Influence of Electric Field Operation Modes on Nickel Migration during Electrokinetic Treatment

Nickel-contaminated sediment can be remediated by electrokinetic techniques. In practical application, nickel may migrate into deep layers and potentially pollute unpolluted layers. In this study, the influence of different types of electric field operation modes on nickel migration in sediment layers was studied. The following experiments were conducted: without current application (NC), with horizontal electric field (HEF), with vertical electric field (VEF), and 2D electric field (horizontal and vertical). The following Ni overall removal efficacies were achieved: 48.9, 49.4, 55.7, and 58.1 after VEF, NC, 2D, and HEF, respectively. Using a vertical electric field in 2D and VEF resulted in less Ni found in the vertical sediment bed (25% and 60%, respectively). The available Ni content in a contaminated sediment bed decreased significantly after using the electrokinetic treatments: 46%, 62%, and 79% after HEF, VEF, and 2D, respectively. Vertical electric field is the most efficient for Ni removal in terms of the amount of Ni that migrated into deeper layers of sediment bed and its amount in mobile form. Thus, the vertical electric field is a promising and practical method for the remediation of nickel-contaminated sediments. Risk analysis indicated the efficiency of EK treatment as available Ni content was reduced after the applied treatments to a degree that poses no risk for the environment.