Polluted sites
Bioremediation, management of microbial resources, oxidation or reduction of pollutants…
Bioremediation and management of microbial resources
For brownfields and other polluted sites, pollution monitoring, control and treatment strategies are key factors for successful rehabilitation. The Management of Microbial Resources approach, developed by HYDREKA, optimizes contaminated site remediation strategies through exploitation of microbial degradation capabilities (bioremediation).
Often less expensive and more sustainable, bioremediation (and natural attenuation) requires an understanding of microbial mechanisms involved in the cleanup process. Using specific biomarkers and molecular biology tools developed by HYDREKA, the microbial activity involved in the degradation of pollutants can be characterized and predicted.
Oxidation of pollutants
When microbiologically-based pollution control strategies are not adapted or relevant, chemical oxidation is often a viable strategy. An important element of the design is to determine the Soil Oxidant Demand (SOD). Based on methods developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Soil Oxidant Demand testing that we use to assess the chemical oxidation of pollutants are based on the use of oxidizing agents such as permanganate, persulfate or Fenton’s reagent (hydrogen peroxide and iron).
HYDREKA proposes a range treatability and feasibility studies (biological or chemical) in order to define the best strategies for pollution control and to help design appropriate remediation technologies.
HYDREKA performs chemical reduction assays under laboratory conditions. These assays are designed to assess the feasibility of a chemical reduction by treating groundwater or soil polluted by organic compounds. They are carried out mainly for the reduction of chlorinated solvents, but can be applied to other compounds such as nitro compounds, chlorobenzenes, pesticides or explosives.
Under batch or dynamic conditions (columns), reduction tests, performed on matrices sampled on site, is used to asses treatment feasibility and efficiency under laboratory conditions and helps design the treatment to implement at the site.
