Improving sediment remediation technologies to protect water

Improving remediation technologies for sediments contaminated with metals and/or organic pollutants for selected sites, in order to develop technical solutions for their cleansing. Remediation methods will be evaluated based on the features of the site selected, project demands and sediment and other specifics. It is important to find a balance between environmental protection and economic efficiency. Techniques to be improved: 1.immobilization of toxic metals in sediments using different agents and durability testing; 2.bioremediation - aerobic and anaerobic stabilization of sediments with high organic matter content, as well as the removal of organic pollutants by biodegradation; 3.electrokinetic remediation of sediments contaminated with toxic metals. In order to define an end-point for remediation in terms of environmental protection, tests will be developed for risk assessment during the sediment treatments to determine target clean-up values. Optimal techniques of sediment disposal will be investigated in accordance with the principle of preventing the spread of pollutants in the environment. The broad objective of the project is sustainable water management in accordance with ecological principles. The direct objective of this research is to improve different in-and ex-situ remediation techniques for sediments contaminated with heavy metals and organic pollutants and the development of technical solutions for the environmental problems posed by contaminated sediments.