- Design of an in-situ biological remediation of groundwater contamination by hydrocarbons and phenol
- Technical Implementation of the Biological Treatment Zone and the Injection of Oxygen Gas into the Groundwater
- Hydrogeological Modeling for Contaminant Plume Propagation
- Technical Support for In-Situ Plant Engineering
- Implementation of a self-monitoring program
- Technical supervision of oil phase extraction in amounts of up to 20 metric tons per year
- Providing the client with technical advice on hydraulic modeling, plant control, and the monitoring program
128 Years of Industrial History, One Sustainable Solution: Hydrocarbon Remediation in Lauchhammer
Lignite was carbonized at the “former Lauchhammer coking plant” site from approximately 1952 to 1990. The solid coking residues were deposited on the coking plant grounds and have led to significant contamination of the groundwater with aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons down to a depth of over 50 meters. In addition, lignite seams at various depths were also saturated with organic contaminants. Since direct source remediation is not feasible, the contaminant plume should be contained in the long term through in-situ biological remediation.
Client
LMBV mbH
Area
Approx. 100,000 m²
Service period
2015 to present
Method
Model-Based Dispersion Models for Contamination Plumes Biological In-Situ Remediation Methods
Contaminants
Aliphatic (aliphates) and aromatic hydrocarbons (aromatics), Dense, non-aqueous liquid (DNAPL), Light, non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL), Mono- or polycyclic hydrocarbon compounds (NSO heterocycles)
Questions about the project
Key Services
Customer Benefits
- Contamination Control
- Protecting the groundwater plume
- Hydrogeological modeling provided important planning input for the final plume containment concept
- Sustainability considerations are addressed by focusing on actively stimulating biological degradation processes
Ongoing Operations: Containment, Step by Step
At the site, remediation and containment measures are being continuously implemented using the Bioxwand method to sustainably limit the spread of contamination and protect the groundwater in the long term.
- Controlling the Contamination Plume Using Biological Barriers
- Preventing the further spread of pollutants
- Ongoing optimization of safety and remediation measures
Biological containment effectively curbs contamination and sustainably improves the environmental conditions at the site.
The Solution: Oxygen as a Catalyst for Biological Degradation
The remediation effort focuses on a modern in-situ biological technology that acts directly on the groundwater. Oxygen is specifically introduced within a specially designed treatment zone. This activates and accelerates natural biological degradation processes. The advantage: The spread of contaminants is actively prevented —without the need for costly surface interventions. This conserves resources and protects the environment.
Understanding the Subsoil: Modeling as the Basis for Every Decision
Detailed hydrogeological models are used to better understand and predict the progression of contamination. These models enable well-founded predictions about the spread of the contaminant plume. On this basis, measures can not only be planned but also dynamically adjusted and optimized. The result is significantly greater efficiency and planning reliability.
Technical Support: Continuous Monitoring for Maximum Security
All in-situ plant equipment is continuously monitored and maintained. A comprehensive monitoring program provides a steady stream of data for internal quality control and quality assurance. In addition, oil phase extraction is professionally supervised to ensure that all processes run smoothly and remain consistently stable.
Conclusion: The biological barrier holds—and the substrate is recovering
The combination of a biological remediation zone, precise hydrogeological modeling, and continuous monitoring is proving effective: The contaminant plume is under control, oil phase extraction is proceeding steadily, and the subsurface is showing measurable signs of recovery. Lauchhammer is proof that even large-scale contaminated sites resulting from heavy industry can be managed in a long-term and sustainable manner—when technology, data, and experience come together.
