Enhanced desorption of phenanthrene from contaminated soil using anionic/nonionic mixed surfactant

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Soil Science
• Remediation Technologies

Background:

• Phenanthrene contamination poses environmental risks.
• Surfactant-based remediation is a promising soil cleanup method.
• Optimizing surfactant mixtures can enhance remediation efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of anionic/nonionic mixed surfactants for phenanthrene desorption.
• To evaluate the role of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and Triton X-100 (TX100) mixtures.
• To improve surfactant remediation technology for contaminated soils.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a mixed surfactant system of SDS and TX100.
• Conducted batch desorption experiments on artificially contaminated natural soil.
• Analyzed phenanthrene desorption percentages with varying SDS mole fractions.

Main Results:

• SDS reduced TX100 sorption onto soil and enhanced phenanthrene solubilization.
• Phenanthrene desorption increased with higher SDS mole fractions in the mixed surfactant solution.
• Mixed surfactants demonstrated superior phenanthrene desorption compared to TX100 alone.

Conclusions:

• Anionic/nonionic mixed surfactants are more effective than single nonionic surfactants for phenanthrene desorption.
• The formation of mixed micelles and reduced critical micelle concentration contribute to enhanced desorption.
• This approach offers a more efficient strategy for remediating phenanthrene-contaminated soils.