Abstract:
Chelating agents were widely used in soil leaching. However, practical applications revealed that the remediation efficiency was not high and secondary pollution was a problem. To improve the remediation efficiency of chelating agents on soil contaminated by heavy metals, a variety of chelating agent combination technologies have been studied. Compared to a single chelating agent remediation technology, a combined remediation system can significantly improve the remediation efficiency of soils contaminated by heavy metals. Research progresses of combination technologies (chelating agent combined with electric remediation technology, chelating agent combined with phyto remediation technology, and chelating agent combined with eluting agent remediation technology) as well as new combination technologies (chelating agent combined with permeable reactive barrier remediation technology, chelating agent combined with ultrasonic remediation technology, and chelating agent combined with fungus remediation technology) are analyzed, and the mechanisms and influencing factors of remediation technology are elaborated. The results of this study indicate that the combined remediation technologies can effectively mobilize heavy metals in the soil, improve remediation efficiency, and show promise for further development. However, these technologies still face a number of challenges with regard to practical application. First, in the terms of the combined remediation factors, chelating agent addition methods, soil acid, alkalinity, concentration, and leaching time still need to be included. Second, when uniting the technologies with the soil composition and pollutants in a series of physical and chemical reactions, the mobilization of heavy metals, as well as the reaction mechanism between heavy metal forms, further clarification is needed. Third, the addition of chelating agents may increase the deleterious effects on plants and the risk of heavy metal infiltration into the ground, causing secondary pollution. Fourth, new joint repair technology has only been applied in the laboratory. It is recommended to conduct in-depth research on the following aspects:the microcosmic mechanisms of combination technology; analysis of chelating agents and other technologies in order to determine the best coupling points for combination technology; development of biodegradable chelating agents; and search for more economical and effective ways to recover chelating agents.