Abstract
Abstract In the present study, an aqueous root-extract of Acanthophyllum laxiusculum (AREAL) was evaluated for phenanthrene removal from two samples of contaminated soil. AREAL showed a linear solubilization enhancement for phenanthrene with a weight solubilization ratio of 0.05. Batch soil washing experiments caused the removal of phenanthrene with efficiencies of 96.7 % and 78 % from soils with 0.78 % and 2.73 % organic carbon, respectively. Desorption kinetics of phenanthrene exhibited a two-phase pattern, namely, a rapid release as the initial phase and a slower removal as a subsequent phase. A two-compartment exponential model could adequately represent the two phases of the kinetic pattern of phenanthrene desorption. The rise of pH from acidic to basic levels, decreased phenanthrene removal due to changes in the micelle number of the surfactant phase. Maximum achievable yield of removal was 82 % phenanthrene in a column experiment at defined operational conditions. High removal efficiencies show the potential application of AREAL for improving the bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from contaminated soils.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
