Abstract

On May 7, 1991 a workshop on 'In-situ soil remediation techniques' was organized by the Laboratory for Waste Materials and Emissions of the National Institute of Public Health and Environmental Protection and the Netherlands Integrated Soil Research Programme. The aim of the workshop was to make an inventory of the problems related to the development of in-situ soil remediation techniques and to discuss the desired research strategy in this field. About 35 people from research institutes, consultancy agencies, soil remediation companies and government service were invited to participate in this discussion. The workshop concluded that technical problems, which frustrate the further development and optimalization of in-situ remediation techniques, are related to soil heterogenity and the spatial distribution of the contamination. This heterogenity hinders the monitoring of the remediation process and the assessment of the final situation. A thorough preliminary inquiry of the location may diminish the negative effects of heterogenity. To achieve better control and optimalization of the process, simulation models, sampling strategies and procedures for extraction and analysis should be further developed and/or standardized. Focal points for each in-situ remediation technique have been defined as a guide to future research.