Electrohydrodynamic method of pH regulation at soil decontamination

Theoretical analysis of the competing electromigration and hydrodynamic transport of OH-ions during the cathode chamber washing has been performed. The minimum washing rate preventing the penetration of OH-ions into soil has been determined. Fast pumping of the liquid allows us to replace the acidic solution used to neutralize OH-ions generated on the cathode with the neutral one.Theoretical model developed by the authors was experimentally tested on soils with different exchange and buffer capacities confirming the validity of the theoretical assumptions used. The developed technique makes it possible to achieve a low pH value along the entire length of the cell and ensure practically complete removal of ions of heavy metals.