Electrokinetic Remediation of Metal-Contaminated Soils: Influence of Operating Variables

Soil pollution is a global concern due to its direct influence on agriculture and food security which needs immediate attention. Electrokinetic Remediation (EKR) is one of the emerging technologies for contaminant removal from soil with the application of direct current electricity. This study investigated the effect of operating variables of EKR, including voltage, electrolyte solution, and electrode material on artificially contaminated soils with Hexavalent Chromium [Cr (VI)] and Lead [Pb (II)]. Results of the study indicated that applied voltage had a profound effect on the removal efficiency of EKR with a maximum removal of 55% and 64% for Cr (VI) and Pb, respectively, at 2.5 V/cm. However, with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), the removal rate for Cr (VI) (77%) was higher as compared to Pb (65%). Similarly, the behavior of electrode material exhibited contrasting results, with graphite more suited for Cr (VI), while stainless steel for Pb removal. The findings suggested that the operating conditions vary with the type of metal contaminant present. © ASCE.