Vitrification and Electrical Heating

Recalcitrant organic contaminants in the unsaturated zone, those that are difficult to remediate by vapor extraction, biodegradation, or other biological-chemical processes, can be removed via vitrification and electrical heating. This process involves heating the soil by electrical resistance or applied electrical fields to vaporize semi-volatile and volatile compounds, thermally to break down larger organic molecules, and (if heated sufficiently) to vitrify the mineral matter in the soil. 

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Other technologies that have been used under certain conditions include vacuum vaporization, hydrofracturing enhancement, electrochemical, and vitrification and electric heating techniques. 

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