Chapter 14
Electrokinetic Remediation
Publication: Geoenvironmental Engineering: Site and Contaminant Characterization, Containment Facilities, Solid Waste Materials, and Contaminated Ground Interventions
Abstract
Groundwater contamination has become a widespread problem in need of the urgent attention of various federal and state agencies. Electrokinetics (EK) is an in situ remediation technique applicable to low-hydraulic-conductivity soils. EK leverages electric fields for remediation. This chapter focuses on the fundamentals of the use of a direct electric field and the resulting direct current in soil remediation. The major flow mechanisms induced by EK are ionic migration, electrophoresis, electroosmotic advection, and, to a lesser extent, diffusion. Electrolysis is a side process occurring during the application of EK, which can interact or even interfere with the effectiveness of EK. The chapter provides a brief explanation of factors to be considered during the design of an EK remediation system. Contamination level is a factor controlling the efficiency of electrokinetic remediation.
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Geoenvironmental Engineering: Site and Contaminant Characterization, Containment Facilities, Solid Waste Materials, and Contaminated Ground Interventions
Pages: 317 - 338
Editor: Dimitrios Zekkos, Ph.D., P.E.
ISBN (Online): 978-0-7844-8549-1
ISBN (Print): 978-0-7844-1623-5
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© 2024 by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Published online: Jul 8, 2024
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