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High-temperature electrothermal remediation of multi-pollutants in soil

Author

Listed:
  • Bing Deng

    (Rice University)

  • Robert A. Carter

    (Rice University)

  • Yi Cheng

    (Rice University)

  • Yuan Liu

    (Rice University)

  • Lucas Eddy

    (Rice University
    Applied Physics Program, Rice University
    Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University)

  • Kevin M. Wyss

    (Rice University)

  • Mine G. Ucak-Astarlioglu

    (U.S. Army Engineer Research & Development Center)

  • Duy Xuan Luong

    (Rice University
    Applied Physics Program, Rice University)

  • Xiaodong Gao

    (Rice University
    Carbon Hub, Rice University)

  • Khalil JeBailey

    (Rice University)

  • Carter Kittrell

    (Rice University)

  • Shichen Xu

    (Rice University)

  • Debadrita Jana

    (Rice University)

  • Mark Albert Torres

    (Rice University)

  • Janet Braam

    (Rice University)

  • James M. Tour

    (Rice University
    Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University
    Rice University
    NanoCarbon Center and the Rice Advanced Materials Institute, Rice University)

Abstract

Soil contamination is an environmental issue due to increasing anthropogenic activities. Existing processes for soil remediation suffer from long treatment time and lack generality because of different sources, occurrences, and properties of pollutants. Here, we report a high-temperature electrothermal process for rapid, water-free remediation of multiple pollutants in soil. The temperature of contaminated soil with carbon additives ramps up to 1000 to 3000 °C as needed within seconds via pulsed direct current input, enabling the vaporization of heavy metals like Cd, Hg, Pb, Co, Ni, and Cu, and graphitization of persistent organic pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The rapid treatment retains soil mineral constituents while increases infiltration rate and exchangeable nutrient supply, leading to soil fertilization and improved germination rates. We propose strategies for upscaling and field applications. Techno-economic analysis indicates the process holds the potential for being more energy-efficient and cost-effective compared to soil washing or thermal desorption.

Suggested Citation

  • Bing Deng & Robert A. Carter & Yi Cheng & Yuan Liu & Lucas Eddy & Kevin M. Wyss & Mine G. Ucak-Astarlioglu & Duy Xuan Luong & Xiaodong Gao & Khalil JeBailey & Carter Kittrell & Shichen Xu & Debadrita , 2023. "High-temperature electrothermal remediation of multi-pollutants in soil," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-41898-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41898-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Helalia, Awad M., 1993. "The relation between soil infiltration and effective porosity in different soils," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 24(1), pages 39-47, September.
    2. Jinwei Xu & Chong Liu & Po-Chun Hsu & Jie Zhao & Tong Wu & Jing Tang & Kai Liu & Yi Cui, 2019. "Remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil by asymmetrical alternating current electrochemistry," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-8, December.
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