Another research area is electrokinetic remediation of contaminated soils. This research deals with the removal of heavy metals and organic molecules from unsaturated soil. Preliminary investigations have revealed that ionic migration due to electrical fields can be utilized to induce movement of contaminants. Anions migrate toward the anode and cations redistribute toward the cathode. The contaminants can then be removed from the system by either extraction of fluid or soil from the neighborhood of the electrode, ion exchange near the electrode or plating on the electrode. Initial investigation focuses on Cd, Ag and Cu removal on bench scale level as a function of various operational parameters.

Munroe, N. D. H., "Experimental and Numerical Modeling of Transport Phenomena in a Particulate Reacting System," Heat Transfer in Fire and Combustion Systems ASME, HTD-Vol. 250, 1993 pp. 69-78.