Heating of solid earthen material, measuring moisture and resistivity

A method for treating solid earthen material having volatile, semi-volatile, and non-volatile contaminants, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) inserting a plurality of electrodes into solid earthen material, the electrodes being arranged in a selected geometric perimeter defining a region of material to be treated;
• (b) applying at least two phases of voltages to corresponding ones of the electrodes;
• (c) injecting a fixant into the earthen material;
• (d) adjusting the voltages within a first selected range of voltages to control fixant throughout the region;
• whereby said contaminants are fixed into position within the solid earthen material.

A method for treating solid earthen material having volatile, semi-volatile, and non-volatile contaminants, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) inserting a plurality of electrodes into solid earthen material, the electrodes being arranged in a selected geometric perimeter defining a region of material to be treated;
• (b) applying at least six phases of voltages to corresponding ones of the electrodes;
• (c) injecting fixant into the earthen material;
• (d) adjusting the voltages within a first selected range of voltages to heat the material substantially uniformly throughout the region to a temperature sufficient to promote the fixant within the region to remain in the liquid phase;
• (e) controlling the voltages for maintaining the temperature of the material for a time sufficient for the fixant to flow throughout the earthen material;
• and
• (f) allowing said fixant and earthen material to cool;
• whereby said contaminants are fixed into position within the solid earthen material.