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2. Aims and objectives
The development of "gentle", in-situ remediation technologies (i.e. phytoremediation,
in situ immobilisation, etc.) has been under intensive research
over the last few decades (see Figure 1). A great deal of progress
has been achieved at the experimental level, but the application of these
technologies as practical solutions is still at its early stage. On the one
hand, methods for determination of the trace element (metals and nonmetals)
fractions relevant for their ecotoxicology (i.e., the bio available
fraction) still have their limitations since they may insufficiently reflect the
potential risks. On the other hand, a number of in-situ remediation options
are available and thus a decision tool system has to be developed allowing
to choose the most suitable technique. TECS (trace element contaminated
soils) management moved into a new century where environmental
decisions must be "socially-robust" within a context of sustainable development
& is a part of the conceptual framework "Risk-based land management".
All efforts need to ensure management and/or remediation is affordable,
feasible, effective & sustainable.
Additionally, further aspects that are closely related to the remediation
process were previously only partly covered by research projects. These
aspects include the potential impacts on the local environment (soil processes
and functioning, socio-economic impacts on the local population,
etc.), but also the principal question on the sustainability of the remediation
process and its target.
The aim of this project is to make a literature and project-based review
(including country specific state of the art and current procedures) to identify
the current status of research and application in Europe and to (i) derive
decision tool systems, remediation scenarios including the potential
impacts on the local environment and (ii) define further research needs.
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3. SUMATECS context
Contamination of soils with trace elements is a worldwide problem. Various
remediation techniques are available, but many of them are very invasive,
costly and destroy soil structure and functions. As an alternative,
several gentle remediation techniques have been developed in the last
decades. These new approaches are broadly based on the use of plants
to clean up the polluted soils, partly assisted by the use of various amendments,
or the use of other in-situ methods such as novel absorbents, immobilisers
etc.
Research and development of gentle remediation techniques and related
aspects has been carried out in many European countries. In some cases,
multi-national projects were carried out and great deal of information has
been published. However, also a number of national projects have been
implemented, and it seems that a lot of information remained unpublished.
So far, some European initiatives were launched, such as the COST actions
837 and 859, which were a big push towards better exchange of information
and coordination of research work.
To further enforce this process, SUMATECS is a new initiative that will
collect, integrate and evaluate the current state of the art in the field of
gentle remediation techniques and all related aspects, such as the management
of any remediation options, the development of a decision tool
system, environmental and social impacts, soil processes, the valorization
of plant biomass and others. As an overall thematic bridge, the sustainability
and certainty of all measures will be evaluated.
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4. Perspectives
This project is a unique opportunity to make an intensive review of existing
information on the topic of gentle soil remediation techniques. For this
evaluation, not only peer-reviewed scientific papers, but also nonpublished
information (e.g., project reports) will be included. An additional
major contribution to this overview will be interviews with experts, engineers,
stakeholders, government members etc. A major aim is also to establish
pedagogical didactics to interact with students associate a classroom
in each participant country to follow and feed back the project progress
and results. In general, not only the direct effects of remediation
(i.e., removal or stabilisation of and to contaminants), but also the indirect
effects on environment and society will be evaluated in detail.
The results of this project will be the basis for a major step forward to an
intensified implementation of gentle remediation technologies. New information
will be published in international scientific journals, but will be also
made available for national environmental agencies, local authorities,
stakeholders, etc. Additionally, major research needs will be summarized
in order to strengthen future research efforts that will close remaining
knowledge gaps.
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5. Results
The project just past its midterm. The midterm report is under evaluation by the SNOWMAN Call Steering Committee.
As soon as it is approved, first results will be implemented into this page.
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