Abstract: The aim of this research is to verify the effectiveness of electrokinetic remediation technology in removing heavy metal pollution. The adsorption characteristics and the diffusion and migration of Cd²⁺ in sediments under electric field were studied by using the low-pressure DC sediment disturbance simulation device. Results manifested that the saturated adsorption of Cd²⁺ by silt under electric field increased from 0.438 mg/g to 0.498 mg/g. XRD analysis of sediment confirmed that the change of mineral crystal led to the decrease of Zeta potential and the enhancement of adsorption capacity. The migration of Cd²⁺ to solid phase and electrode network increased at 30 V voltage, and the Cd²⁺ atom content in cathode electrode network increased from 0.05% to 0.19% mainly due to the electrocoagulation of Cd²⁺ in liquid phase. In addition, the adsorption and electrochemical reaction of Cd²⁺ can be accelerated under the condition of disturbance.

Key words: sediment adsorption, electric field, heavy metal pollution, migration, electrochemical reaction