Electrically enhanced in situ remediation of contaminated soil

Abstract From the Canadian patent

During in situ electroremediation of soil electric fields generated by electrodes (10, 12) that are located in the soil are used to move contamination, complexing agents, chemical reagents and/or nutrients through soil or to heat the soil. Control of the voltages and/or currents on or through the electrodes (10, 12) is used to prevent electrode clogging problems, to reduce unnecessary power consumption and/or to prevent boiling. In one aspect (electrokinetic remediation and electro heating) the current through selected electrodes (10, 12) is temporarily stepped down if the onset of clogging and or boiling is detected from an increase in the electrical resistances from an electrode …