A sustainability assessment of an in situ ultrasonic reactor for remediation of PFAS‐contaminated groundwater. Issue 1 (9th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Laramay, Fiona; Crimi, Michelle
• Is Part Of: Remediation. Volume 31:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 59
• Page End: 72
• Publication Date: 2020-10-09
• Subjects: Sanitary engineering -- Periodicals; 628
• DOI: 10.1002/rem.21667
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1051-5658

Abstract

Abstract: The environmental remediation industry has increasingly considered the sustainability impacts of remediation systems. The ideal remediation system has a greater environmental benefit than detriment. While sustainable systems are increasingly available for many contaminants, per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances have presented new challenges for remediation practitioners seeking effective and sustainable systems. Here the sustainability and cost impacts of an ultrasonic reactor installed in a horizontal well (referred to as the In situ reactor technology [inSRT] system) at a hypothetical site are quantified and compared to hypothetical pump‐and‐treat (PT) system impacts. Direct costs of emissions from remediation were compared using LCOE data. The indirect impacts from pollution were quantified based on literature values. The results showed that the InSRT system had lower lifecycle impacts and costs compared to the PT system when each was considered under individually optimal conditions. InSRT was found to meet sustainability goals when used in a low hydraulic conductivity source zone and the PT system lifecycle impacts were reduced when the system was used in a high‐hydraulic conductivity area.