Remediation
GeoRem International offers holistic solutions for the prevention, identification and cleanup of surface and subsurface pollution.
Methodologies can be classed into the following main groups:
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Physical contaminant and matrix removal
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Pump & Treat and Vacuum Enhanced Recovery
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Surface and ex situ methods, e.g. landfarming or biopiles
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Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE) and Sparging
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Enhanced Aerobic and Anaerobic Bioremediation
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Intrinsic Bioremediation through Monitored
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Natural Attenuation
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Chemical Remediation – Oxidation, Reduction or Stabilization
Every remediation solution we supply is tailor made to suit site specific and client requirements. Our risk-based approach ensures that appropriate remediation targets are set with the client and their advisors.
Pump & Treat
Pump and Treat
Pump and treat solutions generally entail the installation of a network of pumps to recover free phase and/or dissolved phase contamination from groundwater. The recovered liquids are then separated, and the extracted components are treated to appropriate standards for safe release or reuse.
GeoRem makes use of a variety of pumps and treatment options. For hydrocarbon contaminants intrinsically safe piston or bladder pumps are used in a variety of configurations. For free phase recovery, self adjusting specific gravity intake skimmers are used in conjunction with either a piston or bladder pump depending on site geohydrology.
We make use of advanced treatment processes including: separation, absorption, ion exchange and Advanced Oxidation to treat the recovered effluent stream
SVE and Sparging
Soil vapor extraction and sparging is generally used to treat volatile contaminants. “Sparging” entails the forced injection of air into the subsurface soil. Volatile contaminants coming into contact with this air evaporates into the injected air. The partitioned or stripped contaminants are then drawn upward through and collected at the soil vapor extraction (SVE) points. The air is then either released or piped to a SVE treatment system (depending on the level of contamination of the released air, local environmental sensitivity and legislation).
SVE and Sparing can be used independently or in conjunction with other technologies.
Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE) and Sparging
Vacuum Enhanced Recovery
Vaccuum Enhanced Recovery (VER)
Vacuum Enhanced Recovery or Multiphase extraction is used to enhance the recovery of free- or dissolved phase contamination and volatile organic compounds in soil gas. A variety of equipment is used to induce the vacuum and transport the liquid phase to the surface. For low vacuum – high volume applications, regenerative blowers are used. For higher vacuum applications liquid ring vacuum pumps are used. VER can be applied on a continuous basis at a site with a fixed or container based system, or event based using our mobile units.
When VER is used with a downwell pump to assist in the recovery of liquids, it is often referred to as Multiphase Extraction or MPE. This is used at sites with deeper groundwater or where significant levels of LNAPL is encountered (LNAPL’s are Light Non Aqueous Phase Liquids such as oils and fuels, that float on groundwater).
Enhanced Bioremediation
Naturally occurring organisms in soil and groundwater break down a large range of organic contaminants. Through enhanced bioremediation these organisms are provided with an environment where they can grow and break down contaminants at a higher rate. This is done by the addition of oxygen (either through sparging or oxygen releasing compounds) and nutrients. A variety of other environmental factors may be manipulated to enhance the natural processes breaking down pollutants.
GeoRem has undertaken several bioremediation projects, treating up to 20 000 cubic meters of hydrocarbon contaminated soil. Bioremediation can be undertaken in situ or ex situ depending on site conditions and client requirements. Our microbiologists determine the required amendments and are able to monitor biological action throughout the project, providing feedback on any further amendments or treatment that will be required. Amendments used include microbial and enzyme additives, nutrients, stimulants and oxygen releasing compounds.
Enhanced Bioremediation
Chemical Remediation and ISCO
Chemical Remediation and ISCO
Chemical remediation involves the targeted addition or injection of specific chemical compounds to break down, neutralize, or immobilize contaminants. A wide range of processes and reactions can be applied depending on contaminant chemistry and site conditions. These may include: Oxidation / Reduction, Neutralization, Stabilization, Solidification, or Mobilization.
GeoRem specialises in in situ chemical remediation, where treatment occurs directly in the ground without the need for large-scale excavation. This approach minimises surface disturbance, reduces waste generation, and allows for remediation to proceed with minimal disruption to surrounding activities or infrastructure.
We have successfully delivered numerous in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) projects for the treatment of hydrocarbons, including fuels and solvents, as well as in situ chemical reduction (ISCR) of Hexavalent Chromium. Our experience also includes chemical stabilisation of metals such as lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) to reduce mobility and environmental risk.
Working with our technology partners at Evonik Active Oxygens (formerly PeroxyChem), we provide significant technical expertise and field experience for projects of any scale.
