Remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils by electrokinetic technology: Mechanisms and applicability

Electrokinetic remediation is a widely admitted technology forrectifying heavy metal-contaminated soil. Various technologies have been effectively developed to improve the metal removal efficiency of contaminated soil by electrochemical treatment alone or in combination with other remediation technologies. The working components for electrokinetic system, such as supplying power for electric fields, installing electrodes to generate electric fields, introducing electrolytes and other potential materials as a reactive medium are crucial. This review focuses on the specific functions of the working components in electrokinetic systems and their effects on the efficiency of heavy metal removal using electrochemical process. The advancements in working components were systematically summarized, such as power for electric fields, electrodes, electrolytes and ion exchange membrane, which have various impacts on the effectiveness of electrokinetic remediation. Additionally, this study introduces the application of dominating technologies at present coupled with electrokinetics. Overall, a judicious design and reasonable operation in the application of electrokinetic-coupled remediation should be implemented to enhance the removal process of heavy metals from contaminated soil.