The remediation industry has grown exponentially in recent decades. International organizations of practitioners and remediation experts have developed several frameworks for integrating sustainability into remediation projects; however, there is no accepted definition or universal framework for sustainable remediation. Literature on sustainable remediation is only recently beginning to emerge, and there has been limited attention to how sustainability is best-integrated and operationalized in sustainable remediation frameworks and practices – or whether sustainability plays any meaningful role at all in sustainable remediation. This thesis examines the role of ‘sustainability’ in recently emerging sustainable remediation frameworks. More specifically, it presents the results of an analysis of how sustainability is defined, integrated and operationalized in sustainable remediation frameworks. Methods are based on a review of a sample of six leading remediation frameworks against a set of normative principles and criteria for sustainability integration adapted from sustainability assessments. Recommendations are made for improving the integration of sustainability in sustainable remediation frameworks, and how to better operationalize sustainability practices.

O Estado de São Paulo apresenta, atualmente, mais de 5.900 áreas contaminadas cadastradas, as quais foram ou devem ser submetidas a um processo de remediação. Os principais contaminantes identificados são os combustíveis automotivos, com destaque para os hidrocarbonetos derivados de petróleo. Dentre as técnicas de remediação existentes, e considerando-se a necessidade de inclusão dos princípios da sustentabilidade aos processos de remediação, destaca-se a estratégia de adição de composto orgânico ao solo contaminado. O composto apresenta grande potencial de biorremediação, pois é capaz de sustentar e promover o crescimento de diversas populações de microrganismos com habilidade de degradar uma série de contaminantes. Nota-se, no Brasil, grande potencial de utilização de composto para a remediação, tanto pelas características climáticas e físico-químicas dos solos quanto pela quantidade de resíduos orgânicos gerados no país. Dessa forma, a presente dissertação tem por objetivo estudar a aplicação de composto orgânico na remediação de solo contaminado por hidrocarbonetos derivados de petróleo, em escala laboratorial. Foi realizada a contaminação artificial de um solo argiloso com óleo diesel e uma mistura de óleo BPF, diesel e querosene, em duas concentrações (10 g/kg e 100 g/kg) e adicionado composto orgânico em duas proporções (1:0,1 e 1:0,5). Os resultados indicaram maiores reduções das concentrações de hidrocarbonetos totais de petróleo ao final do experimento para os tratamentos realizados com óleo diesel, da ordem de 60 % a quase 90 % no período de 91 dias. A presença do composto contribuiu para o aumento dos teores de matéria orgânica, sólidos voláteis, pH e condutividade elétrica dos tratamentos, além da melhoria da estrutura do solo e maior desenvolvimento de populações de microrganismos. Dessa forma, o composto atuou como fonte de energia para os microrganismos autóctones de solo e como fonte de novos microrganismos metabolicamente ativos, contribuindo para o aumento das taxas de biodegradação. Os resultados do presente trabalho indicam que a adição de composto se mostra eficaz na remediação de solos contaminados por hidrocarbonetos de petróleo, promovendo a melhoria das condições físicas, químicas e biológicos do solo e apresentando-se como uma técnica sustentável, com impactos positivos dos pontos de vista ambiental, social e econômico. / The State of São Paulo currently has more than 5,900 registered contaminated sites, which were or have to be submitted to a remediation process. The main contaminants identified are automotive fuels, with emphasis on petroleum-derived hydrocarbons. Among the existent remediation techniques, and considering the need to include sustainability principles to remediation processes, the strategy of adding organic compost to the contaminated soil stands out. The compost presents a great bioremediation potential as it is capable of sustaining and promoting the growth of diverse microorganisms populations, with potential to degrade a series of contaminants. In Brazil, there are great opportunities for the use of compost for the remediation of contaminated soils, both due to the climatic and physical-chemical characteristics of the soils and the amount of organic waste generated in the country. Thus, the present research aims to study the application of compost in the remediation of a hydrocarbon contaminated soil, in laboratory scale. It was performed the artificial contamination of a clay soil with diesel oil and a mixture of bunker oil, diesel and kerosene in two concentrations (10 g/kg and 100 g/kg) and the compost was added in two proportions (1:0.1 and 1:0.5). The results showed greater reductions in the concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons at the end of the experiment for treatments with diesel oil, ranging from 60% to almost 90% in a period of 91 days. The presence of compost contributed to an increase in the contents of organic matter and volatile solids, as well as in the values of pH and electrical conductivity. It was also observed an improvement of the soil structure and a greater development of microbial populations. Thus, the compost acted as an energy source for autochthonous soil microorganisms and as a source of new metabolically active organisms, contributing to the increase of biodegradation rates. The results of the present work indicate that the addition of compost is effective in the remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons contamination, promoting the improvement of the soil physical, chemical and biological conditions and being a sustainable technique with positive impacts from the environmental, social and economic points of view.

