Utilização da técnica eletrocinética para a remediação de areia contaminada com íons Pb

Abstract

An electrokinetic reactor (EK-reactor) applied to the remediation of the contaminated sand with Pb ions was developed and studied. Thus, a lab-scale EK-reactor equipped with different electrodes aluminum (5 x 6 x 0.205 cm) and copper (5 x 6 x 0.035 cm), being the effective area 63.50 cm² e 61.60 cm², respectively; immersed on the tank contained electrolytic solution, was used. Between the tank, another compartments contained simulated contaminated sand by the solution of 4,000 mg Pb L -1 , and equipped with four collection drains, was developed. Using 15.75 mA cm -2 e 16.23 mA cm -2 for experiments with aluminum and copper electrodes, respectively; and collected samples in different EK-times on the drains and tank, the Pb ions reduction as well as recuperation on the sand and tank, was monitored. Thus, the EK-reactor with aluminum electrodes leads a ~860 mg Pb L -1 reductions and ~1,545 mg Pb L -1 recuperations, with electrophoresis phenomenon being predominant. With copper electrodes-based, an homogenization of contaminants was verified, prevalent the electro-osmosis following the flow potential phenomenon. Probably due the material durability, and consequently the high conductivity and possible potential difference. Although, the EK-technique show as an efficient alternative to remediation of contaminated sand by Pb ion.