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Summary
Monsanto's Lasagna process effectively removes trichloroethylene (TCE) from soil and groundwater using electro-osmosis. This innovative technology achieved over 98% TCE removal in field tests, offering a promising solution for contaminated sites.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Remediation Technologies
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a prevalent industrial contaminant in soil and groundwater.
- TCE degrades slowly in soil and can form toxic byproducts like vinyl chloride.
- Industrialized nations face significant environmental challenges due to widespread TCE contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Monsanto's Lasagna process for removing TCE.
- To demonstrate a novel remediation technology for contaminated soil and groundwater.
- To assess the application of electro-osmosis in environmental cleanup.
Main Methods:
- The Lasagna process utilizes buried electrodes and layered treatment zones.
- Electro-osmosis is employed to draw contaminated water through filtering media.
- The technology was tested at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant.
Main Results:
- The Lasagna process demonstrated high efficiency in removing TCE.
- Over 98% of TCE was removed from contaminated soil during field trials.
- The technology effectively treats low-permeability soils like clays and silts.
Conclusions:
- Monsanto's Lasagna process is a highly effective method for TCE remediation.
- Electro-osmosis combined with filtering media offers a viable solution for soil and groundwater cleanup.
- The technology shows significant promise for addressing widespread TCE contamination.