• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.119-125
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• 2014

This study evaluated the environmental impacts of a soil washing (SW) process, especially, we compared the on-site and off-site remediation of TPH-contaminated soil using green and sustainable remediation (GSR) tool. To assess relative contribution of each stage on environmental footprints in the entire soil washing process, we classified the process into four major stages: site foundation (stage I), excavation (stage II), separation & washing (stage III), and wastewater treatment (stage IV). In on-site SW process, the relative contribution of $CO_2$ emissions and energy consumption were 87.1% and 80.4%, respectively in stage I, and in off-site SW process, the relative contribution of $CO_2$ emissions and energy consumption were 82.7% and 80.5%, respectively in stage II. In conclusion, the major factor contributing environmental impact in the SW process were consumable materials including steel and stainless steel for washing equipment in on-site treatment and fuel consumption for transportation of soil in off-site treatment.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.10-17
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• 2022

Inorganic acids such as HCl, HNO₃, and H₂SO₄ have been commonly applied to soil washing of heavy metals-contaminated soil due to their cost-effectiveness. However, implementing the 'Chemical Substance Control Act' requires off-site risk assessment of the chemicals used in the soil washing. Therefore, in this study, organic acids or Fe(III)-based washing agents were evaluated to replace commonly used inorganic acids. Ferric removed heavy metals via H⁺ generated by hydrolysis, which is similar to the HCl used in the control group. Oxalic acid and citric acid were effective to remove Cu, Zn, and Cd from soil. Organic acids could not remove Pb because they could form Pb-organic acid complexes with low solubility. Furthermore, Pb could be adsorbed onto the iron-organic acid complex on the soil surface. Ferric could remove exchangeable-carbonate, Fe-Mn hydroxide, and organic matter and sulfides bound heavy metals (F1, F2, and F3). Organic acids could remove the exchangeable-carbonate and Fe-Mn hydroxide bound metals (F1&F2). Therefore, this research shows that the fractionation of heavy metals in the soil and the properties of washing agents should be considered in the selection of agents in the process design.