Removal of lead and other toxic metals in heavily contaminated soil using biodegradable chelators: GLDA, citric acid and ascorbic acid.

In this study, we investigated the level of contamination of agricultural soil near an old recycling lead smelter in Vietnam and proposed an effective treatment for the remediation of the soil. The analysis of soil samples using an ICP-MS method revealed that the soil in the area was heavily contaminated by heavy metals, especially lead (Pb) with concentrations in surface soil of >3000 μg g. High concentrations of metals, including Pb, copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), were found in whole soil profile.