An introduction to heavy metal pollution and different technologies available for remediation

Abstract

This paper revises the fundamental facts about potentially toxic elements belonging to the group of heavy metals. The study highlights the ongoing soil pollution status affected by these non-biodegradable elements, the basic characteristics of these metals that make them toxic, their mode of accumulation in different trophic levels, their toxic effect on human beings and the probable remediation technologies being used to remediate soils contaminated with heavy metal when the pollution problem has evolved. The technologies focused on solidification, soil washing, soil flushing, electro-kinetic remediation and phytoremediation are presented. The choice of the technology to be used for remediation depends on the condition of the soil and the extent of contamination. Conventional electro-kinetics is the most effective and rapid technology, but on the scale of ecosystem restoration, phytoremediation is an eco-friendly, green and cost-effective solution.

Determination of Cu2+ Ions Concentration by Electrochemical Methods

“…In this sense, electrochemical processes and devices for the purification of wastewater, flue gases, contaminated groundwater and soil are addressed, as well as ways to improve existing electrochemical processes or products. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] A large and important area of environmental concern is in the field of energy production and transport. Electrochemistry offers a unique opportunity to generate clean energy with high utilisation rates in fuel cells or its storage in ecological batteries.…”

“…[5][6][7] The potential of electrochemistry for environmental protection has been explored in numerous review articles and monographs. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] The first book devoted to this topic was published in 1972. 4 Many of the concepts of electrochemical environmental protection presented in this publication have been applied in practice.…”