Pulsed electrokinetic removal of Cd and Zn from fine-grained soil

Pulsed electrokinetics studies were carried out to optimize the removal of Zn and Cd from fine-grained soils and to observe the effects of varying the pulse frequency, pulse time ratio (on/off), and DC voltage gradient. Existing forms of heavy metals in the soil matrix were determined using a sequential extraction method. The strongly bound fraction (bound to organic matter and residuals) that is difficult to remove from the soil matrix comprised 74 and 62% of the total Zn and Cd, respectively. In the electrokinetic remediation experiments, MgSO₄ was employed to increase the ionic strength of the soil for 2 weeks. Transportation of heavy metals was influenced by the frequency, pulse ratio, and the voltage gradient of the pulsed electric field. Extraction efficiency of Zn and Cd near the anode was correlated positively with the voltage gradient at a given pulse and ratio. A high pulse frequency (1,800 cycles/h) enhanced the removal efficiency of the heavy metals compared to a low pulse frequency (1,200 cycles/h) at a supplied voltage gradient of 1 V/cm. Although pulsed electrokinetics was more effective in extracting and desorbing ions near the anode than conventional electrokinetics, its ability to transport heavy metals from the anode to the cathode was relatively small. Total removals with pulsed electrokinetics were 21-31% for Zn and 18-24% for Cd. In summary, pulsed electrokinetics can enhance removal efficiency of heavy metals and is beneficial with regard to electrical energy consumption.