Sequential Extraction of Copper and Zinc from Sewage Sludges. Use of Organic Solvents

Abstract

Sequential extraction procedures were used to evaluate the bioavailability of metals from two sewage sludges after application in soils. Organic solvents were used prior to sequential extraction to evaluate the influence of oil and waxes on heavy metals extractability.

The preliminary results showed that a extraction of oil and waxes present in the sewage sludges by n-hexane followed by acetone increased the accessibility of Cu and Zn and did not remove substantial metal amounts.