Major challenges concerning climate change are facing the world and action needs to be taken by the entire society to prevent serious consequences. Contaminated sites are another wide spread environmental and health issue and the need for remediation is great. Unfortunately, remediations often cause high climate impact due to many and long transports, as well as other factors, in order to treat or deposit the contaminated soil. The purpose of this study was to investigate if and how Swedish municipalities take the climate issue into consideration when selecting a soil remediation method and to identify factors that could increase the climate consideration. To accomplish this, a survey was created and directed to the departments of land and exploitation, in 276 municipalities of Sweden. The results showed that it was not very common to set goals concerning limited climate impact or to calculate it. Rather many deposit contaminated soil and rather many also think that more climate friendly remediation techniques could lead to equal risk reduction. Increased technical feasibility and increased knowledge, as well as increased guidance on risk balancing and changed requirements from authorities, were most often believed to have the highest potential of increased climate consideration. Cost and time consumption were often limiting factors. Conclusions were that the development of sustainable remediation techniques needs to continue. Also, authorities are suggested to offer more guidance as well as a more holistic approach in order for the remediation sector to better meet climate goals.

A presença de contaminação por substâncias perigosas no solo e na água subterrânea acarreta inúmeros problemas, tais como: risco à saúde humana e aos ecossistemas; comprometimento da água para abastecimento público; e redução do valor econômico e da função social do terreno. Embora as tecnologias de remediação sejam aplicadas para resolver problemas ambientais e de saúde pública, estas também podem gerar externalidades ambientais negativas como consumo de energia e recursos naturais; desequilíbrio do ciclo da água; erosão do solo; e emissão de gases de efeito estufa. Tendo em vista a recente ocorrência com áreas contaminadas na Universidade de São Paulo (USP) o presente trabalho visou elaborar um plano de gestão sustentável para uma dessas áreas localizada no campus USP da Capital, contribuindo com o Programa de Políticas Ambientais, sob coordenação da Superintendência de Gestão Ambiental da USP. A metodologia de pesquisa foi baseada em revisão bibliográfica sobre remediação sustentável e construção sustentável e em a análise qualitativa das ações, práticas e lições aprendidas de casos bem sucedidos de gestão das áreas contaminadas com elementos sustentáveis como subsídio para elaboração do plano. A partir da caracterização de quatro áreas contaminadas existentes no campus USP da Capital, foi selecionada a área da USP Leste para estudo de caso para promover o uso de práticas sustentáveis em campus universitário, de tal forma que proteja a saúde humana e minimize os impactos ambientais adversos. Com o intuito de buscar melhorias à gestão do campus, por meio da inserção da sustentabilidade na gestão da contaminação da USP Leste, a elaboração do plano de gestão sustentável considerou as especificidades locais nas práticas sustentáveis a serem implementadas, conforme as necessidades e diretrizes da USP. As soluções propostas incluíram a combinação do planejamento das fases de investigação e remediação com o design da construção de edifícios, que possam trazer benefícios ambientais, econômicos e sociais a todas as partes interessadas, tais como redução de custos a longo prazo relacionados à redução do consumo de energia e eletricidade pela implantação de sistemas de energia renováveis para fornecimento de energia elétrica ao sistemas de ventilação de metano / The presence of contamination by hazardous substances in soil and groundwater causes numerous problems, such as risk to human health and ecosystems; water impairment as drinking water; and reduced economic value and social function of the land. Although remediation technologies solve environmental and public health issues, they can also generate negative environmental externalities such as energy and natural resources consumption; imbalance of water cycle; soil erosion; and greenhouse gas emissions. Due to recent occurrence with contaminated areas at the University of São Paulo (USP) the present work aims to develop a sustainable management plan for one of these areas located on the USP Capital campus, contributing to Program of Environmental Policies, coordinated by the Superintendence of Environmental Management of USP. The research methodology was based on literature review about sustainable remediation and construction; and qualitative analysis of actions, practices and lessons learned applied on successful case studies of contaminated sites management with sustainable elements as subsidy for elaboration of the plan. Based upon a characterization of four contaminated areas located on USP Capital campus, the site of USP Leste was selected as case study in order to promote the use of sustainable practices on campus, through an approach that protects human health and minimizes adverse environmental impacts. In order to seek improvements to the campus management by sustainability integration in contamination management of USP Leste, the elaboration of sustainable management plan considered local specificities on sustainable practices to be implemented, according to the needs and guidelines of USP. The proposed solutions included the planning of investigation and remediation stages with the construction design of buildings that can bring environmental, economic and social benefits to all stakeholders, such as long-term cost savings related to the reduction of energy consumption and electricity by the implementation of renewable energy systems to supply electricity to methane ventilation systems

