IN-SITU REMOVAL OF HEAVY METALS FROM VADOSE ZONE CONTAMINATED SOILS USING ENHANCED ELECTROKINETICS

Electrokinetic remediation of metal contaminated soils is a promising in-situsoil remediation technology. In electrokinetic soil remediation, a current isapplied to two electrodes buried in the soil and the ionic contaminants movetowards the electrodes for subsequent cleanup of the localized contaminant.However, implementation of electrokinetic soil remediation is prohibited by1) buildup of a pH front, leading to increased power consumption andprecipitation of a dispersed and nonrecoverable metal hydroxide, and 2) slowtransport of metal contaminants.Faraday Technology proposes using novel electrodes and unique electric fields toeliminate the pH front associated with the isoelectric focussing plane and toenhance the metal contaminant transport. The Phase I objectives includedemonstration of a uniform, slightly acidic pH transport. They will conducttheir Phase I efforts using a DOE contaminated mixture (containing lead andmercury) recommended for soil remediation studies.