Electrokinetic Remediation of Soil Contaminated with Diesel Oil Using EDTA-Cosolvent Solutions

Abstract

The effect of a chelating agent (EDTA), cosolvent (n-propanol), and non-ionic surfactants (Tergitol 15-S-7 and Tergitol NP-10) as additives in the purging solution for electrokinetic remediation of soil contaminated with diesel oil was investigated. It was found that EDTA functioned as both an electrolyte and a desorbent for hydrophobic organic contaminants. Addition of surfactant with EDTA was not effective for diesel oil transport and removal. The addition of n-propanol and EDTA enhanced hydrocarbon removal efficiency, especially for aromatic hydrocarbons. There was no significant enhancement of removal by use of a combination of EDTA, surfactant and n-propanol relative to the use of EDTA and n-propanol together.