On-site and in situ remediation technologies applicable to metal-contaminated sites in Antarctica and the Arctic: a review

Danielle Camenzuli; Benjamin L. Freidman; Tom M. Statham; Kathryn A. Mumford; Damian B. Gore

doi:10.3402/polar.v32.21522

Danielle Camenzuli Department of Environment and Geography, Faculty of Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109,
Benjamin L. Freidman Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia
Tom M. Statham Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia
Kathryn A. Mumford Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia
Damian B. Gore

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3402/polar.v32.21522

Keywords: Polar, heavy metals, remediation, contaminants, in situ

Abstract

Effective management of contaminated land requires a sound understanding of site geology, chemistry and biology. This is particularly the case for Antarctica and the Arctic, which function using different legislative frame- works to those of industrialized, temperate environments and are logistically challenging environments to operate in. This paper reviews seven remediation technologies currently used, or demonstrating potential for on-site or in situ use at metal-contaminated sites in polar environments, namely permeable reactive barriers (PRB), chemical fixation, bioremediation, phytoremediation, electrokinetic separation, land capping, and pump and treat systems. The technologies reviewed are discussed in terms of their advantages, limitations and overall potential for the management of metal-contaminated sites in Antarctica and the Arctic. This review demonstrates that several of the reviewed technologies show potential for on-site or in situ usage in Antarctica and the Arctic. Of the reviewed technologies, chemical fixation and PRB are particularly promising technologies for metal-contaminated sites in polar environments. However, further research and relevant field trials are required before these technologies can be considered proven techniques.

Keywords: Polar; heavy metals; remediation; contaminants; in situ

(Published: 31 December 2013)

Citation: Polar Research 2014, 33, 21522, http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/polar.v33.21522

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Author Biography

Danielle Camenzuli, Department of Environment and Geography, Faculty of Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109,

Danielle Camenzuli is a PhD Candidate from the Department of Environment and Geography at Macquarie University in Sydney. Danielle's research interests lie in the areas of developing remediation technologies applicable to metal contaminated sites in polar environments. Danielle actively collaborates with science and engineering researchers from the University of Melbourne and the Australian Antarctic Division.