Natural Attenuation — Non-Destructive Processes

During the 1990s, natural attenuation grew from a laboratory research phenomenon to a commonly used approach for the cleanup of contaminated groundwater (MacDonald 2000). The concept of natural attenuation/intrinsic remediation, relies on natural, subsurface processes rather than traditional, engineered procedures. Applications of natural attenuation concepts typically involve biological, chemical and geotechnical approaches. Common objectives are the characterisation of the site with regard to the efficiency of the expected retardation/degradation mechanisms, proof of applicability of the natural attenuation concept (i.e. time frame) and elucidation of questions about the persistence of pollution sources.