Chapter 1 - Green and sustainable remediation: concepts, principles, and pertaining research

Abstract

Land contamination represents a global challenge for modern society and a risk to meeting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Environmental remediation was historically viewed as an inherently sustainable activity, as it restores contaminated land; however, researchers and practitioners are increasingly recognizing that there can be substantial environmental footprints and socioeconomic costs associated with remediation. Sustainability is an imperative in the emerging green and sustainable remediation movement, which is reshaping the entire remediation industry. In this chapter, we define the key concepts pertaining to green and sustainable remediation, including green remediation, green materials, and primary, secondary, and tertiary impacts. Several general principles are examined, including: going beyond site boundaries, looking beyond contemporary time horizons, expanding to social and economic sustainability, fostering resilience, and embracing nature-based solutions. Lastly, the chapter provides a brief introduction to the following 15 chapters, encompassing three main schemes: sustainability assessment and sustainable behavior, green remediation materials, and sustainable remediation processes.