Electro-kinetic concentration and retention of nitrate in sandy soil.

Abstract

Laboratory experiments utilizing closed and open system experiments were conducted in this study to evaluate the applicability of using an electro-kinetic process to concentrate and retain nitrate close to the anode. A finite difference model was developed to predict the pH gradient developed during the electro-kinetic process. Model results then were used with a derived regression equation between pH and N0₃- to predict the nitrate gradient developed during an electro-kinetic process. The results of this research revealed that an electro-kinetic method is an effective means for concentrating and retaining nitrate close to the anode in saturated sandy soil even under a strong hydraulic gradient. Results also support the validity of using a finite difference and regression equation model to predict the spatial and temporal distribution of N0₃- developed under an electro- kinetic process for both closed and open system configurations.