Contaminated land is a widespread, global issue affecting millions of people. Atrazine is a commonly used herbicide which often contaminates groundwater and drinking water supplies and is associated with adverse health outcomes. Biochar is the solid product of pyrolysis and is associated with several environmental benefits. It may be an effective remediation tool when used as a soil amendment. This thesis investigates the mechanisms through which biochar can immobilise atrazine, and the implications of the mechanisms for remediating contaminated land. Nine biochar samples were obtained from the United Kingdom Biochar Research Centre , which were produced from softwood pellets (SWP), wheat straw pellets (WSP), miscanthus straw pellets (MSP), rice husk (RH) and oil seed rape (OSR) each at pyrolysis temperatures of 550°C and 700°C (excluding OSR at 700°C). The sorption mechanisms controlling atrazine sorption to these biochars were determined through various characterisation methods and batch sorption experiments. The sorption tests showed that sorption to each of the standard biochars occurs via multiple simultaneously occurring mechanisms, which are each promoted under certain conditions. Studies investigating sorption kinetics, isotherms and interactions with humic acids showed that for all biochars in this study, pore filling was a significant process through which atrazine is transported to adsorption sites, although poor intraparticle diffusion for softwood and oil seed rape biochars can prevent efficient transport. Wheat straw and rice husk biochars showed effective pore diffusion, resulting in high sorption capacities. Partitioning was associated with poor remediation outcomes and was significant to softwood biochars, although adsorption dominated overall sorption for all other biochars. pH was shown to significantly influence the occurrence of various sorption mechanisms. At low pH values, most biochars showed evidence of electrostatic repulsion between positive atrazine species and the positively charged biochar surface. At intermediate pH values, all biochars showed strong hydrogen bonding between H+ groups on the surface of the biochar and atrazine. A meta-analysis of previous relevant studies provided further evidence for hydrogen bonding of atrazine to biochar and showed that hydrophobic effects likely play little role in adsorption after accounting for the effects of surface area. Varying contributions of π-π EDA interactions, hydrogen bonding involving biochar O- groups, and interactions with ash minerals resulted in different sorption profiles for each biochar at high pH values. In order to further determine the mechanisms controlling sorption at high pH, surface compositions of SWP550, RH700 and OSR550 biochars were modified using hydrofluoric acid. Modification with hydrofluoric acid successfully removed the ash contents of rice husk and oil seed rape biochars and reduced atrazine removal at high pH values. This suggested that the ash fraction increases atrazine removal at high pH through complexation or catalytic hydrolysis. The roles of the various mechanisms are related to remediation outcomes in a novel manner allowing for the improved design of biochar for environmental remediation.

A presença de contaminação por substâncias perigosas no solo e na água subterrânea acarreta inúmeros problemas, tais como: risco à saúde humana e aos ecossistemas; comprometimento da água para abastecimento público; e redução do valor econômico e da função social do terreno. Embora as tecnologias de remediação sejam aplicadas para resolver problemas ambientais e de saúde pública, estas também podem gerar externalidades ambientais negativas como consumo de energia e recursos naturais; desequilíbrio do ciclo da água; erosão do solo; e emissão de gases de efeito estufa. Tendo em vista a recente ocorrência com áreas contaminadas na Universidade de São Paulo (USP) o presente trabalho visou elaborar um plano de gestão sustentável para uma dessas áreas localizada no campus USP da Capital, contribuindo com o Programa de Políticas Ambientais, sob coordenação da Superintendência de Gestão Ambiental da USP. A metodologia de pesquisa foi baseada em revisão bibliográfica sobre remediação sustentável e construção sustentável e em a análise qualitativa das ações, práticas e lições aprendidas de casos bem sucedidos de gestão das áreas contaminadas com elementos sustentáveis como subsídio para elaboração do plano. A partir da caracterização de quatro áreas contaminadas existentes no campus USP da Capital, foi selecionada a área da USP Leste para estudo de caso para promover o uso de práticas sustentáveis em campus universitário, de tal forma que proteja a saúde humana e minimize os impactos ambientais adversos. Com o intuito de buscar melhorias à gestão do campus, por meio da inserção da sustentabilidade na gestão da contaminação da USP Leste, a elaboração do plano de gestão sustentável considerou as especificidades locais nas práticas sustentáveis a serem implementadas, conforme as necessidades e