Maximum electrodeposition capacity of Pb on a stainless-steel cathode using a galvanostatic regime

Lead (Pb) is considered one of the most hazardous heavy metals for the environment and the animal health. Galena (PbS) represents the most common source of lead and is commonly processed by flotation. However, flotation processes are not always effective, causing the galena to end up in mine tailings dams or in large containers of lead-contaminated ore. The electro-remediation technique has been shown to be efficient in removing Pb from contaminated soils; however, there is a maximum electrodeposition capacity on the cathode, which limits the amount of lead that can be recovered. This paper presents the effect of the electrolyte type: HCl and FeCl 3 and current density on the maximum electrodeposition capacity of Pb on a stainless-steel cathode employing a conventional electrochemical cell. The results revealed that it is possible recover 0.35 g/cm 2 of Pb using an aqueous solution containing FeCl 3 . Furthermore, the results also reveal a similar maximum electrodeposition of lead when the systems are operated with HCl or FeCl 3 at 150 A/m 2 . The lead electrodeposited on the cathode is very reactive when it is in contact with the air producing lead oxide or lead hydroxycarbonate species.