Abstract

In this study, the remediation performance of electrokinetic (EK) technology integrated with different surfactants for removing phenanthrene from unsaturated soils was investigated. A synthetic surfactant (Triton X-100) and a biosurfactant (rhamnolipid) were used to enhance phenanthrene solubility and removal efficiency during EK process. Results indicate that the electro-osmotic flow (EOF) rate in the rhamnolipid system is higher than that in Triton X-100. Using the EK technology for the removal of phenanthrene in the presence of rhamnolipid was more efficient than in the presence of Triton X-100. In addition to the transport mechanism of phenanthrene in EK system, the presence of rhamnolipid may promote microbial growth in the soil–water system and bring about biodegradation of phenanthrene. A diffusion–advection–sorption (DAS) model was solved by MATLAB, based on the linear sorption isotherm at the non-equilibrium condition, which is feasible to simulate the movement of phenanthrene during the EK + Triton X-100 treatment.

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

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.