Electrokinetic Remediation of Fluorine-Contaminated Soil Using Approaching Cathodes

The objective of this research was to analyze the effects of approaching cathodes (AC) on electrokinetic remediation of fluorine-contaminated soil, compared to one fixed cathode. Important electrokinetic parameters such as soil pH, electrical current, the remediation efficiency of fluorine, and energy consumption were investigated to evaluate electrokinetic remediation with AC (AC-electrokinetic remediation). It was proved that AC-electrokinetic remediation could increase the removal efficiency of fluorine from contaminated soil, because it could increase soil pH and enhance electrical current. Experimental results showed that it could improve 5.2% of removal efficiency of fluorine, and save nearly 16% of energy and 20% of time than the conventional electrokinetic remediation. After electrokinetic remediation, the fractions of fluorine had been changed and fluorine in the soil was mainly found in residual fraction. Experimental results indicated that AC-electrokinetic remediation was a considerable technology to eliminate fluorine in contaminated soils.