The development of an in-situ remediation technique using electrokinetics for the removal of heavy metals in contaminated soils

Keywords

Electrokinetics, Heavy metals, Soil remediation

Abstract

The primary goal of this research is to conduct laboratory studies to develop a methodology in which electrokinetics can be used where there are existing surface and subsurface structures, and to demonstrate the developed method in a small field-scale test at a contaminated site on Kennedy Space Center. The basic field apparatus for this process consists of a D.C. power supply connected to the anode and the cathode. A low intensity direct current is applied to the electrolytic cell producing hydrogen ions (fr) at the anode, creating an acid front that travels from the anode towards the cathode. As this acid front passes through the matrix, the drop in pH increases the solubility of the cations that were previously adsorbed to the soil particles and allows transport to the cathode. The contaminants either are deposited onto the electrodes, or once in the soluble state, can be collected through the effiuent. Once the contaminated effluent is in a collection vessel, the effiuent can be treated with base to precipitate the heavy metals, then separated. Once separated, the pH of the effluent can be adjusted and disposed of properly, and the heavy metals will be labeled as hazardous waste and can be disposed of properly. Throughout this investigation, it was found that the use of electrokinetics with the aid of a conditioning fluid was feasible in areas where underground pipes and cables are buried.

Notes

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Graduation Date

1999

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Greiger, Cherie L.

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Chemistry

Format

PDF

Pages

90

Language

English

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0028707

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic; Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences

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