Abstract

Soil electrokinetic remediation (EKR) is an attractive technology [1,2], due to the optimistic experimental results of extensive laboratory even pilot-scale [3]. This method is designed to remove contaminants from low permeability soils under the effect of applied current. However, this method possesses several drawbacks, for example, the EKR will cause soil acidification, but the EKR process requires an acidic condition during the application, which will promote the release of the heavy metal. Unfortunately, the condition of soil acidification is unacceptable. Furthermore, electrode configuration possesses inefficient electrical area, the EKR process is a very time-consuming application and high energy consumption etc. Obviously, the single EKR technology cannot achieve the best results, but combining electrokinetic with other remediation methods, promises to obtain more efficient removal of pollutant, less time and lower energy consumption. The authors objectively review the various technologies that can be combined with EKR based on these published studies in the last decade and aim to provide massive references to relative researchers.