Remediation of the saline soil of the Mostaganem region by electrokinetic technique

Soil salinization is a problem in many parts of the world, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas. Salinity continues to be a major form of land degradation and a significant environmental threat. The deleterious effects of salinity extend over a broad spectrum that includes productive farmland, ecosystems, river systems and infrastructure. This paper presents the experimental results of a laboratory-scale study (LCTPE—University of Mostaganem), to study the effects of electrokinetic treatment in salt remediation and removal in local saline soil in the Mostaganem region. The soil was subjected to a potential difference of 10 V, applying a continuous current between the electrodes inserted into the soil mass. After different periods of electrokinetic treatment, the properties of this soil were evaluated. The electric current gradually decreases with the operating time. The pH distribution after electrokinetic treatment showed a linear acid form at the anode and basic at the cathode. Experimental results reveal that the electrokinetic method (EK) is an innovative, emerging and potentially costly technique that has demonstrated considerable potential for an efficient removal of ionic species from fine-grained, low-permeability soils.