Reduction of the Bioavailability of PAHS in Heavily Contaminated Soils and Sediments Treated Via a Physico-Chemical Process

Stabilization/solidification processes have gained acceptance as a cost-effective alternative in sediment decontamination projects where bioremediation or phytoremediation are not viable options because of toxicity to microorganisms or plants, respectively. This chapter presents a rapid overview of a proprietary technology, known as Georemediation™, which goes beyond traditional stabilization/solidification technologies in that it promotes an array of chemical reactions that denature organic xenobiotics, immobilize them into mineral structures or transform them into non-toxic compounds. Whatever remains of the original contaminants is bioavailable at levels that are compatible with biological activity. In the second part of the chapter, a case study is presented and analyzed in detail to illustrate a field application of the technology.