Applications of electrokinetic remediation in land reclamation

Electrokinetic remediation (EKR) is an emerging technique with diverse applications in both ground improvement and soil remediation, particularly in fine-grained soils with low hydraulic conductivity where conventional methods are often ineffective. This chapter explores the role of EKR in enhancing geotechnical properties of uncontaminated soils and in the remediation of contaminated soils, while clearly distinguishing between the two applications.

In the context of ground improvement, EKR is used to modify the physical properties of soil such as reducing water content, enhancing strength and improving stability through mechanisms like electroosmosis and electromigration. For example, electroosmotic flow facilitates the dewatering of soft, saturated clays, while electromigration enables the delivery of cementing agents or stabilizers to improve shear strength and reduce compressibility.

In the domain of soil remediation, EKR is used to remove or neutralize contaminants such as heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons. Electromigration is employed to mobilize and concentrate contaminants for extraction, while electroosmosis assists in transporting nutrients and microorganisms to enhance bioremediation (bioaugmentation or biostimulation). Additionally, EKR can support phytoremediation by improving the mobility and bioavailability of pollutants for plant uptake.

By leveraging its versatility, EKR offers a sustainable and effective approach for addressing challenges in both improving the engineering properties of soils and remediating contaminated sites. This chapter provides an overview of the principles, mechanisms and field applications of EKR, highlighting its potential in modern geotechnical and environmental engineering practice.