Permeable Reactive Barriers: Cost-Effective and Sustainable Remediation of Groundwater - Permeable Reactive Barrier: Sustainable Groundwater Remediation - page 19

1.5 Conclusion
A PRB fits the concept of a green and sustainable groundwater remedia-
tion technology; it is the most green remediation technique after monitored
natural attenuations. PRB, where applicable, is less expensive as compared
to ex situ technology as it involves no operational and maintenance costs.
Reactive materials are frequently waste products (e.g., mulch, saw dust, some
iron ore slags) or are recycled materials (e.g., iron scrap). The performance
and longevity of a PRB is reliant on the design stage as there will be little
or no possibility of correcting the system after construction. Consequently,
detailed high-resolution site characterization such as the nature and extent
of the contaminant plume(s), selection of the reactive material, the hydraulic
design, and the vertical extent of contamination are particularly important
criteria. PRB remediation technology is still evolving with new and innova-
tive reactive materials introduced to treat different contaminants utilizing
innovative new construction methods.
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