Course detail

Decontamination and Remediation Technologies

FCH-MA_ENG3Acad. year: 2025/2026

The content of the subject are information about sources of long-term and short-term soil pollution (anthropogenic activities – mining, agricultural activities, industry). Procedures for assessing the environmental burden and risk analysis are also presented. Main groups of contaminants of the rock environment from the perspective of decontamination methods. Basic classification of decontamination methods according to the site and the environment they are focused on. Decontamination procedures using natural mechanisms. Physical methods of decontamination (evaporation, extraction, scrubbing, etc.). Mechanical methods (removal of the affected layer, covering). Chemical, biochemical and microbial decontamination processes. Examples of use of decontamination technologies in specific contaminated areas.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

6

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. MVDr. Helena Zlámalová Gargošová, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection (ÚCHTOŽP)

Entry knowledge

basics of general, organic and physical chemistry

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Written exam. In case of unclear answers, an oral test is followed to clarify them.

Presence on seminars is compulsory

Aims

The aim of the subject is to acquaint students with the legislative framework of soil protection. Provide comprehensive information concerning the problematics of contaminated areas. Explain the process of risk analysis of contaminated territory and reasons of survey that precedes the decontamination process. Provide basic information of principles of conventional and modern decontamination methods focused on rock environment with the emphasis on polluted soils.
Students will learn about the main sources of contamination of individual environmental compartments and major environmental contaminants. Students will learn about mechanisms of contamination of individual environmental compartments. Based on this knowledge, they will understand the methods and principles of each type of decontamination and will be able to suggest basic decontamination procedure and methods.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

David L. Russell (2011). Remediation Manual for Contaminated Sites, 1st Edition, CRC Press, ISBN 9781439836224, 256 pp (EN)
Helmut Meuser (2013). Soil Remediation and Rehabilitation: Treatment of Contaminated and Disturbed Land (Environmental Pollution) 2013th Edition Springer; ISBN-13: 978-9400757509, 408 pp (EN)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme NPAP_ENVI Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
  • Programme NPAP_ENVI Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. MVDr. Helena Zlámalová Gargošová, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1) Introduction to the problematics of old ecological burdens. Definition of remediation and decontamination, general principles of decontamination procedures.
2) Legal aspects of old ecological burdens, risk analysis and survey of contaminated territory, risk assessment in connection with decontamination work.
3) Terminology connected with problematic of decontamination. Main groups of contaminants and their properties from the perspective of decontamination technologies.
4) Basic classification of decontamination methods.
5) Methods for decontamination of the rock environment - overview. Contaminated soil - definition and basic characteristics.
6) Natural methods of decontamination with a focus on biological methods in situ - basic classification and principles of biological methods. Bioventing and phytosanation.
7) Physical and mechanical methods of decontamination and remediation in situ; vitrification, stabilization, solidification, encapsulation – description, principles.
8) Chemical methods of decontamination in situ; classification and basic characteristics. Oxidation reduction methods.
9) Overview of decontamination methods used for contaminated soil ex situ; biological, chemical, physical methods – principles, description.
10) Decontamination methods of main pollutants of the rock environment - of PCBs, PAHs, oil products etc.
11) Groundwater decontamination; basic methods used for decontamination in situ and ex situ. Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids – definition, problems connected with their removal.
12) Groundwater decontamination – methods used in situ. Treatment walls.
13) New directions in decontamination technologies; nanoparticles, membranes etc.
  

Guided consultation in combined form of studies

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. MVDr. Helena Zlámalová Gargošová, Ph.D.

Exercise

39 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. MVDr. Helena Zlámalová Gargošová, Ph.D.