calcium and magnesium) from hard water in the form of insoluble ‘lime soaps’. Might it also form heavy metal soaps when added to an aqueous dispersion of contaminated soil? Some researchers have studied the use of soap to remediate wastewaters contaminated with heavy metals, but there has been no work carried out on using it to wash them out of soil. This work shows that by carefully controlling the pH and temperature of the soapy wash water it is possible to form the heavy metal soaps. These soaps are insoluble in water and float to the surface where they can be skimmed off. This therefore provides a new, very simple, cost effective method of remediating soils contaminated with heavy metals. Whilst the results to date hold much promise there is still a significant amount of work that needs to be carried out to optimise the process; this work will hopefully stimulate further research in this important field.

About the Author

A practical and experienced surfactant formulation scientist with a proven track record of commercialising new technologies from idea conception all the way through to final sales. Posessing a BSc Hons degree in Chemistry and an MSc in Environmental Science.