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This research tests the hypothesis that electrokinetic remediation (ER) can be used asa technically feasible and cost effective approach for remediating persistent contaminants in riverbank filtrate. A benchtop ER soil processing column using South Platte River water and nativealluvial material from an existing riverbank filtration (RBF) site was used. This research focuses on several compounds which were selected based on theiroccurrence and persistence in the environment. The selected contaminants (sulfamethoxazole,carbamazepine, and tris-(2-chloroethyl) phosphate) have been proven to remain relativelyunaffected by conventional wastewater and water treatment processes including riverbankfiltration. Electrokinetic remediation (ER) is a technology which has been successfullyapplied in the removal, reduction, and stabilization of groundwater contaminants such as heavymetals, DNAPL, chlorinated solvents and other contaminants. ER has yet to be studiedfor the breakdown of persistent emerging contaminants and is the key aspect of this research.This research investigates unamended and amended electrokinetic remediation.Unamended ER uses mechanisms such as electromigration, electroosmosis, diffusion andelectrolysis of water to remediate the compounds of concern. In amended ER an electron donoris introduced to the subsurface through the use of an electrical potential, which in turn assists inpH control and may stimulate microbial communities which can assist in compound degradation.An ER system could be an alternative to conventional treatment processes or a supplement toriverbank filtration (RBF) site. RBF sites are successful in removing many compounds as thewater flows from the water body through the native alluvial material to a production well locateda short distance from the river. An ER system may installed at a new or existing RBF site. Thismethod of treatment for persistent compounds may be easier and cheaper than a water treatmentplant expansion. In addition, ER systems used as a supplement to RBF sites may possiblyminimize the detention time necessary for successful contaminant removal, hence minimizingthe land necessary for RBF treatment. Includes 73 references, figures.

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Edition: Vol. - No. Published: 11/01/2006 Number of Pages: 18File Size: 1 file , 380 KB