Abstract
The role of sediment in the adsorption and desorption of toxic elements and compounds is well known. By these processes, elements are moved from their points of origin to a final sink. Areas of intense human activity are characterized by the production of a large array of toxic materials, many of which may be found in the sediments of a variety of areas in the world. It has been shown, even when sources of elements and compounds have been eliminated, that the recovery rate of such areas is non-existent or slow due to the direct effects of the polluted sediment on the associated ecosystem. This paper briefly discusses the problem and discusses a number of remedial options and their selection. The options include dredging, leaving in place or a series of inactivation methods to be applied in situ. These in situ methods include covering, ploughing and acceleration of the rate of sediment accumulation. Following any remedial action, monitoring must continue to ensure that the system is recovering in a manner that achieves the specified objectives of the remedial plan.
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Thomas, R.L. A protocol for the selection of process-oriented remedial options to control in situ sediment contaminants. Hydrobiologia 149, 247–258 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00048664
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00048664