Electrokinetic treatment of polluted soil at pilot level coupled to an advanced oxidation process of its wastewater

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2015 Source:Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C Author(s): B. Ochoa, L. Ramos, A. Garibay, M. Pérez - Corona, M.C. Cuevas, J. Cárdenas, M. Teutli, E. Bustos Soil contaminated with hydrocarbons is a current problem of great importance. These contaminants may be toxic, can retain water and block gas exchange with the atmosphere, which produces a poor-quality soil unsuitable for ecological health. Electroremediation is among the treatments for the removal of such contaminants. In this research, a pilot-level electroremediation test was applied using a circular arrangement of electrodes with a Ti cathode at the middle of the cell surrounded by six IrO2 - Ta2O5 | Ti anodes. The presence of an NaOH electrolyte helps to develop the electromigration and electro-osmosis of gasoline molecules (at 1 126 mg Kg-1) surrounded by Na+ ions. The hydrocarbons are directed towards the cathode and subsequently removed in an aqueous Na+ - hydrocarbon solution, and the -OH migrates to the anode. During electrokinetic treatment, the physicochemical characteristics of the soil close to either the cathode or anode and at the half-cell were evaluated during the three weeks of treatment. During that time, more than 80% of hydrocarbons were removed. Hydrocarbons removed by the electrokinetic treatment of gasoline-polluted soil were collected in a central wastewater compartment and subsequently treated with a Fenton-type adva...
Source: Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts ABC - Category: Science Source Type: research