Abstract
This research evaluated two electrokinetic remediation systems (EKR) for separating phenanthrene from bentonite and its
electrochemical destruction by using a Boron Doped Diamond (BDD) electrode. The effect of the electrochemical potential for
the oxidation of phenanthrene in liquid phase with Ti/BDD was analyzed by Normal Pulse Voltammetry and Hydroxyl Radical
(●OH) analysis using the Spin Trapping Technique. The results showed that 70% of phenanthrene was removed from bentonite
through EKR by applying 20 mA for 4 h in alkaline conditions, and that phenanthrene in solution was 100% degraded with
Ti/BDD by applying 2.3 V vs Hg|Hg2SO4, for 2.5 h. These results demonstrate the potential application of the electrochemical
technology in treating soils contaminated with highly toxic compounds, such as Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their
final destruction using the EKR-BDD process.