Pilot project 1: Nano-iron injection for source treatment
Problem
Degradation of chlorinated solvents is a slow and difficult process. And if degradation occurs, it is often incomplete and stagnates on intermediary products that are even more mobile and toxic than the initial product. Zerovalent iron can, however, facilitate the process of anaerobic dechlorination. This principle is already being used in permeable reactive barriers (PRB) to control a pollution plume.
The difficulty in tackling source zones of pollution using this facilitator is bringing the iron into contact with the pollution. A solution for this might be the injection of small-scale (micro or nano) iron particles. These small particles can move throughout the subsoil with the groundwater flow and penetrate the smallest pores.
Location
The pilot project will be performed on the site of a former printer. For years, leftovers of solvents were dumped in a drain on the site. This caused pollution in the ground and groundwater with chlorinated solvents spread under the building and the adjacent parcels. However, the source zone is relatively small and concentrated near the drain.
Aim
The pilot project plans to treat the source zone by injecting iron particles.
Results
