Towards the application of electrokinetic remediation for nuclear site decommissioning

Electrokinetic generation of iron-rich barriers in soils: realising the potential for nuclear site management and decommissioning

“…The two experimental studies described here, however, clearly demonstrate that barrier generation is possible in realistic subsurface materials at existing sites, including the shallow sub-surface on the UK's Sellafield site. We have previously assessed the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of EKR with in situ mineral precipitation at TRL 4–7, 4 and the work described here reinforces this towards the higher end of this estimate; e.g. , towards an operational prototype in real systems.…”

“…The technique works in a variety of low-permeability substrates including inhomogeneous, low-permeability ( e.g. clayey) soils, can be applied ex or in situ , 1 and has been used by a range of groups for the treatment of metal, 2 organic 3 and radioactively 4 contaminated materials. Alongside other in situ technologies ( e.g.…”

“…At sites with radioactive contamination, for example, this is vital where worker safety is a top priority. 4 Further, where the physical removal of contaminated material is not possible ( e.g. for contaminated buried (geological) materials or soil under a structure), EKR may still be applied.…”

Current and emerging technologies for the remediation of difficult-to-measure radionuclides at nuclear sites

“…Of the examined technologies, none are effective at removing all of 129 I, 99 Tc, 90 Sr and 3 H. This highlights the need for simultaneous growth in research areas looking at improving the efficiency of current techniques, enhancing the development of "treatment train" approaches (potentially including natural attenuation for shorter-lived DTMRs), and continued progression of emerging technologies to minimise scenarios where no remediation strategies are appropriate. Alternative techniques such as electrokinetic remediation and silica grouting are being developed but their application towards DTMRs (with the exception of 90 Sr 134,136 ) remains unreported, particularly at larger (eld or eld pilot) scale. The need for advancement in this area is clear but current progress is hindered due to the difficulty associated with measuring DTMRs in situ.…”

Technological and economic analysis of electrokinetic remediation of contaminated soil: A global perspective and its application in Indian scenario

“…The migration of contaminants and their transport mechanism is highly dependent on these factors. EKR is most effective in fine-grained and heterogenous soils as they have a higher ion-migration rate (i.e., higher in sandy soil than in clayey soil) [ 60 ]. A lower pH is often recommended for EKR because a higher pH causes the heavy metals to precipitate, preventing the flow of pollutants.…”