Copper removal from sediment by electrokinetic treatment with electrodes in a hexagonal configuration

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of removing Cu from sediment by electrokinetic (EK) treatment with electrodes in a hexagonal configuration, and whether water leached can be reused. Three experiments were performed (e1: continuous application of electricity, e2: no electricity at night, e3: application of solar panels) to evaluate the impact of the absence of electricity during night and the variations that may occur during the day when solar panels were used on the efficiency of the treatment. At the end of the treatments, 2-13% more Cu was detected in the cathode region (locations 5 and 10) compared to the initial concentration. Furthermore, based on the calculated mass balance, we concluded that Cu was bound to the electrode surface. In the remaining EK cell locations, the Cu content was reduced by 50-60% for e1, e2, and e3. For field application, treatment e3, in which solar panels are applied, is recommended, since there are no significant differences in the achieved efficiencies. A significant advantage of the treatment from an ecological point of view is reflected in the absence of an acidification effect. In this study, we also applied a model which showed satisfactory agreement with the experimental results. Analyses of leached water after electrokinetic treatments, e1, e2, e3, indicate that this water has a potential for irrigation use of agricultural land, aiming to meet the goals of the circular economy.