diretrizes da USP. As soluções propostas incluíram a combinação do planejamento das fases de investigação e remediação com o design da construção de edifícios, que possam trazer benefícios ambientais, econômicos e sociais a todas as partes interessadas, tais como redução de custos a longo prazo relacionados à redução do consumo de energia e eletricidade pela implantação de sistemas de energia renováveis para fornecimento de energia elétrica ao sistemas de ventilação de metano / The presence of contamination by hazardous substances in soil and groundwater causes numerous problems, such as risk to human health and ecosystems; water impairment as drinking water; and reduced economic value and social function of the land. Although remediation technologies solve environmental and public health issues, they can also generate negative environmental externalities such as energy and natural resources consumption; imbalance of water cycle; soil erosion; and greenhouse gas emissions. Due to recent occurrence with contaminated areas at the University of São Paulo (USP) the present work aims to develop a sustainable management plan for one of these areas located on the USP Capital campus, contributing to Program of Environmental Policies, coordinated by the Superintendence of Environmental Management of USP. The research methodology was based on literature review about sustainable remediation and construction; and qualitative analysis of actions, practices and lessons learned applied on successful case studies of contaminated sites management with sustainable elements as subsidy for elaboration of the plan. Based upon a characterization of four contaminated areas located on USP Capital campus, the site of USP Leste was selected as case study in order to promote the use of sustainable practices on campus, through an approach that protects human health and minimizes adverse environmental impacts. In order to seek improvements to the campus management by sustainability integration in contamination management of USP Leste, the elaboration of sustainable management plan considered local specificities on sustainable practices to be implemented, according to the needs and guidelines of USP. The proposed solutions included the planning of investigation and remediation stages with the construction design of buildings that can bring environmental, economic and social benefits to all stakeholders, such as long-term cost savings related to the reduction of energy consumption and electricity by the implementation of renewable energy systems to supply electricity to methane ventilation systems

Due to their relative chemical stability and ubiquity in the environment, chlorinated organic contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) pose significant health risks and enduring remediation challenges. Engineered nanoparticles (NPs) provide a novel platform for sensing/remediation of these toxicants, in addition to the growing use of NPs in many industrial and biomedical applications, but there remains concern for their potential long-term health effects. Research highlighted herein also represents a transdisciplinary approach to address human health challenges associated with exposure to PCBs and NPs. The objectives of this dissertation research are two-fold, 1) to develop effective methods for capture/sensing and remediation of environmental toxicants, and 2) to better understand associated risks and to elucidate relevant protective mechanisms, such as lifestyle-related modulators of environmental disease. Prevalent engineered nanoparticles, including aluminum oxide and titanium dioxide, have been studied to better understand effective nanoparticle dispersion methods for in vitro nanotoxicology studies. This work has served both to effectively stabilize these nanoparticles under physiological conditions and to better understand the associated mechanisms of toxicity, which links these metal nanoparticles to endothelial oxidative stress and inflammation through phosphorylation of key cellular signaling molecules and increased DNA binding of pro-inflammatory NFκB. Surface functionalization, though, is being found to limit potential toxicity and has been utilized in subsequent research. A novel polyphenol-functionalized, NP-based system has been developed which combines the biomimetic binding capabilities of nutrient polyphenols with the separation and heating capabilities of superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs for the capture/sensing of organic contaminants in polluted water sources. Magnetic nanocomposite microparticles (MNMs) incorporating the fluorescent polyphenols quercetin and curcumin exhibit high affinity for model organic pollutants followed by rapid magnetic separation, addressing the need for sustainable pollutant remediation. Further work has been performed to both better understand health concerns associated with environmental toxicants such as PCBs and to determine effective methods for modulating their toxicity. This research has shown that PCB remediation through dechlorination is a viable technique for decreasing endothelial inflammation, although complete dechlorination to biphenyl is necessary to effectively eliminate superoxide production, NFκB activation, and induction of inflammatory markers. Additionally, the nutrient polyphenol EGCG, found in green tea, has been shown to serve as a biomedical modulator of in vivo PCB toxicity by up-regulating a battery of antioxidant enzymes transcriptionally controlled by AhR and Nrf2 proteins.

