Enhancing Tank Leaching Efficiency through Electrokinetic Remediation: A Laboratory and Numerical Modeling Study

Abstract

Electrokinetic remediation is a cost-effective and efficient method that utilizes electrical current to transport ions within the subsurface. This process aims to remediate soil contamination caused by industrial activities, which poses threats to wildlife, water quality, and air quality. To assess the impact of the electrokinetic process on tank leaching efficiency, two electrode configurations were tested: vertical and horizontal arrays. These tests considered variable electrode spacing and different voltages in the soil residue. Additionally, the movement of copper cations from the anode to the cathode under this process was investigated. Results show that the horizontal electrode array is more effective in transporting soil moisture because of its broader contact with the soil. After 20 days of using the electrokinetic method with vertical electrodes, the soil moisture content decreased by 12.28%; with horizontal electrodes, it dropped by 38.4%. Also, the concentration of copper in the soil near the cathode electrode increased from 0.54 to 0.77% after 20 days. The estimated copper ion content in the cathode area after 20 days was between 150 and 350 mol/m3, aligning closely with the measured value of 192.5 mol/m3. These results indicate that the electrokinetic process can significantly enhance copper recovery efficiency in tank leaching processes and curtail environmental side effects. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the benefits of using the electrokinetic process to remediate leaching residue and improve the efficiency of industrial processes.