The small-scale setup enables the study of soil contamination behavior within a modified domestic microwave oven, operating at a maximum power of 1000 W and frequency of 2.45 GHz. The oven cavity measures 410 mm in length, 275 mm in width, and 374 mm in depth. It has been specifically modified to accommodate the necessary conditions for the experiments.

The concept involves utilizing a metric column to simulate in-situ soil heating by directing microwaves into the soil via an antenna (a slotted waveguide). This method aims to remediate volatile or semi-volatile non-aqueous phase liquid contaminants present in the vadose zone.