Chemical remediation involves the use chemicals to extract pollutants from contaminated media. There are several chemical remediation methods available for use, including solvent extraction and chemical oxidation. Solvent extraction is particularly beneficial for the cleanup of chemicals such as PCBs that do not dissolve in water and therefore tend to stick (sorb) to soil and sediment. Solvents are able to desorb the chemicals and remove them from the polluted area. Chemical oxidation involves pumping oxidants into the ground where they are mixed harmful chemicals. The oxidants help to break the chemicals down into harmless substances such as water and carbon dioxide. Chemical remediation methods can help keep the costs of remediation low, as they can be conducted on-site, avoiding the need to truck soil or water off-site for treatment.
Physical remediation techniques include soil washing and soil vapor extraction. Soil washing involves the physical removal of the contaminated soil, followed by treatment at a plant on or off-site. After the contamination is removed through the treatment process, the soil is returned to the site. Soil vapor extraction involves the installation of wells and pipes in the soil, through which soil contaminants are extracted in vapor form.
Use the search tools below to find additional information about SBRP-funded chemical/physical remediation studies.
|