Electrokinetic remediation. 1: Pilot-scale tests with lead-spiked kaolinite

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1996 · Journal of Geotechnical Engineering

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9410(1996)122:3(173)· OSTI ID:207862

Acar, Y B ^[1]; Alshawabkeh, A N ^[2]

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1. Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge, LA (United States). Civil and Environmental Engineering Dept.
2. Electrokinetics, Inc., Baton Rouge, LA (United States)

The feasibility and efficiency of transporting lead under electric fields are investigated at pilot scale in three 1 t Georgia kaolinite specimens spiked with lead nitrate solution and at an electrode spacing of 72 cm. Enhancement methods such as cathode depolarization and/or catholyte neutralization techniques are not used in processing. A constant direct current density of 133 {micro}mA/cm{sup 2} is applied. Two of the tests are conducted on specimens spiked with lead at concentrations of 856 mg/kg and 1,533 mg/kg. The third test is conducted on a 1:1 mixture of compacted kaolinite/sand spiked with lead at a concentration of 5,322 mg/kg. Lead was transported toward the cathode and precipitated at its hydroxide solubility value within the basic zone in direct contact with the cathode compartment. Subsequent to 2,950 h of processing and an energy expenditure of 700 kWh/m{sup 3}, 55% of the lead removed across the soil was found precipitated within the last 2 cm close to the cathode, 15% was left in the soil before reaching this zone, 20% was found precipitated on the fabric separating the soil from the cathode compartment, and 10% was unaccounted. Heavy metals and species that are solubilized in the anodic acid front can be efficiently transported by electromigration under an electrical field applied across electrodes placed in soils.

• OSTI ID: 207862
• Journal Information: Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, Journal Name: Journal of Geotechnical Engineering Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 122; ISSN 0733-9410; ISSN JGENDZ
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CLEANING
ELECTROLYSIS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILLS
KAOLINITE
LEAD
RADIOISOTOPES
REMEDIAL ACTION
REMOVAL
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SOILS