Removal of heavy metal from soil and groundwater by in-situ electrokineticremediation

The operational variables of electrokinetic remediation have not been clear ed yet, because this method is relatively new and is an innovative techniqu e in the aquifer remediation. In order to investigate the operational varia bles of the electrokinetic remediation, a mathematical model has been const ructed based on the physico chemical mass transport process of heavy metals in pore water of contaminated aquifer. The transport of the heavy metals i s driven not only by the hydraulic flow due to the injection of the purge w ater but also by the electromigration due to the application of the electri c potential gradient. The electric potential between anode and cathode is t he important operational variable for the electrokinetic remediation. From the numerical simulations with use of this model it is confirmed that the r emediation starts from the up stream anode and gradually the heavy metal is transported to the down stream cathode and drawn out through the purge wat er.