Electrokinetic Biofence, remediation of VOCs with solar energy and bacteria

Abstract

Since April 2001, an Electrokinetic Biofence (EBF) is in operation at the site of a chemical laundry at Wildervank in the Province of Groningen in the Netherlands. The EBF is located at the western part of the building and covers an area of 10×2 m=20 m 2. Prior to the installation of the fence, the top soil, heavily polluted with volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons (VOCs), has been removed. The fence consists of a row of alternating cathodes and anodes with a mutual distance of 5 m. Upstream of the line of electrodes, a series of infiltration wells were installed, which have been periodically filled with nutrients. The aim of the EBF is to enhance biodegradation of the VOCs in the groundwater at the zone of the fence by electrokinetic dispersion of the dissolved nutrients in the groundwater. After running the EBF for nearly 2 years, clear results have been observed. The concentration of nutrients in the zone has increased, the chloride index is decreasing, and VOCs are being dechlorinated by bio-activity. The electrical energy for the EBF is being supplied by solar panels.