Abstract: 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 into the soil. Preferably an effect of soil resistivity changes on the detection is removed by using sensing electrodes (14a, 14b) in the soil.

Abstract: An integrated electrochemical soil remediation method and apparatus for treating contaminated soils, especially those contaminated with mixtures of nonvolatile organic contaminants, ionic contaminants and volatile organic compounds are disclosed. Remediation may be achieved by electrochemically enhancing biodigestion of organic contaminants (using microorganisms present in or added to soil), electrochemically removing ionic contaminants and electrochemically removing volatilized organic contaminants by applying a vacuum over the soil being treated, as dictated by the nature of contamination. Physicochemical conditions of the electrolyte and the soil are managed by monitoring and adjusting the electrolyte. Nutritional needs of microorganisms for biodigestion are adjusted as necessary through the electrolyte.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for electroreclamation of soil material. A plurality of electrodes is brought into current-conducting connection with the soil material to be reclaimed. One or more of the electrodes are brought into current-conducting connection with the positive or negative pole of a source of DC voltage, and the remaining electrodes are brought into contact with the other pole of the source of DC voltage. There are thus formed one or more anodes and one or more cathodes. An electric current is passed through the soil material to be reclaimed between the differently charged electrodes. According to the invention, the physico-chemical parameters of the medium of both the regions adjoining the anode(s) and the regions adjoining the cathode(s) are controlled.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for electroreclamation of soil material. A plurality of electrodes is brought into current-conducting connection with the soil material to be reclaimed. One or more of the electrodes are brought into current-conducting connection with the positive or negative pole of a source of DC voltage, and the remaining electrodes are brought into contact with the other pole of the source of DC voltage. There are thus formed one or more anodes and one or more cathodes. An electric current is passed through the soil material to be reclaimed between the differently charged electrodes. According to the invention, the physico-chemical parameters of the medium of both the regions adjoining the anode(s) and the regions adjoining the cathode(s) are controlled.