Comparison of bioleaching and electrokinetic remediation processes for removal of heavy metals from wastewater treatment sludge

Abstract

Heavy metals prevent the growing amount of sewage sludge from being disposed as fertilizeron land. The electrokinetic remediation and bioleaching technology are the promising methods to remove heavy metals. In recent years, some innovation has been made to achieve better efficiency, including the innovation of processes and agents. This paper reviews the development of the electrokinetic remediation and bioleaching technology and analyses their advantages and limitation, pointing out the need of the future research for the heavy metals-contaminated sewage sludge.

Keywords: Bioleaching; Electrokinetic remediation; Heavy metal; Sewage sludge.