Purpose: In Sweden, there are area that are polluted and in need of remediation. However, soil remediation processes have a negative secondary impact on the climate. There are various soil remediation methods to apply, of which dig and dump are the most frequently used. The method involves although high emissions of carbon dioxide. By increased use of alternative soil remediation methods, such as biological soil remediation methods, can lead to reduced impact on the climate. When choosing a remediation method, sustainability is increasingly integrated, but most decisions are still based on other factors. Psychological, social and institutional barriers are considered to have counteracted the assumption of a sustainable behaviour. Therefore, further research on stakeholder attitudes may promote the implementation of such behaviour. The aim of the work is to present suggestions for improvement on how the climate impact can be reduced in soil remediation projects. Method: The study was performed as a qualitative survey. Empirical data was obtained in verbal form through the methods literature review, document analysis and interview. From an available group, six respondents were selected who represent significant stakeholders in soil remediation projects. Stakeholders were private and public clients, contractors, consultants and regulators. Analysed documents were reports from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency that is about the post-treatment of contaminated areas in Sweden. Findings: The study indicates that biological soil remediation methods have a lower impact on the climate than dig and dump. Furthermore, it appeared that the main factors in choosing a soil remediation method was type of contamination, time for remediation and when contamination is detected in projects. According to this background, biological methods are less applied than dig and dump. However, the study presents suggestions for improvements of how biological alternatives can be encouraged, for instance are more reference objects needed where biological soil remediation methods have been applied. Implications: One conclusion from the study is that existing regulations should be changed to make landfill more difficult and to facilitate re-use of polluted masses, and the fees for landfill should be increased. In addition, more reference objects need to be generated in Sweden that validate that biological soil remediation methods achieve acceptable levels of pollution. Furthermore, stakeholders in soil remediation projects should cooperate more, even across national borders, and together venture to try biological soil remediation methods. Limitations: The result is only valid for biological soil remediation methods and dig and dump for organic pollutants in soil. The study includes few respondents from av geographic limited available group, which means that the result cannot be generalized with certainty. Therefore, the study should be regarded as exploratory and the results thereafter. / Syfte: I Sverige återfinns områden som är förorenade och i behov av efterbehandling, dock har marksaneringsprocesser en negativ sekundär påverkan på klimatet. Det finns olika markasaneringsmetoder att tillämpa varav schakt och deponering är den mest frekvent använda. Emellertid innebär metoden höga utsläpp av koldioxid. Tillämpning av alternativa åtgärder, såsom biologiska marksaneringsmetoder, kan bidra till lägre koldioxidutsläpp. Vid val av saneringsmetod integreras hållbarhet alltmer, men de flesta besluten baseras ändå på andra faktorer. Psykologiska, sociala och institutionella hinder anses ha motverkat antagandet av ett hållbart beteende. Därför kan fortsatt forskning om intressenters inställning främja implementering av ett sådant beteende. Målet med arbetet är att presentera förbättringsförslag på hur klimatpåverkan kan minskas vid marksaneringsprojekt. Metod: Arbetet utfördes i form av en kvalitativ kartläggning. Insamling av empiri skedde i verbal form genom datainsamlingsmetoderna litteraturstudie, dokumentanalys och intervju. Ur en tillgänglig grupp valdes sex stycken respondenter som representerar betydande intressenter vid marksaneringsprojekt. Intressenterna var privat- och offentlig beställare, entreprenör, konsult samt tillsynsmyndigheter. Dokument som analyserades var rapporter från Naturvårdsverket som behandlar efterbehandling av förorenade områden i Sverige.  Resultat: Studien indikerar att biologiska marksaneringsmetoder har lägre klimat-påverkan än schakt och deponering. Vidare framgick att de främsta faktorerna vid val av marksaneringsmetod var typ av förorening, saneringstid och när föroreningen upptäcks i projekt. Med denna bakgrund tillämpas biologiska åtgärder mer sällan än schakt och deponering. Emellertid presenterar studien förbättringsförslag till hur tillämpning av biologiska alternativ kan främjas, bland annat behövs fler referensobjekt där biologiska marksaneringsmetoder tillämpats.  Konsekvenser: En slutsats från studien är att gällande regelverk bör förändras för att försvåra deponering och underlätta återanvändning av förorenade massor samt bör avgifterna för deponering höjas. Dessutom behöver fler referensobjekt genereras i Sverige som påvisar att biologiska marksaneringsmetoder uppnår godkända föroreningshalter. Vidare bör intressenterna vid marksaneringsprojekt samarbeta mer, även över nationella gränser, för att tillsammans våga tillämpa biologiska mark-saneringsmetoder.  Begränsningar: Resultatet är endast giltigt för biologiska marksaneringsmetoder samt schakt och deponering av organiska föroreningar i mark. Studien inkluderar få respondenter ur en geografiskt begränsad tillgänglig grupp, vilket gör att resultatet inte med säkerhet kan generaliseras. Därmed bör studien betraktas som utforskande och resultatet därefter.