Comprehensive study of electrokinetic-assisted phytoextraction of metals from mine tailings by applying direct and alternate current

•Mobilization of metals was deeply assessed by exhaustive sampling of soil and water.•AC current was more effective in mobilizing metals despite not causing electroosmosis.•Accumulation of metals in ryegrass tissues was significantly increased between 17 and 41%.•BCR extraction showed that electric current increased Pb and Cu availability in tailings.