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Eggersmann Recycling Technology

How does soil remediation work?

"Soil remediation" refers to the process of removing harmful substances from the soil in order to protect human health and the environment. Soil remediation is an important part of environmental protection and becomes necessary when the soil is contaminated with pollutants.

There are various techniques and procedures for soil remediation that can be used depending on the type and extent of the contamination. The affected soil often has to be removed beforehand and taken to a treatment plant. So that the area can be utilised as quickly as possible, it is usually replaced directly with clean soil. Some of the most common methods are

  • Bioremediation
    In this process, microorganisms are used to break down the contamination. There are different types of bioremediation, such as aerobic or anaerobic bioremediation. The process is relatively inexpensive and environmentally friendly.
  • Phytoremediation
    In this process, plants are used to remove or break down the harmful substances from the soil. The plants absorb the pollutants through their roots and transport them into their tissues, where they are either broken down or stored. This natural process utilises the ability of certain plants to tolerate, absorb and transform pollutants to reduce environmental pollution.
  • Thermal treatment This process utilises heat to break down the pollutants in the soil. There are various methods of thermal treatment, such as soil incineration or vapour treatment. This method is very effective, but also very cost-intensive and often has a negative impact on the environment.
  • Chemical treatment In this method, chemicals are used to bind or neutralise the pollutants in the soil. This method is very effective, but also very cost-intensive and often has a negative impact on the environment.

Soil remediation is often used in industrial or commercial areas where the soil has been contaminated by the use of chemicals or other harmful substances. However, soil remediation may also be necessary in residential areas or near schools and nurseries if the soil is contaminated by pollutants.

Overall, soil remediation is an important step in environmental protection and serves to protect the health of people and the environment. There are various methods and techniques that can be used depending on the type and extent of contamination. The choice of the right method depends on many factors, such as the type of contamination, the size of the affected area and the available resources.