A laboratory study has been carried out to determine the feasibility of in situ remediation of chromium (VI)
contaminated soil using electrodialysis. In a classic setup, this technique implies the application of a low intensity direct
current to the soil, which is separated from the electrode compartments by ion-exchange membranes. If the pollutants
are ionic compounds, they can be forced to migrate to the oppositely charged electrode by electro-migration.
Membranes selectively impede the flow of ions in the electrode compartments back to the soil. If a metal species is
naturally present as an anion, mobilization from the soil at alkaline pH can be realized and, at the same time, the
mobilization of other metal cations that occur at low pH can be minimized.
Experiments have been carried out with clayey soils (kaolinite clay and soil clay mixtures) that have been
characterized and then contaminated by mixing with a potassium dichromate solution for several days. Initial Cr (VI)
content ranges from 500 to 4000 mg/kg. Treatment tests were carried out in an acrylic laboratory cells consisting of a
central soil compartment and two electrode compartments located at both ends of the column. Dimensionally stable
titanium electrodes coated with mixed metal oxides were placed in the electrode compartments. 0.01M Na2SO4
electrolytes were recirculated through them from two 1-liter deposits using a peristaltic pump. Two commercial ion
exchange membranes separated the anolyte and catholyte compartments from the soil in the standard configuration. A
programmable DC: power supply was connected to the electrodes and a computer for data acquisition.
