In-situ groundwater remediation

DECHEMA | 24–25 November

Evonik Active Oxygens will once again be represented at DECHEMA this year, showcasing a broad portfolio of proven technologies for in-situ soil and groundwater remediation. Our experts will be available at the booth for technical consultations, project discussions, and tailored technology assessments.

Why Groundwater Remediation Is Essential

Groundwater is an essential resource for:

  • Drinking water supply
  • Agricultural irrigation
  • Industrial processes

At the same time, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Targeted remediation of contaminated aquifers sustainably improves water quality and reduces both health and environmental risks.

Scientifically proven – practically tested

Our remediation concepts are based on:

  • Laboratory studies conducted in state-of-the-art environmental labs
  • Site analyses and preliminary investigations
  • Customized injection technologies

We support you from planning to implementation – with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

Our presentation

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Groundwater Remediation in Pioneer Park, Hanau

Our soil and groundwater remediation experts successfully removed volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons (VCHCs) from the groundwater at the Pioneer Park residential development in Hanau, where a former military base is being transformed into a vibrant urban district for 5,000 residents. The remediation of two contaminated sites using our EHC® Reagent was carried out in close collaboration with environmental consultants of AECOM and application technology specialists of Sensatec.

On May 16, 2024, the project was awarded Bronze in the “Especially Sustainable” category at the Brownfield Award® 2024.

Arsenic Immobilization at Evonik’s Hanau Site

At the site of the former Royal Prussian Gunpowder Factory, we installed a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) to permanently contain historical arsenic contamination. Instead of pumping groundwater over many years using energy-intensive methods, the arsenic was immobilized directly in the subsurface through targeted injection boreholes using GEOFORM® Extended Release and METAFIX®. This approach provides long-term protection for the groundwater while significantly reducing technical effort.

The injection field covered approximately 600 m², with contamination depths ranging from 3 to 13 meters.

Our products for groundwater remediation

EHC® Reagent is a proven remediation product for the in-situ treatment of contaminated groundwater and impacted soils, particularly in cases involving persistent organic compounds such as:

  • Chlorinated solvents (e.g., PCE, TCE, DCE, VC)
  • Organochlorine pesticides
  • Explosives and energetic compounds
  • Pesticide residues and industrial chemicals

When injected into the subsurface, EHC® creates strong reducing conditions that enable rapid and complete dechlorination. The combination of an organic substrate and zero-valent iron (ZVI) promotes both abiotic and microbial degradation processes.

✅ Flexible Application Methods:

  • Direct push injection
  • Hydraulic or pneumatic fracturing
  • Installation as a permeable reactive barrier (PRB)

These flexible application methods offer key benefits for the in-situ remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater. They can be adapted to varying geological formations, enable efficient distribution of reagents even in heterogeneous subsurface conditions, and minimize structural interventions in existing infrastructure.

Technical Features

  • Long-term release of electron donors for stable microbial activity
  • Effective dechlorination of chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHCs), BTEX, MTBE, and others
  • Reduced rebound risk through sustainable biostimulation
  • Applicable in both saturated and unsaturated zones

GEOFORM® provides the biochemical building blocks to specifically promote biogeochemical reactions in the subsurface. The product is specially designed for the treatment of saturated soils and groundwater contaminated with metals or persistent halogenated compounds.

To ensure optimal adaptation to varying site conditions, GEOFORM® is available in two formulations:

  • GEOFORM® Soluble – a fully soluble variant for easy and rapid injection. Especially suitable for treating contaminant plumes and hotspots.
  • GEOFORM® Extended Release – a solid formulation with prolonged reagent release, ideal for source zones and permeable reactive barriers (PRBs).

✅ Flexible Application Methods:

GEOFORM® Soluble

  • Direct push injection
  • Injection grids
  • Infiltration wells

GEOFORM® Extended Release

  • Direct pressing
  • Hydraulic fracturing
  • Pneumatic fracturing
  • Soil mixing

The flexible application methods of GEOFORM® enable precise, site-specific reagent distribution – even in hard-to-reach or deep subsurface zones. Thanks to its adaptability to various geological and hydrogeological conditions, and the ability to combine different methods, even complex contamination scenarios in in-situ soil and groundwater remediation can be treated efficiently – with minimal impact on existing infrastructure.

Technical Features

  • Two formulations: soluble (GEOFORM® Soluble) and solid (GEOFORM® Extended Release)
  • Biochemically active to promote in-situ biogeochemical processes
  • High effectiveness in treating metals and halogenated contaminants
  • Long-term availability through controlled release
  • Environmentally friendly composition

METAFIX®

METAFIX® is a high-performance reagent for the in-situ stabilization and immobilization of heavy metals such as chromium, arsenic, lead, and mercury. It is particularly well-suited for the remediation of contaminated sites with complex contaminant profiles, including heterogeneous concentrations of heavy metals and chlorinated solvents.

Thanks to its high reactivity and formulation stability, METAFIX® delivers reliable performance even under challenging geological conditions – in saturated soils, groundwater, and wastewater alike.

✅ Flexible Application Methods

  • Direct push injection
  • Hydraulic or pneumatic fracturing
  • Soil mixing

The versatile application methods of METAFIX® enable precise placement of the reagent in contaminated soil and groundwater zones – even under complex geological conditions with variable permeability. By modularly combining injection, fracturing, and mixing methods, the remediation strategy can be tailored to site-specific contamination scenarios. This ensures effective contaminant stabilization while minimizing disruption to existing infrastructure and operational processes.

Technical Features

  • Specifically developed for the treatment of heavy metals and chlorinated solvents
  • High chemical reactivity and long-term stability
  • Effective even in heterogeneous contaminant distributions
  • Environmentally friendly composition
  • Adaptable to various site conditions

KLOZUR® is a highly effective oxidizing agent for the treatment of organic contaminants in soil and groundwater. When activated, KLOZUR® persulfate generates reactive radicals with exceptional oxidative power, capable of reliably breaking down both common and highly persistent contaminants.

The chemical stability of KLOZUR® allows for improved distribution in the subsurface, ensuring an extended radius of influence and prolonged contact time with contaminants – both critical factors for effective and sustainable remediation.

✅ Flexible Application Methods:

  • Direct push injection
  • Hydraulic or pneumatic fracturing
  • Installation as a permeable reactive barrier (PRB)

 

The KLOZUR® portfolio stands out for its exceptional range of activation and application strategies, allowing precise adaptation to site-specific geological challenges. The high chemical stability of the reagent supports controlled distribution even in heterogeneous soil structures with varying permeability. By flexibly combining different delivery methods – from conventional injection to fracturing techniques – in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) can be efficiently integrated into existing remediation strategies, with minimal disruption to infrastructure and ongoing operations.

Technical Features

  • Activated persulfate with high oxidative power
  • Effective against a wide range of organic contaminants
  • Stability for improved mobility and reach in the subsurface
  • Suitable for both saturated and unsaturated zones
  • Environmentally friendly formulation with controllable reactivity

Regional Contacts and further information

EHC® Product Information

GEOFORM® and METAFIX® Product Information

KLOZUR® Product Information