Remediation of a bulk source by electropotential ion transport using a host receptor matrix

A process for extracting from a bulk source a target species which is a cation, anion, radionuclide, heavy metal ion or organic compound, and collecting the target species in a host receptor matrix, comprising the steps of:

• A. introducing at least one first electrode located without said bulk source into contact with, or into the proximity of, said bulk source;
• B. introducing at least one host receptor matrix useful for electrochemically removing ionic materials from a bulk source into contact with, or into the proximity of, said bulk source, wherein at least a portion of said at least one host receptor matrix is located between said at least one first electrode and said bulk source, said host receptor matrix being capable of association with an electrode, and said host receptor comprising components which are ion permeable and capable of immobilizing and/or confining said target species, and capable of substantially preventing or inhibiting migration and diffusion away from said electrode of ions produced at said electrode;
• C. establishing an electropotential gradient across said bulk Source and said host receptor matrix, thereby inducing migration of said target species from said bulk source into said at least one host receptor matrix, wherein said target species is immobilized and/or confined within said at least one host receptor matrix, and
• D. optionally removing said host receptor matrix from said bulk source, wherein said host receptor matrix is then treated to remove said contaminants, disposed of, or recycled for further use.