Techniques for rehabilitating polluted sites and soils - Summary sheets

The following fact sheets summarize the various techniques available for remediating polluted soil and groundwater. Each sheet covers both the theoretical aspect, with the basic principle of the remediation technique in question, and the practical aspect, with the technical means employed. It also indicates the type of pollutants to which the technique applies, the performance that can be achieved and the maturity of the process. In addition, concrete examples of rehabilitation are presented and justified for different pollutants.

The aim of these fact sheets is to help readers identify one or more rehabilitation techniques applicable to their particular case. However, the techniques presented are not exhaustive (major and rapid advances in research and development point to many other possibilities in the near future ). What's more, the choice of a remediation technique requires consideration of many different parameters: parameters linked to the nature of the soil, the pollutants to be treated, site-related constraints, technical and economic constraints, and these data sheets can in no way replace the expertise of companies specializing in the remediation of polluted sites and soils.

Note: In situ refers to any remediation process applied to soil without excavation, and ex situ refers to any remediation process applied to soil after excavation. Ex situ treatments include both onsite treatments, where the soil is treated on site, and offsite treatments, where the soil is transported to a suitable fixed treatment center.