Long-Term Performance of Permeable Reactive Barriers

While extensive research has been performed on many technological aspects of permeable reactive barriers and a number of contaminants have so far been successfully treated by PRB systems, long-term performance has not been extensively considered and little is known about the processes influencing long-term behaviour. This gap in our knowledge is all the more disadvantageous as design life has a decisive influence on the economic viability of PRBs.

The book describes methods for evaluation and enhancement of the long-term performance of PRB systems, especially of those targeting heavy metals, specifically uranium, and organic contaminants by sorption and/or precipitation mechanisms. Major topics in the book are:

Selection and characterisation of suitable reactive materials
Characterisation of the relevant contaminant attenuation processes
Developing new contaminant-binding chemical compounds ("ligands")
Accelerated testing methods to assess the long-term performance of the attenuation mechanisms in PRBs
Evaluation of the influence of site characteristics on PRB performance
Monitoring of existing and new field installations
Coupling of electrokinetic techniques and PRB systems
Large-scale laboratory and field tests and their results


It addresses the long-term performance of PRBs, an important feature of this novel remediation technology, systematically. It deals extensively with heavy metal removal, with special emphasis on uranium. A number of case studies, experiences with large-scale modelling and test site experiments provide insight into the practical application of the results. This volume will contribute to the science underpinning groundwater remediation, and this will result in the improvement of quality of life and health and safety.

* A systematic approach to investigating the long-term performance of permeable reactive barriers
* Development of new contaminant-binding chemical compounds ("ligands"), accelerated testing methods to assess the long-term performance, and efficiency enhancing electrokinetic techniques
* Extensive data and information on a Hungarian uranium mining facility; once a carefully kept secret of the Soviet Union

Introduction to Permeable Reactive Barriers.
Construction Methods.
Materials and Processes.
Laboratory Column Experiments.
Laboratory Testing Using Site Groundwater.
Field Column Experiments.
New Barrier Materials: Metal-sequestration Ligands.
Electrokinetic Techniques.
Mecsek Ore, Pécs, Hungary Case Study.
Brunn am Gebirge, Austria Case Study.
Experimental PRB.
Summary and Evaluation.