Please note that this session was withdrawn and is no longer available in the respective programme. This withdrawal might have been the result of a merge with another session.
HS1.1.2 | Contaminated sites revisited
Contaminated sites revisited
Convener: Helen K. French | Co-conveners: Johan van Leeuwen, Remi Clement
Since the 1980s, various approaches have been developed to address contaminated sites, including industrial areas, shooting ranges, and old landfills. These methods range from the removal (excavation) of contaminated soils to advanced in-situ treatment technologies. Post-evaluation of such sites is essential. While significant progress has been made, challenges persist, including the long-term sustainability of these approaches and the potential impacts of climate change, necessitating a reassessment of current strategies. Despite the long-standing presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and microplastics in anthropogenic environments, they have only recently attracted significant attention due to their environmental persistence and toxicity. Innovative techniques are urgently required to monitor and remediate these pollutants. Urban infrastructure projects frequently encounter contaminated soils. In such cases, soil washing is emerging as a popular ex-situ method to remove contaminants through physical separation and chemical leaching with aqueous solutions. This process yields reusable materials such as gravel and sand, thereby reducing dependence on waste disposal. Conversely, contaminated peat and wetland sites are often better treated with in-situ techniques to preserve their ecological integrity. By implementing appropriate regulations and sustainability assessment tools, it is possible to promote a shift towards more circular mass-handling practices.