Electrokinetically Enhanced Settlement and Remediation of Contaminated Sediment

Electrokinetic technique has been used in sedimentation at mining applications as a volume reduction for slurry tailing wastes. This technique has been used in remediation for environmental application as a potential in-situ remediation method for contaminated soils and wastes. Thus electrokinetic technique can be used in sedimentation and remediation of sediments. A regulated constant voltage was applied on the testing sample, directed upward, top cathode (-) and bottom anode (+) during electrokinetic sedimentation process. On the other hand, constant voltage was applied on the testing sample, directed downward, top anode (+) and bottom cathode (-) during electrokinetic remediation process. This means that the polarity reversal was employed. The time dependent settlement and concentration due to electrophoresis and electro-osmosis was measured on an hourly basis. The sedimentation rate of specimen and removal rate of contaminant in contaminated sediment were increased with increasing of applied voltages.