Contaminant Plume Management Utilising in Situ Organoclay Sorbent Zones

Abstract

An in situ subsurface remediation technology, based on the chemical conversion of native clays to organoclays, is being developed. The approach involves in situ injections of cationic surfactant solutions into the subsurface to create organoclay sorbent zones, that can intercept and immobilise contaminant plumes. Contaminants trapped in the sorbent zone can be treated by bioremediation.