Tecnalia Investigates Nanoparticles For Soil Remediation

Tecnalia, through its Construction Unit, aims to increase the efficiency, reduce execution times and cut operational costs associated with remedial solutions for contaminated sites and for building development itself.

Applications in nanotechnology appear to have no limit and currently scientific work is being undertaken which shows that the application of certain nanoparticles is highly suitable for the recovery of contaminated soils. At present the number of contaminated sites is very high, especially in those areas where industrial activity has been intense over recent years. This contamination is related to different groups of contaminants, such as mineral oil, solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, etc.

The properties of elemental iron nanoparticles make them react very efficiently with contaminant compounds in the soil, breaking them down or changing their nature in order to make them less harmful. In this way, the processes of site remediation become faster and more efficient than using conventional technologies. Moreover, they are widely versatile since they can be deployed in the treatment of several types of contaminants with good results.

In this line, the Tecnalia Construction Unit (specifically the recovery and regeneration of soils team and the nanomaterials group) are closely working on various projects for the application of this technology to contaminated soils containing different pollutants (solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, etc.), with the goal of optimizing the results obtained from the remedial treatment of contaminated areas. The experiences to date have shown very promising results.

SOURCE: Elhuyar Fundazioa