Evaluation of a leaching process coupled with regeneration/recycling of the extractant for treatment of heavy metal contaminated solids

摘要

A hydrometallurgical circuit process combining the leaching of metals with the electrolytic regeneration of the mass separating agent is an option to effectively treat heavy metal contaminated solids. This process aims towards a closed loop utilisation of the extractant by its regeneration and recycling, enabling the use of high cost extractants and the recovery of the heavy metals as well. The circuit process, in which each cycle consists of an extraction step followed by the electrolytic regeneration of the mass separating agent and a second extraction to finally recycle the separating agent and start a new cycle, was applied on a lead contaminated soil from an accumulator manufacturing facility and for the removal of copper from a municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash.