Groundwater Remediation Methods
Contaminated groundwater poses a significant health risk if the contamination infiltrates wells and other water supplies. Groundwater remediation consists of removing a sufficient amount of contaminants from the groundwater so that the contamination falls within limits determined by the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection.
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Traditional Methods
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Until recently, groundwater remediation required that the water be pumped to the surface, treated and then returned to the underground source. These methods reduce contaminants but pose exposure risks to workers. Also, the machinery required to pump the water is expensive and not energy efficient.
Innovations
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Recent innovations focus on treating groundwater in place rather than pumping it to the surface. One method involves injecting oxidizing agents (hydrogen peroxide, for example) directly into the groundwater to break the contaminants down into harmless substances. Another method involves placing a membrane filter into the aquifer and using the natural flow of the underground water to trap contaminants.
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Natural Remediation
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Natural remediation methods use naturally occurring biological processes to clean groundwater. Phytoremediation uses pollution-absorbing plants, which act as natural filters. Bioremediation techniques use bacteria that feed on certain contaminants and metabolize them into harmless substances.
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References
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