Soil Remediation Strategies based on Risk Assessment Approach

Abstract

Anthropic activities are characterised by benefits and drawbacks for the human being and the environment. In the last few centuries of the humankind, the industrial activity has increased exponentially due to massive industrialisation process. This evolution has augmented the use of land for industrial purposes, which in turn affected the quality of soil by polluting it with high levels of chemical contaminants. On the other hand, intensive agricultural activities involve the use of pesticides and fertilisers, which at the end of the day, also contribute to the contamination of the agricultural land. Soil may be contaminated as well by accidents which occur due to human activity. The land quality is essential to preserve the environment, and it is required to maintain the level of pollution within legal limits. If contaminant levels are above the legal limits, then a soil remediation action plan should take place. Very high costs are usually associated with soil remediation, and the best strategies should be adopted to optimise resources and costs. A methodology to derive remedial targets has been successfully used in the USA and adopted and adapted in various countries inclusive in the EU. Currently, Romania has started to follow specific steps to align with international practices regarding the management of contaminated land. Although this methodology is extensively used in western countries, its application in Romania is in its inception phase. Therefore, this paper intends to present the current situation in Romania regarding the contaminated sites and potentially contaminated sites, the risk assessment approach that should be followed and the related soil remediation strategies that could be implemented.

Can carbon nanofibers affect anurofauna? Study involving neotropical Physalaemus cuvieri (Fitzinger, 1826) tadpoles

“…Identifying and featuring the effect of organisms' exposure to different pollutants and contaminants are essential procedures to assess ecotoxicological risks associated with environmental pollution (Eason & O'Halloran, 2002;O'Halloran, 2006;Rand, 2020). Furthermore, the aforementioned studies can generate important subsidies for further remediation/mitigation measures to prevent the occurrence of lethal effects on the herein assessed animals (Madear et al, 2020;Wang et al, 2020). Accordingly, our study was the first to show how CNFs can have impact on the health of anurofauna.…”

A Comprehensive Review of Remediation Strategies for Soil and Groundwater Contaminated with Explosives

“…A remediation project in a contaminated site must address the identified risks in the risk assessment, specifically (1) eliminating the potential for mass explosion accidents, (2) ensuring the protection of the health of workers in the area, and (3) minimizing the wind and water dispersion of pollution to neighboring areas and sensitive receptors [48,49]. In choosing the appropriate solution, in addition to the effectiveness, maturity, and cost of available technologies, many other parameters and data must be considered, such as the following factors:…”