Project
Summary:
The main objective of the presented innovation action is the first application and near-market replication of a novel
water nanogeotechnology for the immobilization of toxic metals in groundwater aquifers, drinking water wells, and river
bank filtration sites. The basic concept of our technology is the creation of an adsorptive in situ barrier for the
immobilization of toxic metal contaminations. This barrier is made of iron oxide nanoparticles, which are injected into
sediments as colloidal suspension, forming stable deposits there. Over the last 6 years, we have developed a novel
technology for the injection of iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) into groundwater contaminant plumes. The feasibility of
this approach has been successfully tested in lab experiments and a scientific field application. Specifically, our
approach addresses arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, and zinc, all of which are known
major groundwater contaminants. Now, we want to bring this novel, green and near-market water eco-innovation into
the European markets, and beyond. The very core of this effort is the performance of two industrial-scale applications
of our technology at two different types of contaminated sites. This first application of our technological approach under
field conditions is the major objective of REGROUND. By developing our technology into a market-ready application,
REGROUND will globally transform the efforts to mitigate the risks posed by toxic metal contaminations to humans and
ecosystems. The REGROUND technology, due to its low costs and wide applicability, will be made highly available.
The near-market replication of our technology and subsequent commercialization efforts are an integral part of
REGROUND. This will enable immobilization of toxic metal contaminations at sites which were left untreated so far due
to technical or economic reasons.
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Professor Paul Bardos