Application of an Enhanced Electrokinetic Ion Injection System to Bioremediation

Abstract

Recently, electrokinetic injection has been applied in bioremediation to provide nutrients and TEAs in low permeable soil. However, an effective pH control system and a uniform injection system have yet to be developed. This study investigated an enhanced EK injection system, which is combined with electrolyte circulation and electrode polarity reversal on kaolinite. Soil pH was maintained continuously only by circulation of electrolytes in each chamber without any buffering solutions. Existing ions were distributed more uniformly in soil by electrode polarity reversal. In view of microbiological degradation, the polarity reversal system resulted in better ion injection. Therefore, the novel electrokinetic nutrient and TEAs injection system can be applied to in situ biodegradation more effectively than the conventional technique.