Remediation of 2,4-dichlorophenol-contaminated soil by electrokinetic delivery of persulfate technology

2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) is difficult to degrade rapidly in the environment due to its stable chemical properties, so it was easy to lead to serious chlorophenol pollution in soil. Consequently, a remediation method which is efficient, safe, and economical is required. In this study, electrokinetic (EK) remediation was used to transfer sodium persulfate (Na2S2O8) into soil to degrade 2,4-DCP, and the effect of several factors (including the addition location of Na2S2O8, applied voltage, and running time) on the remediation efficiency was explored. The concentration of Na2S2O8, residual efficiency of 2,4-DCP and distribution characteristics of pH, and electrical conductivity were analyzed. The results showed that the cathode was the optimal position to add Na2S2O8. Under this condition, Na2S2O8 was uniformly distributed in the whole soil column through electromigration. The optimal removal efficiency of 2,4-DCP in soil by adding Na2S2O8 was approximately 26% when the voltage gradient was 1.0 V/cm and the operating time was 9 days, which was mainly due to the degradation of S2O82-.