Application of response surface methodology for optimization of zinc elimination from a polluted soil using tartaric acid

Heavy metal wastes generated from mining activities are a major concern in developing countries such as Iran. Increasing concentrations of these metals in the soil make up a severe health hazard due to their non-degradability and toxicity. In this study, batch washing experiments were conducted in order to investigate the removal efficiency of zinc by biodegradable chelates, tartaric acid. For this purpose, soil samples were collected from the zinc contaminated soil in the region of the Angouran, Zanjan, Iran. Hence, optimization of batch washing conditions followed using a three-level central composite design approach based on the response surface methodology. The results demonstrated that the effects of pH, tartaric acid concentration, and interaction between selective factors on the zinc removal efficiency were all positive and significant (P < 0.05). An optimum zinc removal efficiency of 89.35 +/- 2.12% was achieved at tartaric acid concentration of 200 mM l(-1), pH of 4.46, and incubation time of 120 min as the optimal conditions. Accordingly, response surface methodology is appropriately capable to determine and optimize chemical soil washing process to remediate heavy metal polluted soil.