This book presents a comprehensive and detailed description of remediation techniques for
metal-contaminated soils derived from both natural processes and anthropogenic activities.
Using a methodical step-by-step presentation the book starts by overviewing the origin of
toxicants and the correlated comparative extent of contamination to the environment. The legal
provisions as proposed or applied in different countries are then discussed to explain the
global regulatory situation regarding soil contamination and the extent of consequent concern.
The core part of this publication describes the major techniques for in situ or ex situ
treatment of the contaminated soil to meet the regulatory limits. Finally risk evaluation is
incorporated giving special attention to possible impacts during or after implementation of
the remediation strategies. The intrusion of metals in soils mostly occurs from various
anthropogenic activities e.g. agricultural practices industrial activities and municipal
waste disposal. The volumes of metal-contaminated soil are becoming greater than before and are
ever-increasing due to rapid urbanization intensified industrialization and or population
booms in certain parts of the world. Hence the options previously proposed such as isolation
of the contaminated site or movement of the contaminated mass to a secure disposal site after
excavation are becoming unsuitable from the economic point of view and instead
decontamination alternatives are preferred. This book will help readers such as scientists and
regulators to understand the details of the remediation techniques available to deal with the
soils contaminated by toxic metals.
