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Remediation techniques for heavy metal-contaminated soils: Principles and applicability
Lianwen Liu1, Wei Li1, Weiping Song2
1School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210046, China.
The Science of the Total Environment
|March 25, 2018
Summary
Heavy metal contamination affects millions of hectares globally. Various remediation techniques exist, with in-situ methods and contaminant removal generally being more cost-effective for soil cleanup.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
- Remediation Technology
Background:
- Over 20 million hectares globally are contaminated by heavy metal(loid)s, exceeding safe soil concentrations.
- Numerous in-situ and ex-situ remediation techniques exist, utilizing containment, extraction, or immobilization mechanisms.
- Technique selection depends on factors like cost, effectiveness, and site-specific conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and assess various heavy metal soil remediation techniques.
- To compare the advantages, disadvantages, and applicability of different remediation strategies.
- To highlight the importance of treatability studies for selecting appropriate methods.
Main Methods:
- Review of established and developing in-situ and ex-situ soil remediation techniques.
- Analysis of remediation mechanisms including physical, chemical, biological, electrical, and thermal processes.
- Assessment of technique-specific costs, durations, and applicability.
Main Results:
- In-situ remediation and contaminant removal/extraction are generally more favorable than ex-situ methods and immobilization/containment.
- Electrokinetic extraction, chemical stabilization, and phytoremediation are still under development.
- Surface capping and landfilling suit small, severely contaminated sites; solidification and vitrification are last resorts.
Conclusions:
- Chemical stabilization is a temporary solution; phytoremediation requires efficiency improvements.
- Effective remediation requires careful consideration of contamination type, goals, site characteristics, cost, time, and public acceptance.
- Treatability studies are essential for selecting the most feasible soil remediation techniques.
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