Removal of Cr(VI) from contaminated soil by electrokinetic remediation

A new process for the removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] contaminated soil is described. The process provides for an efficient removal of anionic chemicals from contaminated soils. Chromate anions were removed from the soil to the anodic reservoir by the moving force of electromigration. In this process, the chromate anions that accumulate in the anodic reservoir are simultaneously eliminated by using a column packed adsorbent. The adsorbent (immobilized tannin) used was chemically incorporated into cellulose. Cr(VI) was found to be adsorbed to this adsorbent efficiently. In the electrokinetic process, the pH of the aqueous solution in the anodic reservoir was decreased by the electrolysis of water. In the present study, the pH of the solution in the anodic reservoir is maintained at pH 6 by the addition of an aqueous alkaline solution during the electrokinetic process. The advantage of pH control is that it promotes the release of Cr(VI) from the soil by electromigration, thus permitting the maximum adsorption of Cr(VI) on the immobilized tannin. Simultaneous collection of Cr(VI) from the anodic reservoir leads to the protection from secondary contamination with Cr(VI).