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Development and applications of groundwater remediation technologies in the USA

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Abstract

The future of the development and application of groundwater remediation technologies will unfold in an atmosphere of heightened public concern and attention. Cleanup policy will undergo incremental change towards more comprehensive efforts which account for the impact of remediation on nearby resources. Newly discovered contaminants will cause the re-examination of “mature” technologies since they may be persistent, mobile and difficult to treat in-situ. Evaluations of the effectiveness of remedial technologies will eventually include by-product formation, geochemical consequences and sustainability. Long-term field trials of remedial technologies alone can provide the data necessary to support claims of effectiveness.

Résumé

Dans le futur, le développement et les applications des technologies de traitement des eaux souterraines seront déroulés en tenant compte de l’inquiétude et l’attention croissante de l’opinion publique. La politique de nettoyage va subir un changement vers des efforts plus compréhensifs qui prendront en compte l’impact du traitement sur les ressources voisines. Les nouveaux contaminants seront persistants, mobiles et difficile de traiter in situ; par conséquence ils vont provoquer la reexamination des technologies consacrées. L’évaluation de l’efficacité des technologies de traitement doit considérer l’apparition des produits secondaires ainsi que les conséquences géochimiques et le développement durable. Seulement les essais in situ, pendant des longues périodes sur les technologies peuvent fournir les éléments nécessaires pour démontrer leur efficacité.

Resumen

El futuro del desarrollo y de la aplicación de las tecnologías para la recuperación del agua subterránea, se revelará en una atmósfera de gran atención e interés público elevado. La política de limpieza sufrirá un cambio adicional hacia esfuerzos más tangibles, los cuales incluyan el impacto de la recuperación en los recursos circundantes. Los contaminantes recientemente descubiertos causarán la revisión de las tecnologías “maduras”, pues aquellos pueden ser persistentes, móviles y difíciles para tratar in situ. Las evaluaciones de la efectividad de las tecnologías de recuperación, incluirán eventualmente la formación de subproductos, consecuencias geoquímicas y la sostenibilidad. Las experiencias de campo de largo plazo, que se han hecho aplicando tecnologías de recuperación, pueden por si solas suministrar los datos necesarios para soportar las afirmaciones sobre su efectividad.

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank students, colleagues, and in particular, Jordi Guimera, James Barker, and Richard Wilkin for their constructive and insightful comments in review of the manuscript. The patience and persistence shown by Cliff Voss, editor of this journal, with the process is very much appreciate

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  1. Department of Chemistry, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA

    Michael J. Barcelona

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  1. Michael J. Barcelona
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Correspondence to Michael J. Barcelona.

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Barcelona, M.J. Development and applications of groundwater remediation technologies in the USA. Hydrogeol J 13, 288–294 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-004-0419-0

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