Effects of electrode material on the efficiency of hydrocarbon removal by an electrokinetic remediation process

There are diverse alternatives for treating polluted soil. However, one of the most promising and innovating technologies is the electrokinetic remediation process. In the electrokinetic process, pollutant removal is influenced by several factors such as the material used as electrodes and their arrangement in the electrokinetic system, among others. This paper investigates the feasibility of removing hydrocarbon from a polluted soil, analyzing first some properties of different electrode materials by electrochemical techniques for the purpose of selecting the best to be used as an anode in the electrokinetic process. Also, two different cathode materials were tested during the electrokinetic remediation process - carbon cloth and titanium. However, results indicated the carbon cloth adsorbed the organic compounds; for that reason, it was discarded from the electrokinetic remediation process. In addition, two electrode arrangements were evaluated in the electrokinetic system, those where the electrodes were in direct contact with the soil and those where the electrodes were separated from soil by a physical barrier. The first array showed less electrical resistance and more hydrocarbon removal than the second. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.