Grantee Research Project Results

In-Situ Removal of Heavy Metals from Vadose Zone Contaminated Soils Using Enhanced Electrokinetics

EPA Contract Number: 68D50109
Title: In-Situ Removal of Heavy Metals from Vadose Zone Contaminated Soils Using Enhanced Electrokinetics
Investigators: Sunkara, Mahendra
Small Business: Faraday Technology, Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1995 through March 1, 1996
Project Amount: $64,176
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1996) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Waste , Hazardous Waste/Remediation , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

Description:

Electrokinetic remediation of metal contaminated soils is a promising in-situ soil remediation technology. In electrokinetic soil remediation, a current is applied to two electrodes buried in the soil and the ionic contaminants move towards the electrodes for subsequent cleanup of the localized contaminant. However, implementation of electrokinetic soil remediation is prohibited by:

1. buildup of a pH front, leading to increased power consumption and precipitation of a dispersed and nonrecoverable metal hydroxide, and
   
2. slow transport of metal contaminants.

Faraday Technology proposes using novel electrodes and unique electric fields to eliminate the pH front associated with the isoelectric focussing plane and to enhance the metal contaminant transport. The Phase I objectives include demonstration of a uniform, slightly acidic pH transport. They will conduct their Phase I efforts using a DOE contaminated mixture (containing lead and mercury) recommended for soil remediation studies.

Supplemental Keywords:

small business, SBIR, engineering., Scientific Discipline, Toxics, Waste, Water, Contaminated Sediments, Remediation, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry and Materials Science, 33/50, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Environmental Engineering, Mercury, sediment treatment, electrokinetics, contaminant transport, in situ remediation, Superfund sites, electrode technology, contaminated sediment, lead, lead & lead compounds, chemical contaminants, chemical transport, contaminated soil, soil remediation, mercury & mercury compounds, heavy metal contamination, vadose zone, contaminant removal, heavy metals

Progress and Final Reports:

Final

SBIR Phase II:

In-Situ Removal of Heavy Metals from Vadose Zone Contaminated Soils Using Enhanced Electrokinetics