A mini-review on mechanochemical treatment of contaminated soil: From laboratory to large-scale

Abstract

In recent years, the destruction of (persistent) organic pollutants and the immobilization of heavy metals and radioactive nuclides in contaminated matrices by mechanochemical treatment have been proved. Several studies demonstrate a remarkable versatility of the high energy ball milling technology in the detoxification of contaminated soil, a primary issue that demand rapid and adequate solutions. In the present mini-review, scientific and technological aspects of polluted soil mechanochemical treatment are discussed. In addition, an economic feasibility study is performed, employing technical and cost data obtained by constructors. It corroborates the competitiveness of the mechanochemical treatment as potential cleaning technology.