Applying multivariate analysis as decision tool for evaluating sediment-specific remediation strategies

Multivariate methodology was employed for finding optimum remediation conditions for electrodialytic remediation of harbour sediment from an Arctic location in Norway. The parts of the experimental domain in which both sediment- and technology-specific remediation objectives were met were identified. Objectives targeted were removal of the sediment-specific pollutants Cu and Pb, while minimising the effect on the sediment matrix by limiting the removal of naturally occurring metals while maintaining low energy consumption.
Two different cell designs for electrochemical remediation were tested and final concentrations of Cu and Pb were below background levels in large parts of the experimental domain when operating at low current densities (<0.12 mA/cm²). However, energy consumption, remediation times and the effect on naturally occurring metals were different for the 2- and 3-compartment cells.