Geochemical Fixation

Definition

• Geochemically fixes inorganic contaminants in-place
• Introduces chemical reagents capable of altering pH or redox conditions to render the inorganic insoluble, and to geochemically react with metal or metal complex with natural soil or sediment material, cleaning up, or "fixing," the inorganic contaminant in-place.

Application

• Typical vadose zone soil permeability range of 1 to >10,000 millidarcies (equivalent of 10E-5 to 10E-1 cm/s hydraulic conductivity).
• Inorganic contaminants that are soluble in aqueous systems as anions.

Unique Characteristics

• Geochemically fixes metals and other inorganics in situ.
• Provides a major cost saving, relative to conventional techniques, by significantly reducing the volume of grounwater extracted to meet remedial objectives.
• Stabilizes inorganics, allowing treatment to drinking water standards.

Case Studies

• Wood-treating Facility, Great Lakes State
• Phosphate Chemicals Manufacturing Facility, Great Plains State
• Mining Company, South Dakota