The results of a field study concerning the technical feasibility of electrokinetic remediation technique at a superfund site are discussed. The technique of remediation is based on the migration of ionic contaminants under the action of a dc electric field, but for field application of the remedial action, effective combination of dcfield application and the pump-and-treat method is required. A matrix of properly designed extraction wells (from which contaminated groundwater can be withdrawn) and an array of wells surrounding each of these wells in a square or hexagonal pattern are needed. The application of a dc field across the contaminated ground, using electrodes placed in both the central as well as the surrounding wells, can enhance the removal of contaminants from the subsurface system. This technique was explored on the premises of united chrome products, inc., In corvallis, oregon, where the shallow subsoils and the unconfined groundwater regime were heavily contaminated with chrome platingwastes. On the basis of the analyses of the acquired data on the concentration of various ionic species, it was concluded that electrokinetic treatment combined with occasional withdrawal of effluents can be more effective than the conventional pump-and-treat method. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1312, Energy and environmental issues 1991.
Abstract