Green and Sustainable Remedial Strategy for Contaminated Site: Case Study

Abstract

This study describes the development of a green and sustainable strategy for the remediation of a contaminated site located in Chicago (IL, USA) to comply with the applicable federal and state environmental regulations. According to the site investigation results, many of the contaminant concentrations have been found to exceed the applicable regulatory limits that are protective of public health and local ecology. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides and heavy metals were found in the vadose zone soils throughout the site. Groundwater was found contaminated with lead or selenium in some locations. First, potential technologies to remediate the contaminated soils and groundwater at the site are identified. The most promising technologies are then systematically evaluated for sustainability based on qualitative and quantitative analyses. Sustainability considerations include greenhouse gases and other air pollutant emissions, water use, and personal injury, among others. Phytoremediation is selected to treat the majority of the site by utilizing existing and new plant species to reduce the concentrations of the contaminants. Solidification/stabilization is selected for “hot spot” treatment (high concentration area treatment) only at certain specific areas that have high concentrations of metals in the vadose zone. Monitored natural attenuation is selected for groundwater treatment.