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Remediation technologies

Remediation is an integral part of the decision making process associated with contaminant site assessment. Understanding the technological alternatives that are available for remediating a contaminated site is critical to remediation planning.

At CERAR research is undertaken in the areas of biological and physio-chemical treatment methods. Current research activities include:

Risk Based Land Management

Risk based land management combines natural attenuation with quantitative risk assessment based on contaminant bioavailability. Thus there is potential to develop a sound scientific basis for regulatory regimes in relation to contamination issues. Through this approach, it is generally not a requirement to achieve full clean-up (i.e. the complete elimination of contaminants) and to remove all contamination provided there is a management strategy that finds socially acceptable levels of environmental and health risk. These elements of risk assessment have been combined with practical cost effective techniques for risk reduction and are defined as Risk Based Land Management. With investment in targeted research, risk-based approaches could be developed that provide a safe, healthy and productive environment.

Researchers

Professor Ravi Naidu, Dr Megharaj Mallavarapu, Dr Zuliang Chen,
Dr Albert Juhasz, Dr Gary Owens, Dr Euan Smith.
 

For further information on this research project contact Professor Ravi Naidu
 

Assessment of naturally occurring minerals as remediating agents for heavy metal contaminated soils using innovative bioavailability reduction technology

This technology advances risk based land management technology by assessing the potential for bioavailability reduction using naturally occurring minerals. In addition to remediating our urban and rural contaminated environments the development of these remediation methods will enhance the application of Australian natural resources as well as potentially adding value to exported Australian commodities.

The technique uses animal feeding studies to assess the reduction of contaminant risk to animals following treatment of contaminated soils by certain naturally occurring mineral.

Researchers

Dr Albert Juhasz, Dr Euan Smith, Professor Ravi Naidu

Collaborators

Professor Lloyd Sansom (UniSA, PMBS), Dr Tim Kuchel (IMVS)

For further information on this research project contact Dr Albert Juhasz
 

Chemical immobilization of metal(loid)s in contaminated soils

Unlike organic contaminants, most metals and metalloids do not undergo microbial or chemical degradation and the total concentration of these chemicals in soils persists for a long time after their introduction. The mobilization of such chemicals in soils for plant uptake and leaching to groundwater can, however, be minimized by reducing their ‘bioavailability’ through in-situ chemical and biological immobilization.

This project utilises environmentally friendly chemicals to minimise environment and human risk through chemical immobilization of heavy metals and metalloids.

Researchers

Dr Gary Owens, Professor Ravi Naidu

For further information on this research project contact Dr Gary Owens
 

Innovative cost-effective technologies for
remediating metal contaminated sites

CERAR scientists are currently working closely with Australian Industries (IPOH Pacific Ltd) to develop a reactive material based upon Queensland Bentonite to immobilize metals in contaminated soils. CERAR scientists have previously shown that only the bioavailable metal fraction is of significant health concern and the risk of harm can be greatly reduced if the bioavailable fraction in a contaminated soil is reduced.

This project will develop a reactive material that binds or immobilizes the metals of concern (Cd, Pb, Zn) into non bioavailable forms thus significantly reducing the risk of human exposure. Working collaboratively with Korean scientists from Kumoh National Institute of Technology, CERAR will tailor make and field test a low cost clay based technology to remediated contaminated soils identified by project partners in Korea. This project is funded through the Australian Department of Education, Science and Training and will initiate and strengthen alliances between Industries and researches both in Australia and Korea.

The project will also develop a valuable new resource to Australian Industry by value adding to mining resources currently under utilized.

Researchers

Dr Albert Juhasz, Dr Euan Smith, Dr Gary Owens, Professor Ravi Naidu

Collaborators

IPOH Pacific Ltd (Brisbane, Australia), EN3 Co. Ltd (Seoul, Korea), Dr Won Sik Shin,
Assistant Professor, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
Kumoh National Institute of Technology (Korea).

For further information on this research project contact Dr Gary Owens






 

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