Research Progress

Using humic acid for remediation of sandy soils contaminated by heavy metal

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This research presents the development of a new remediation technology for contaminated sandy soil using humic acid (HA). Distribution of amount of Cr (VI) in the aqueous or solid system containing humic acid and sandy soil, was studied using batch experiments, especially for effects of reaction time, pH, concentrations, temperature and irradiation on the reduction of Cr (VI), and the optimum reaction conditions. The results indicated a significant increase of the adsorption of Cr (VI) because of the complexion reaction between HA and Cr (VI) that occurred under acidic condition. The reaction mechanisms of HA with chromium on sand surfaces were certified. Thus it came to a conclusion that HA could be used effectively on remediation of Cr (VI)–contaminated soil and groundwater in a wide range of pH, with or without sunlight. These results suggest that the organic-inorganic complex—such as sandy soils coated with humic substances—is important as a metal reservoir in the environment.

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