How is Groundwater Remediated? Methods Explained

What is Groundwater Remediation?

Groundwater can be defined as any natural water present below the surface. Most often, it is found in underground layers or the subsurface of water-bearing permeable rock, rock fractures or unconsolidated materials known as aquifers. This resting state leaves groundwater susceptible to common pollutants such as gasoline, oil, road salts and chemicals. Because groundwater accounts for upwards of 40% of the world’s drinking water, it is imperative that these areas are treated and the pollutants removed and converted into harmless products. This process is known as groundwater remediation.

Physical, Biological and Chemical Groundwater Remediation

There are two methods by which you can approach groundwater remediation: in situ (in place or on-site) and ex situ (off-site). An on-site approach to removing polluted soil and groundwater means cleaning the water right where it is situated. This process is typically cheaper and less time-consuming than an off-site approach, though it does leave groundwater susceptible to continued pollution to the environment in which they’re stationed.

There are various techniques to treat contaminated groundwater, with the most traditional revolving around a physical “pump and treat” approach. In this instance, water remediation is achieved by pumping contaminants out of the groundwater on-site with the help of a vacuum pump. The groundwater is then purified using materials to absorb the contaminants. More recently, experts have been turning to a more biological approach where organic matter, microorganisms and plants are used to clean contaminated water. This form of groundwater treatment largely revolves around bioaugmentation, bioventing and biosparging (similar to air sparging).

Off-site techniques, on the other hand, have proven more beneficial when dealing with high levels of contamination. This method relies on carbon absorption, ion exchange, chemical precipitation and oxidation to achieve clean groundwater.

The Future of Groundwater Remediation

In attempts to eliminate the dilemma of choice many environmental consulting firms face when it comes to the remediation of water, biotechnologists have begun exploring new ways to fuse the advantages of each specific approach. Today, these remediation water treatment applications include in situ sorption and biodegradation, in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO), enhanced aerobic or anaerobic biodegradation, bioaugmentation, and more.

Groundwater Remediation Solutions at Ironclad Environmental Solutions

Ironclad Environmental Solutions specializes in Closed-Top and Open-Top Tanks, Poly Tanks, Vacuum Containers, Dewatering Containers and Roll-off and Double Wall Containers for the storage of hazardous and non-hazardous liquids and solids. These tanks and containers can be used in a wide variety of industrial, environmental and liquid needs.

We offer environmental remediation storage tanks for a wide range of projects, from groundwater remediation solutions to the disposal of hazardous waste. Ironclad has a fleet of equipment including tank rentals, pump rentals, roll off box rental, and rental filtration for applications such as wastewater, sediment or soils remediation. Use our rental storage tanks to store contaminated groundwater and soil, for dewatering, and stormwater management. They can be used for clean water treatment, oil and water separation, as well as hazardous waste storage and transportation. Rental pumps are an excellent addition to any engineered system for moving groundwater into tanks. And depending on the composition of the groundwater, filtration rental equipment can be used to reduce turbidity.

Our tanks are designed with a V-shaped floor to allow any residuals to be easily flushed out. All tanks have three (3) 4″ butterfly valves, and three (3) 22″ clean out hatches, and a 3″ fill line. The interiors are rodless and come with or without epoxy coating and feature OSHA specification stairways and guard-rails. Steam coils, separation weirs, and mixer tanks are also available. Our tanks can accommodate as much as 20,000 gallons of liquid storage.

Check out our groundwater remediation options, or contact us for support.