Treatment of aqueous matrices using electrolysis to produce meta

An apparatus to treat an aqueous matrix to remove a target material from the aqueous matrix, the apparatus comprising:

• a sensing device operable to sense a concentration of the target material in the aqueous matrix;
• at least one electrode comprising metal, the at least one electrode positioned to contact the aqueous matrix and to transfer electrolyzed metal from the at least one electrode into the aqueous matrix, in soluble form;
• circuitry operable to produce an electronic drive signal, and to regulate the electronic drive signal so as to drive a variable rate of electrolysis provided by the at least one electrode, in a manner that varies according to the sensed concentration of the target material;
• wherein the electrolyzed metal in soluble form is to react with the target material in a manner so as to convert the target material to a form in which it can be separated from the aqueous matrix;
• and
• a fluid flow structure adapted to separate the converted form of the target material from the aqueous matrix.