Influence of electrolytes on EDTA extraction of Pb from polluted soil

Because the economics of soil extraction processes depend on conservation and reuse of costly chelating agents, the ability of various electrolytes to modify EDTA extraction of Pb from a grossly-contaminated soil (Pb_T=21%) was investigated using batch equilibration experiments. In the absence of added electrolyte, a single 5-hr. extraction with 0.04 M EDTA (corresponding to 1:1 Pb_T to EDTA ratio) released 65% of Pb_T over the pH 5 to 9 range. Under these conditions, Na⁺-, Li⁺-, and NH₄ClO₄ salts at 0.5 M increased Pb desorption to nearly 80%, probably from exchange displacement of soilbound Pb²⁺ and increased solubility of Pb-containing phases at higher ionic strength. Because Cl^- and ClO₄^- salts were equally effective, chlorocomplex formation was insignificant. Under slightly acidic conditions, Ca(ClO₄)₂ and Mg(ClO₄)₂ at 0.167 M caused roughly the same elevation in Pb recovery as 0.5M of the monovalent electrolytes. However, with progressively higher pH, Ca, and to a lesser extent Mg, suppressed Pb solubilization by competitive chelation of EDTA. Pb recovery by EDTA soil washing could be enhanced by addition of Ca salts at pH 4 to 6. Subsequent pH elevation in the presence of Ca would promote decomposition of Pb-EDTA complexes and separation of Pb as a hydroxide precipitate.