Green remediation of soil and groundwater by electrochemical methods

Electrochemical methods are effective remediation techniques for contaminated soil, water and sediment. Electrochemical processes can transform contaminants directly or manipulate the redox condition of the environmental matrix to achieve adaptive condition for biological processes. Apart from conventional power sources, electrochemical processes can be powered by renewable energy sources. Solar photovoltaic energy can be combined with electrochemical processes for a variety of insitu remedial applications. Unlike the traditional chemical remediation, electrochemical remediation generates oxidants or reductants through electrolytic electron gain and loss, and the risk of injecting chemicals is avoided. The redox potential of environmental matrix is highly dependent on the interaction between the electrochemical process and the environment. An overview of potential green remediation by electrochemical methods together with specific applications and experimental results are presented and discussed.