Comprehensive study of electrokinetic-assisted phytoextraction of metals from mine tailings by applying direct and alternate current

Electrokinetic-assisted phytoextraction (EKPH) involves the use of electric current to improve mobilization metals in soils and, therefore, their removal efficiency. It emerges as an interesting sustainable technology for rehabilitation abandoned mining areas. The goal this research was conduct a comprehensive study technique applied real mine tailings from Pb/Zn by using ryegrass plant species and two types current: direct with polarity reversal (DC-PR) alternate (AC). EKPH tests were conducted specially designed plastic containers that allowed recording main parameters electrokinetic process sampling different matrices studied, i.e. water, soil plants. This intensive program detailed monitoring metal processes treatments applied. changes caused mobility physicochemical due application reflected greater extent water samples than solid ones. Accumulation Pb, Zn, Cd Cu tissues increased significantly 41%, 17%, 34% 32% when applying 1 V cm−1 AC current, respect results without current. DC-PR did not lead, general, statistically significant increases uptake. These findings adequately correlated found concentrations pore lesser extent, those observed BCR sequential extraction samples.