Revealing underlying mechanisms affecting electrokinetic remediation of an artificially Cu- and Pb-contaminated loess using the external regulatory system with adsorbent

Considering extensive metallurgical mining activities in the northwest of China, handling Cu- and Pb-rich wastewater is a challenging task. Inappropriate can lead to accumulation Cu Pb surrounding environment, thereby posing serious threat human health. Electrokinetic (EK) technology an increasingly popular alternative traditional approaches for contaminated soil remediation owing its high effectiveness low risk secondary pollution. This study first proposed external regulatory system with adsorbent (ERSA) investigated effect electrode type, ERSA, cation exchange membrane (CEM) on EK artificially Pb-contaminated loess. An reactor incorporating ERSA was applied experiments circulate electrolyte, not only making pH cathode lower, but also preventing formation precipitation. The electrokinetic geosynthetics released H + OH ? faster promoted their migration toward specimen. However, because precipitation near cathode, boost efficiency hindered. Furthermore, considering use, decrease reduced precipitation, enhancing efficiency. In contrast, use CEM lowered pH, increased electrical conductivity (EC) electric current, aggravated electroosmotic flow. using modified largely lifted 85.52%, while 75.51%. These results shed light enhancement potential applying remedy water bodies.