Overview of in situ and ex situ remediation technologies for PCB-contaminated soils and sediments and obstacles for full-scale application

Sci Total Environ. 2013 Feb 15:445-446:237-60. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.11.098. Epub 2013 Jan 18.

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are persistent organic pollutants used worldwide between the 1930s and 1980s. Although their use has been heavily restricted, PCB can be found in contaminated soils and sediments. The most frequent remediation solutions adopted are "dig and dump" and "dig and incinerate", but there are currently new methods that could be more sustainable alternatives. This paper takes a look into the remediation options available for PCB-contaminated soils and sediments, differentiating between biological, chemical, physical and thermal methods. The use of combined technologies was also reviewed. Most of them are still in an initial development stage and further research in different implementation issues is needed. There is no single technology that is the solution for PCB contamination problem. The successful remediation of a site will depend on proper selection, design and adjustment of the technology or combined technologies to the site characteristics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Pollutants / analysis*
  • Environmental Pollutants / chemistry
  • Environmental Pollution
  • Environmental Restoration and Remediation / methods*
  • Environmental Restoration and Remediation / trends
  • Geologic Sediments / chemistry*
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / analysis*
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / chemistry
  • Soil / chemistry*

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Soil
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls