Life Cycle Assessment to address key environmental impact elements of ERASE, an innovative in situ remediation technology

The remediation of contaminated sites supports the goal of sustainable development but may also have environmental impacts at local, regional, and global scales. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is increasingly used to support decision-making in site remediation. ElectRode-Aided Soil rEmediation (ERASE) technology, developed from laboratory-scale proof of concept to pilot field tests, as part of Research & Development related to the Polluted Site Decontamination Pre-Commercial Procurement (POSIDON PCP), combines physical, chemical, and biological processes by powering electrodes in a porous medium, such as soil or backfilling materials, contaminated with organic and inorganic substances. Along with operational conditions to increase efficiency, reduce cleanup time, and improve overall cost-effectiveness, the environmental footprint of this technology was evaluated through LCA. Based on the plant equipment installed at a pilot site in Bilbao and the operating conditions, the LCA study compared different field-scale pilot plant solutions, considering key impact elements for the technology, such as electrode material and energy supply. The results highlighted the potential benefits of using renewable energy sources, particularly photovoltaic panels, in reducing the overall environmental impacts. Graphite electrodes showed promising environmental performance, although corrosion remains a concern. This approach led to pinpointing key factors contributing to significant environmental impacts, guiding future efforts in optimizing an efficient and sustainable remediation intervention.