Electrokinetic Treatment of Cu Contaminated Kaolin: Using an Fe/Cu Galvanic Cell

In this work we present the results of a laboratory study to assess the possibility of Fe/C and Fe/Cu galvanic cell utilization for Cu removal from a kaolin model matrix as an electrokinetic treatment without electricity consumption. In addition, we examine improving the desorption of Cu ions from kaolin particles by acidification. Several experiments were conducted: conventional (ECC), Fe/C galvanic cell (GC1), Fe/Cu galvanic cell (GC2), Fe/C galvanic cell with kaolin acidification (GC3) and Fe/Cu galvanic cell with kaolin acidification (GC4). The following removal efficacies were achieved: 44% for ECC, 20% for GC1, 37% for GC2, 46% for GC3 and 45% for GC4. The Fe/Cu galvanic cell resulted in better removal efficacy as metallic Cu was deposited at the cathode. Acidification of kaolin prior to treatment contributed to Cu2+ desorption and thus improved removal efficacy, especially during GC3. This work demonstrates that an Fe/Cu galvanic cell can be used for electrokinetic treatment of Cu contaminated soil with no waste produced after treatment as the Cu is deposited at the cathode.