Simultaneous remediation of complex soil contaminants in situ

In this project we propose a completely novel approach of soil remediation where As is immobilised and at the same time PAH are degraded in situ, i.e. without soil excavation. We will achieve this by modifying electrokinetic principles to fit our purpose.

Namely, we will use electrokinetics to corrode iron electrodes in soil and spread newly formed iron oxides that would bind dissolved As and immobilise it in soil. Simultaneously, electricity-induced reactions in soil will promote advanced oxidation processes leading to PAH degradation.

We will perform detailed characterization, follow up and modeling of electrochemical processes in contaminated soil, which will allow us to comprehensively evaluate the proposed soil remediation technique and compare it with the conventional methods.

Due to the high human toxicity and carcinogenicity, both arsenic (As) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are among the priority contaminants worldwide. These compounds were used in Sweden as components in wood impregnation chemicals for decades causing soil contamination. Remediation of such sites with complex contamination are complicated and expensive, while efficient in situ techniques are lacking.

The project is finaced by FORMAS - a Swedish research council for sustainable development.