Mechanistic insights into surfactant-enhanced pyrene desorption from kaolinite: Synergistic effects of molecular interactions and flotation technology

Surfactant-enhanced remediation (SER) has emerged as an effective technique for removing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from contaminated soils. This study investigates the SER technique for pyrene removal from kaolinite-containing soil, employing both molecular dynamics simulations and experimental methods. Seven different surfactants were analyzed to evaluate their impact on pyrene desorption from kaolinite surfaces. The results demonstrate that SDBS, SDS, TW80, and TX-100 surfactants induce strong interactions with pyrene molecules, leading to the formation of spheroid self-agglomeration structures. The elution efficiency of pyrene from kaolinite surfaces is influenced by various factors, including surfactant type, dosage, and treatment time. Elution tests reveal that anionic and non-ionic surfactants outperform cationic and amphoteric surfactants as eluents. Additionally, the integration of flotation technology significantly enhances pyrene elution efficiency in the SER process, offering a promising direction for future soil remediation strategies. This research provides fundamental insights into the mechanisms of PAH removal from soil using surfactants and highlights the potential of flotation as a complementary technique. The findings contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable soil remediation methods.