Determination of dielectric properties of lead-contaminated soils: Potential application to soil remediation

• Published in: Heliyon Vol. 10; no. 16; p. e35787
• Main Authors: Santalunai, Samroeng, Pakprom, Jariya, Charoensiri, Weerawat, Thongsopa, Chanchai, Thosdeekoraphat, Thanaset, Janpangngern, Pisit, Yodrot, Teerapon, Santalunai, Nuchanart, Santalunai, Samran
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United Kingdom Elsevier Ltd 30.08.2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: Dielectric properties; Electric field intensity; Lead-contaminated soil; Radio frequency heating; 78A30; Electric field intensity; Dielectric properties; 35Q60; Radio frequency heating; Lead-contaminated soil
• ISSN: 2405-8440; 2405-8440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35787

This research investigated the effectiveness of radio frequency (RF) heating as a treatment for lead-contaminated soil, assessing its impact through dielectric constant measurements. Using water-soluble lead (II) acetate trihydrate, the study analyzed the impact of RF heating on soil dielectric properties under various soil moisture conditions (high, medium, and low) and electric field strengths (112.5, 150, 225, and 450 kV/m). The results indicated that soil temperature increased with lead concentration, highlighting significant changes in soil thermodynamics. Under high-humidity conditions, temperature increases were more pronounced, suggesting that higher lead concentrations elevate soil temperatures. Moreover, RF heating consistently reduced the dielectric constant as lead concentration increased, which was especially evident at higher electric field strengths. The study found that the soil resistivity approached that of uncontaminated soil, particularly at 450 kV/m electric field strength, with the highest removal rate of 46.154%. This investigation provides valuable insights into the application of RF heating for soil quality improvement in lead-contaminated environments, demonstrating how dielectric properties can reflect those of uncontaminated soil. •A radio frequency (RF) heating system successfully heated lead-contaminated soil.•Significant thermodynamic changes in dielectric properties were observed in lead-contaminated soils.•Higher lead concentrations increased the soil temperature, particularly in humid environments.•RF heating to effectively improved lead-contaminated soil quality.