Method and apparatus for removing ions from soil

Patent · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1993

OSTI ID:868679

Bibler, Jane P ^[1]

---

1. 813 E. Rollingwood Rd., Aiken, SC 29801

A method and apparatus for selectively removing species of ions from an area of soil. Permeable membranes 14 and 18 impregnated with an ion exchange resin that is specific to one or more species of chemical ions are inserted into ground 12 in close proximity to, and on opposing sides of, a soil area of interest 22. An electric potential is applied across electrodes 26 and 28 to cause the migration of ions out of soil area 22 toward the membranes 14 and 18. Preferably, the resin exchanges ions of sodium or hydrogen for ions of mercury that it captures from soil area 22. Once membranes 14 and 18 become substantially saturated with mercury ions, the potential applied across electrodes 26 and 28 is discontinued and membranes 14 and 18 are preferably removed from soil 12 for storage or recovery of the ions. The membranes are also preferably impregnated with a buffer to inhibit the effect of the hydrolysis of water by current from the electrodes.

• Research Organization: Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-89SR18035
• Assignee: Bibler, Jane P. (813 E. Rollingwood Rd., Aiken, SC 29801)
• Patent Number(s): US 5190628
• OSTI ID: 868679
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

method
apparatus
removing
soil
selectively
species
permeable
membranes
14
18
impregnated
exchange
resin
specific
chemical
inserted
ground
12
close
proximity
opposing
22
electric
potential
applied
electrodes
26
28
migration
preferably
exchanges
sodium
hydrogen
mercury
captures
substantially
saturated
discontinued
removed
storage
recovery
buffer
inhibit
effect
hydrolysis
water
current
potential applied
permeable membrane
selectively removing
close proximity
exchange resin
electric potential
permeable membranes
/204/210/