Removal of fluorine from contaminated field soil by anolyte enhanced electrokinetic remediation

Abstract

Feasibility of electrolyte conditioning with strong alkaline solution on electrokinetic remediation of fluorine-contaminated field soil was investigated in the laboratory. The initial concentration of fluorine, pH and organic matter content in the soil were 1,058 mg kg−1, 8.17 and 20.51 g kg−1, respectively. Electrokinetic experiments were conducted under two different concentrations of alkaline solution and three different voltage gradients. The removal of fluorine increased with the concentration of the alkaline solution and applied voltage and fluorine removed up to 73% within 10 days. Anolyte enhanced electrokinetic process could promote effectively the migration of fluoride in soil. The electromigration was the main transport mechanism and the electroosmotic flow had an effect on the migration of fluoride in soil. Appropriate anolyte enhanced electrokinetic method could be applied to remediate fluorine from contaminated field soil and has significant potential for removing other anionic pollutants such as arsenate and chromate from soil.