Strategies in the remediation of soil pollution, ex situ and other technologies

Abstract

Soil is the key link in the functioning of ecosystems. It is recommended that countries maintain a database of contaminated sites, which can assist in decision-making on priorities and funding. Therefore, given the possibility of permanent degradation of land, the risks to public health and the environment, and the expense and complexity of remediation, the avoidance of soil pollution is an obvious priority. It is important to eliminate or reduce potential sources of soil pollution before the contaminants start to disperse into the environment. Since 2015, soil pollution has increased worldwide, especially affecting the most vulnerable groups, highlighting the gap in development, health, and well-being between differences in social classes. In Mongolia, as well as worldwide, soil pollution and its impact on the ecosystem receive less attention than other environmental issues such as water and air pollution. As human beings, our well-being is closely related to the environment, consequently all the components of the environment- water, air, soil, and living organisms- are interdependent.

Ex situ technologies for remediating polluted soils include biological, physical, chemical, and thermal treatment methods, all conducted outside the contaminated site. Ex situ technologies involve the removal of contaminated soil from its original location for treatment. These methods are implemented off-site or at a designated area near the contamination source and include many technologies such as biopiles, bioleaching, solidification/stabilization, chemical reduction/oxidation, dehalogenation and in pile thermal desorption techniques to clean and restore the soil. The main motives for taking action to investigate and address a polluted site are social responsibility and financial and legal compliance. In both cases, the aim is to break any possible links where the pollution source has an exposure pathway to affect the receptor.