Most in situ strategies for remediation of metals contamination immobilize the contaminant in the subsurface through chemical or microbial processes. Although the immediate risk is lessened, the hazard remains in situ where it is subject to potential redox changes and subsequent remobilization. The alternative is excavation which is often prohibitively expensive. Water QUEST researchers are currently developing a novel remediation strategy which will allow for non-invasive recovery of metals from contaminated environments using poised-potential electrodes. Current studies address the complex geochemistry of metals in the vicinity of an electrode and the m icrobial communities that develop , with a goal to identify the key design criteria for optimization of electrode technology for remediation of metals-contaminated environments and to improve our limited knowledge of the microbial ecology and biogeochemistry of in situ electrodes.
Carnegie Mellon University with participating faculty from four colleges and eight departments
