Alternatives for Ground Water Cleanup

TLDR

Aquifer remediation remains a major environmental challenge because technological limits and the complex physical and chemical conditions of contaminated subsurface environments hinder effective cleanup. A 19‑member committee of experts authored a comprehensive book that surveys site characterization, the strengths and limits of pump‑and‑treat and alternative technologies, alternative cleanup goals, and policy implications, drawing on data from 80 sites and an extensive literature review. The book is clearly written and well organized, presenting explicit conclusions and sound policy recommendations, and it uses case studies, diagrams, and photographs to illustrate its key concepts.

Abstract

Aquifer remediation is one of our most difficult environmental challenges; technological limitations and problems arising from the physical and chemical complexities of contaminated subsurface environments thwart our best efforts. A 19‐member committee of leaders in environmental engineering, hydrogeology, epidemiology, environmental economics, and environmental policy has written an ambitious book that broadly addresses the groundwater remediation problem. Topics include site characterization, capabilities and limitations of pump‐and‐treat and alternative technologies, alternative goals for ground water cleanup, and policy implications. One of the book's strengths is its information base, which includes various public and private groups, data from 80 pump‐and‐treat sites, and an extensive literature review. The text is clearly written and well organized. Specific conclusions are stated at the end of each major chapter, and sound policy recommendations are offered at the end of the final chapter. An appendix summarizes pump‐andtreat systems reviewed during the study. Several case studies, diagrams, and photographs effectively illustrate concepts and ideas conveyed in the text.