Methods are disclosed for the electrodeionization and removal of at least
some of at least one type of ion from an ion-containing particulate
material comprising passing a direct current for a sufficient time
between (a) an anode and (b) a cathode, wherein the anode and the cathode
are both in electrical contact with an aqueous slurry of the particulate
material, wherein the anode is in electrical contact with an anion
exchange membrane and wherein the cathode is in electrical contact with a
cation exchange membrane, thereby causing the removal of at least some of
the at least one type of ion to be removed from the particulate material.
Also disclosed are devices for the electrodeionization and removal of at
least some of at least one type of ion from an ion-containing particulate
material.