Patent ID: 7297245

Claim:
A method of using ionic movement for discrete collection of a cationic contaminant from a medium, said method comprising: providing an apparatus comprising an anode contacting an aqueous cation source, said anode electrically-connected to a cathode contacting an aqueous electrolyte, said electrolyte having a reduction potential greater than the reduction potential of water, each of said anode and cathode proximate a cation permeable component; inserting said apparatus into a contaminated medium comprising a cationic contaminant, said cation permeable components in conductive contact with said medium; applying a voltage potential between said anode and said cathode, said voltage sufficient to reduce said cathodic electrolyte, oxidize said anodic water and move said anodic cation into said medium; and collecting said cationic contaminant moved from said medium toward said cathode.