Enhancing ecosystem services by innovative remediation using gentle remediation options (ECO-GRO)

Research Project, 2019 – 2024

In Europe, there are more than 2.5 million potentially contaminated sites, of which 80 000 located in Sweden. The Swedish EPA is concerned with the low level of innovation of remediation technologies and slow progress of remediation, and has set a goal on increasing the use of innovative strategies. Innovative remediation technologies involving amendment-, plant-, fungi- and/or bacteria-based methods, i.e. gentle remediation options (GRO) can, besides providing effective risk management, also result in a net gain in ecological soil function. The improved ecological functions are critical for provision of ecosystem services (ES). The overall aim of the proposed project is to investigate the potential of enhancing the supply of ES by innovative remediation strategies at contaminated sites which include GRO. The specific objectives of the project are to: (i) develop a method for identification and design of GRO using careful considerations of site-specific conditions of the site in terms of land use, health and environmental risks, and soil properties, (ii) investigate how GRO contributes to societal benefits which arise as a result of increased provision of ES, and (iii) develop a process where a more careful consideration of site-specific conditions of the soil and available GRO can provide a better decision basis in the land use planning process, and thus contributing to sustainable development of contaminated sites and surroundings.