When dealing with soil and groundwater contamination, Sodecon has a wide range of remediation techniques at its disposal. Based on the nature and extent of the contamination, we always select the most appropriate approach. We often combine different techniques to achieve the best result.
For example, we apply a more intensive technique in the source zone of contamination, while less intrusive methods are used in plume zones. We also deploy techniques sequentially over time – an approach known as a “treatment train”. For example, we first use an extraction technique to remove the highest concentrations, followed by biological techniques to break down the remaining contamination.
Sodecon specializes in in situ remediation techniques, where contamination is treated on site without large-scale excavation. We use a variety of injection technologies, tailored to local geological conditions, and choose the appropriate injection products based on the type of contamination.
Overview of applied techniques:
- Excavation of contaminated soil
- Groundwater extraction and treatment (Pump & Treat)
- Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE)
- Air Sparging
- Multi-phase extraction (MPE)
- Stimulation of biodegradation (bioremediation)
- In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO)
- In situ chemical reduction (ISCR)
- In situ metal precipitation
- In situ immobilization
- Thermal techniques
- Removal LNAPL and DNAPL
Description
With excavation, the contaminated soil is mechanically removed and then treated on site or elsewhere. This method is fast and efficient in highly contaminated areas that are easily accessible.
Application
Primarily used in source zone remediation to remove the highest contaminant concentrations.
Advantages
- Quick results
- Complete removal of contamination
- Suitable for hotspots
Description
With this technique, contaminated groundwater is pumped and treated above ground via a mobile or permanent water treatment installation.
Application
Suitable for controlling contaminant plumes and for lowering groundwater levels during remediation work.
Advantages
- Control over migration of contamination
- Combination with other techniques possible
- Flexible installation (short or long term)
Description
In SVE, contaminated vapor is extracted from the unsaturated zone of the soil. The contamination is then decomposed or filtered above ground, such as over activated carbon.
Application
Effective for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as BTEX, PCE and TCE.
Advantages
- In situ approach without excavation
- Rapid removal of gaseous contaminants
- Can be combined with air sparging
Description
By introducing air into the saturated zone (groundwater), volatile compounds are transported as vapor to the unsaturated zone, where they are removed via soil vapor extraction.
Application
Especially for contaminants with volatile compounds in groundwater.
Advantages
- In situ approach without excavation
- Effective for larger areas
- Best effect for aerobically degradable contaminants
Description
MPE combines groundwater, soil vapor and possibly product extraction in one system. This allows simultaneous removal of water, vapor and pure product.
Application
Effective for contaminants with LNAPL or combined water/vapour contamination
Advantages
- Versatile technology
- Suitable for mixed contamination
- Suitable for high concentrations
Description
Bioremediation uses microorganisms to break down contaminants such as BTEX, CVOC or petroleum hydrocarbons. This process is stimulated by adding nutrients, electron donors or acceptors (such as oxygen, nitrate, sulfate or lactate).
Application
Very suitable for large contaminant plumes with low to moderate concentrations.
Advantages
- Sustainable and natural solution
- Low operating cost
- Limited impact on the environment
- Long term effects
Description
In ISCO, a powerful oxidizer such as persulfate, permanganate or hydrogen peroxide is injected directly into the soil. These reagents oxidize and break down contaminants such as CVOC, BTEX or petroleum hydrocarbons.
Application
Highly effective at average concentrations of organic contaminants in the saturated zone.
Advantages
- Rapid degradation of contaminants
- In situ: no excavation required
Description
In ISCR, reducing agents such as zero-valent iron are injected as very fine particles to chemically break down contaminants such as CVOC into harmless end products.
Application
Efficient for chlorinated solvents in anaerobic conditions.
Advantages
- Can be combined with biodegradation
- Long lasting effects in the soil
- Relatively low maintenance
Description
This technique induces precipitation reactions directly within the soil matrix, causing metals such as arsenic, lead or zinc to precipitate and become insoluble. This is performed through injection of precipitating agents.
Application
Suitable for treatment of heavy metals dissolved in groundwater.
Advantages
- Reduces mobility of metals
- Cost-effective in the longer term (if no leaching)
- Limited impact on the environment
Description
Immobilization stabilizes contaminants in the soil, preventing their migration and reducing their bioavailability. This is done by injecting or mixing binders or adsorbents.
Application
For solid and difficult-to-remove contaminants, such as heavy metals or persistent organic substances such as PFAS.
Advantages
- Limits further migration
- Preservation of existing infrastructure
- Cost-effective in the longer term (if no leaching)
Description
In thermal remediation, soil and/or groundwater are heated (electrically, via injection of steam or convection) to vaporize volatile and semi-volatile contaminants. These vapors are collected and purified above ground. Sodecon has experience with steam injection at industrial sites.
Application
For volatile, persistent contaminants (such as CVOC) in high concentrations (pure product)
Advantages
- Very effective for hotspots
- Quick effect
- No excavation necessary
Description
Non-soluble contaminants like oil, tar, and solvents may accumulate as light (LNAPL) or dense (DNAPL) non-aqueous phase liquids. These are extracted using specialized equipment such as pumps, skimmers, or selective filters that minimize groundwater intake.
Application
For contaminations with pure product.
Advantages
- Focused on the source of contamination
- Removal of mobile pure product
- Often first step before other techniques
Why should you choose us?
With our technical expertise and hands-on approach, Sodecon provides efficient and sustainable solutions to complex soil and water problems, tailored to the specific characteristics of each site.
