The sustainability of nanoremediation two initial case studies from Europe

This chapter describes the approach and findings of two initial sustainability assessments that include nanoremediation as one option. The approach is based on European guidance applied in the EU Framework 7 Research programme project NanoRem. One assessment was carried out for a NONAREM pilot site in the Czech Republic, after the field trial was carried out. The second assessment was for a UK site at options appraisal stage. The assessments were carried out by a small team of remediation professionals (contractors and consultants). Both assessments showed little to differentiate between nanoremediation and other in situ techniques, in situ chemical oxidation and in situ bioremediation. Public perception was considered generically by reference to two public dialogue exercises from the UK and the findings from the NanoRem project on the toxicity, fate and transport of iron nanoparticles. It is concluded that the findings from the NanoRem project provide evidence to mitigate against worst case scenarios and may have a significant role in future public engagement on a remediation project, particularly if used in conjunction with site specific treatability trials.