CHEMICAL REMEDIATION

Both organic and inorganic contaminants can be treated using a variety of chemical remediation techniques. These are based on either chemical oxidation or reduction processes.

 

ERS has extensive experience in both chemical oxidation and reduction-based remediation of soils and groundwater applied both ‘in situ’ and ‘ex situ’. Specifically, design and delivery of projects involves fully in-house multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. We hold specialist equipment for the introduction of oxidising/reducing agents in different scenarios. Selection and optimisation of specific reagents and activators is supported by our in-house laboratory.

 

CHEMICAL OXIDATION

 

Often referred to as ISCO (In Situ Chemical Oxidation) or “Chemox”, this technique can be used to treat moderate to high levels of many types of organic contaminants, such as fuels and solvents, and offers rapid and complete contamination removal. As the technique is usually applied in-situ, it causes minimal disturbance to site staff or existing residents. Through careful selection and optimisation of reagent and activator, the technique can be quite cost-effective.

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CHEMICAL REDUCTION

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Often referred to as ISCR (In Situ Chemical Reduction), this technique involves adding a reducing agent to change the toxicity, solubility and/or mobility of a contaminant. The technique is often applied to heavy metals such as chromium.  For example, highly toxic soluble hexavalent chromium is reduced to non-toxic insoluble trivalent chromium, which precipitates as a solid that is stable under a wide range of conditions. Chemical reduction can be a very quick and effective remediation technique for certain scenarios with success achievable with a single application.

 

In addition, ERS has the technology and expertise to combine chemical remediation techniques with stabilisation/solidification, which bind contaminants in a matrix suitable for re-use in construction processes. This can significantly reduce both disposal costs and new materials costs.

 

If you’d like to find out if chemical remediation is suitable for your site, contact us today to speak to one of our experts.