In situ electrokinetic (EK) remediation of the total and plant available cadmium (Cd) in paddy agricultural soil using low voltage gradients at pilot and full scales

Electrokinetic (EK) remediation has been widely studied at laboratory scales. However, field-scale research is far less. In this study, a 14-day EK was carried out, in field pilot (4 m2) test and full-scale (200 application for the first time, cadmium (Cd) contaminated paddy agricultural near mining area. A low voltage of 20 V applied both scales; gradient m?1 4 full scales, respectively. Samples were taken from anode cathode, middle electric field, soil layers 0–10 cm, 10–20 40–50 cm. After remediation, significant portion total Cd removed all scale, by 87%, 72%, 54% top down, but only cm layer scale 74%. As plant available (exchangeable soluble) Cd, removal (64%) observed scale. The percentage reduction electrical conductivity efficiency higher than cathode. pH elevated cathode stayed below 6 due to sufficient supply lactic acid. concentration dropped hazard threshold, i.e. 0.4 mg (kg dry wt soil)?1 fields China. energy 2 kW·h 0.6 consumed This study showed successful situ soil, especially surface layer, with demand.