Persistent Organic Pollutants

Specialist Remediation

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are manmade organic compounds that are recalcitrant to degradation in the environment. Compounds that are considered POPs include DDT, dioxins and PCBs. Most POPs contain chlorinated compounds within a complex large chain molecule.

POPs are manmade organic compounds that are recalcitrant to degradation in the environment. Compounds that are considered POPs include DDT, dioxins and PCBs. Most POP's contain chlorinated compounds within a complex large chain molecule.

The chemical properties of POP's are typically low solubility with high adsorptive capacity and low volatility. They are also very resilient to biodegradation and tend to bioaccumulate. The toxicities of POP's vary, but studies have shown certain compounds to affect the reproductive and immune system and be carcinogenic.

Due to the recalcitrant nature of POP's the options for remediation are limited. As POP's tend to partition into the soil phase most technologies have been developed for this purpose. Techniques that have been applied succesfully include:

• Soil washing

• Ex-situ thermal desorption

More cost effective in-situ techniques can be implemented in some capacity, but would need detailed design and testing. Please contact Churngold to discuss.