Removal of Contaminants from Soils by Electric Fields

Application of a direct-current electric field in soils that contain contaminated liquids is expected to produce an important in situ means of environmental restoration. The electric field induces a motion of the liquid and dissolved ions that transports the contaminants to wells for removal. Electr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 1993-04, Vol.260 (5107), p.498-503
Main Authors: Probstein, Ronald F., Hicks, R. Edwin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acid soils
Applied sciences
Cathodes
Clay soils
Contaminants
Decontamination. Miscellaneous
Developmental Stages
Electric fields
Electro-osmosis
Electrodes
Electromagnetism
Electroosmosis
Environmental protection
Exact sciences and technology
Field Tests
Fluids
Groundwater
Hazardous materials
Innovations
Ions
Laboratory Experiments
Liquids
Organic Chemistry
Pollution
Porosity
Q1
Soil and sediments pollution
Soil disinfection
Soil pollution
Soils
Water
Water pollution control
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Summary:Application of a direct-current electric field in soils that contain contaminated liquids is expected to produce an important in situ means of environmental restoration. The electric field induces a motion of the liquid and dissolved ions that transports the contaminants to wells for removal. Electrode chemistry plays an important role, and reagents can be introduced at the electrodes to enhance contaminant removal rates. Experiments and modeling demonstrate high degrees of contaminant removal, propagation of sharp acid and base wave fronts from the electrodes, and a "focusing" effect by which metals accumulate in regions of the soil.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.260.5107.498