Emerging Technologies for the In Situ Remediation of PCB-Contamined Soils and Sediments: Bioremediation and Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron

摘要

Persistent organic pollutants foul countless aquatic ecosystems worldwide. The remediation of these contaminants is essential to promote public health, environmental quality, and the economy. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) reside in river sediments for extended durations and bioaccumulate in the food chain through predation. Traditional remediation practices for these contaminants have serious limitations and high costs. The mission of this document is to review emerging technologies for in situ remediation of PCB-contaminated sediments and soils and to assess their viability for future employment. Emphasis is placed on bioremediation and the use of nano-sized zero-valent iron for reductive dechlorination.