Abstract: A method and an apparatus for stripping ionic species from a porous material, such as concrete or soil, are presented. The ionic species include metals and complexes, and may include radioactive species. The contaminated medium can be in bulk or in particulate form and can be treated according to the invention in situ or in a batch container. In the method, a dc potential difference is established across the contaminated material over which an alternating current may be superimposed. Ionic species migrate within the contaminated material under the influence of the potential difference and dissolve in the electrolyte. The electrolyte can be protected from radiation degradation by use of a radioactive-resistant ion exchange material. Ionic species can be desorbed electrochemically from the electrolyte, allowing the electrolyte to be recycled for additional stripping of contaminated media. The recovered ionic species can be used as feedstock for other processes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for electrochemically remediating soil, clay or other media contaminated with organic pollutants using Fenton's Reagent. In the methods, anodes and cathodes are provided in wells formed in the contaminated medium. Anolyte and catholyte solutions are circulated to deliver iron ions to anodes and to deliver peroxide ions to cathodes in the medium. A potential difference is applied across the medium to cause the peroxide ions and iron ions to migrate toward each other and through the medium. The organic contaminants are destroyed in the medium in reactions with the peroxide ions and iron ions. The physicochemical condition of the electrolyte(s) is monitored and adjusted as necessary to control pH and to permit recycling of the electrolyte to the electrodes. Alternatively, peroxide ion can be generated in situ using an air depolarized cathode.