Integrated electrokinetic processes for the remediation of phthalate esters in river sediments: A mini-review

Concerning the contamination of phthalate esters (PAEs) in river sediments, this mini-review introduces four recently reported novel “integrated electrokinetic (EK) processes” for the remediation purpose, namely two combined technologies of the EK process and advanced oxidation process (EK-AOP Processes) and two combined technologies of the EK process and biological process (EK-BIO Processes). The following is a comprehensive summary for these remediation processes: (1) the EK process coupled with nano-Fe3O4/S2O82− oxidation process – Test results have shown that nanoscale Fe3O4 played a significant role in activating persulfate oxidation. Even a recalcitrant compound like di(2‑ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), its concentration in test sediment was reduced to 1.97 mg kg−1, far below the regulatory levels set by Taiwan EPA; (2) the EK process integrated with a novel Fenton-like process catalyzed by nanoscale schwertmannite (nano-SHM) – Test results have revealed that simultaneous injection of nano-SHM slurry and H2O2 into the anode reservoir and sediment compartment is a good practice. 70–99% in removal efficiency was obtained for various target PAEs; (3) enhanced in situ bioremediation coupled with the EK process for promoting the growth of intrinsic microorganisms by adding H2O2 as an oxygen release compound (ORC) – Test results have demonstrated that an intermittent mode of injecting lab-prepared ORC directly into the contaminant zone would be beneficial to the growth of intrinsic microorganisms in test sediment for in situ bioremediation of target PAEs; and (4) coupling of a second-generation ORC (designated 2G-ORC) with the EK-biological process – Test results have proved that 2G-ORC is long-lasting and can be directly utilized as the carbon source and oxygen source for microbial growth resulting in an enhanced biodegradation of PAEs. Except DEHP having a residual concentration of 4 μg kg−1, all other target PAEs in test sediment were totally removed by this novel combined remediation process. [Display omitted] •Four novel “integrated EK processes” for PAEs remediation are introduced.•Two processes in each of EK-AOP process and EK-Bio process are assessed.•Remediation efficiencies of PAEs in river sediments are all outstanding.•A high performance of second-generation ORC is fabricated and tested.