Remediation Goals Research Articles

Dual-active-group co-modification of BiOBr for boosting photocatalytic CO2 reduction coupled with ciprofloxacin oxidation

Coupling CO2 photoreduction with ciprofloxacin (CIP) oxidation presents a promising strategy for achieving not only the complete utilization of photoexcited carriers but also the win–win goals of energy conversion and environmental remediation. In this study, we utilized an aminated BiOBr catalyst with surface hydroxyl groups (NH2/BOB–OH) for efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction coupled with CIP oxidation. In this process, hydroxyl (OH) and amino groups (NH2) adsorbed and activated CIP (an organic pollutant) and CO2 molecules, respectively, promoting the overall photocatalytic redox activity. Remarkably, 0.5NH2/BOB–OH exhibited excellent photocatalytic redox performance for CO2 reduction coupled with CIP oxidation, with the CO yield and CIP degradation efficiency being 6.85 and 1.08 times higher, respectively, than those achieved using BiOBr without any active groups. Moreover, a series of in situ experimental characterizations and theoretical simulations revealed that these two opposing active groups not only accelerated carrier separation but also boosted the surface reactivity of the catalyst. These findings provide helpful insights into the dual-active-group functionalization of semiconductors, leading to their high photoredox activity for energy conversion along with environmental remediation.

Pipeline-Related Residential Benzene Exposure and Groundwater Natural Attenuation Capacity in the Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria

This study was conducted to investigate the presence of benzene in the ground and drinking water in the eastern Niger Delta, where multiple oil and gas production facilities are present. Samples from drinking water wells were collected for measurements of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX). Additionally, the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration was determined for the first time to establish the groundwater’s total hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon load. The groundwater BTEX and benzene levels were up to 3904 µg/L and 3500 µg/L, respectively. DOC concentrations were up to 49 mg/L. The highest benzene concentrations were detected in wells near an underground petroleum pipeline. However, the concentrations decreased with distance from the pipeline to levels less than 0.1 µg/L. Despite benzene contamination, the aquifer has shown promising aerobic attenuation potential, having up to a 7.5 (95%) mg/L DO level and 2.11 mg/L BTEX biodegradation capacity for DO. However, the high groundwater temperature of up to 32.5 °C may weaken attenuation. The benzene and BTEX point attenuation rates ranged from 0.128 to 0.693 day−1 and 0.086 to 0.556 day−1, respectively. Hence, by natural attenuation alone, up to 66.5 and 85 years would be required to reach Nigeria’s groundwater benzene and BTEX remediation goals, respectively.

The Application of Nano Zero-Valent Iron in Synergy with White Rot Fungi in Environmental Pollution Control.

Developing efficient and sustainable pollution control technologies has become a research priority in the context of escalating global environmental pollution. Nano zero-valent iron (nZVI), with its high specific surface area and strong reducing power, demonstrates remarkable performance in pollutant removal. Still, its application is limited by issues such as oxidation, passivation, and particle aggregation. White rot fungi (WRF) possess a unique enzyme system that enables them to degrade a wide range of pollutants effectively, yet they face challenges such as long degradation cycles and low degradation efficiency. Despite the significant role of nZVI in pollutant remediation, most contaminated sites still rely on microbial remediation as a concurrent or ultimate treatment method to achieve remediation goals. The synergistic combination of nZVI and WRF can leverage their respective advantages, thereby enhancing pollution control efficiency. This paper reviews the mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages of nZVI and WRF in pollution control, lists application examples, and discusses their synergistic application in pollution control, highlighting their potential in pollutant remediation and providing new insights for combined pollutant treatment. However, research on the combined use of nZVI and WRF for pollutant remediation is still relatively scarce, necessitating a deeper understanding of their synergistic potential and further exploration of their cooperative interactions.

Integrating arsenic bioaccessibility uncertainty and human exposure variability for setting up site-specific remedial goals

Arsenic is a highly toxic soil contaminant, which is a major public concern. The universal health risk models and global efforts on deriving remedial goals for arsenic-contaminated soil have not yielded the desired or very satisfactory results. In this study, we developed a probabilistic risk-assessment method with a two-dimensional Monte Carlo simulation by integrating arsenic bioaccessibility uncertainty and human exposure variability. We found that arsenic bioavailability significantly varied in gastric (0.59–43.20%) and intestinal (0.72–44.22%) phases owing to arsenic fractions and total iron content. We showed that the mean carcinogenic risk at the 95th percentile was 7.64 × 10−5, exceeding the acceptable risk level (10−6), and the non-carcinogenic risk was 3.48, exceeding the acceptable risk level (1.0). Finally, we recommend 25.72 mg/kg as a remedial goal for the site based on this new approach. Overall, this study demonstrated that the improved method effectively mitigates the conservative nature of the existing regulatory approach. The improved approach helps prevent unnecessary remediation actions, supporting SDG 13 climate action by lowering pollutant and carbon emissions.

Remediation of phenanthrene contaminated soil by persulphate coupled with Pseudomonas aeruginosa GZ7 based on oxidation prediction model.

Chemical oxidation coupled with microbial remediation has attracted widespread attention for the removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Among them, the precise evaluation of the feasible oxidant concentration of PAH-contaminated soil is the key to achieving the goal of soil functional ecological remediation. In this study, phenanthrene (PHE) was used as the target pollutant, and Fe2+-activated persulphate (PS) was used to remediate four types of soils. Linear regression analysis identified the following important factors influencing remediation: PS dosage and soil PHE content for PHE degradation, Fe2+ dosage, hydrolysable nitrogen (HN), and available phosphorus for PS decomposition. A comprehensive model of "soil characteristics-oxidation conditions-remediation effect" with a high predictive accuracy was constructed. Based on model identification, Pseudomonas aeruginosa GZ7, which had high PAHs degrading ability after domestication, was further applied to coupling repair remediation. The results showed that the optimal PS dose was 0.75% (w/w). The response relationship between soil physical, chemical, and biological indicators at the intermediate interface and oxidation conditions was analysed. Coupled remediation effects were clarified using microbial diversity sequencing. The introduction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa GZ7 stimulated the relative abundance of Cohnella, Enterobacter, Paenibacillus, and Bacillus, which can promote material metabolism and energy transformation during remediation.

Updating risk remediation-endpoints for petroleum-contaminated soils? A case study in the Ecuadorian Amazon region

In Ecuador, the regulatory framework for the remediation of petroleum-contaminated soils is based on predefined concentration endpoints for a selected range of petroleum hydrocarbon compounds. However, such approach may lead to over or under-estimation of the environmental risk posed by contaminated soils. In this study, the end-point remediation criteria according to Ecuadorian Environmental legislation were evaluated using different approaches. The first one was based on Total Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TEPH) and the second one on Total Bioavailable Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TBPH). Both were compared with ecotoxicological determinations using EC50 -Microtox® bioassay at 5 and 15 min of exposure. The correlation (R2) between EC50 values vs TEPH was of 0.2 and 0.25 for 5 and 15 min, respectively. Meanwhile, R2 between EC50 and TBPH was of 0.9 and 0.65 for 5 and 15 min, respectively, demonstrating a stronger correlation. Our results suggest that a contaminated site where the concentration of the TEPH is higher than the relevant regulatory concentrations may be deemed to present an acceptable risk even though their concentrations exceed the target values in soils. The results also challenge the notion that hormesis is associated with TEPH, contrary to some literature. This study is the first in Ecuador to propose incorporating bioavailability into environmental regulations, highlighting the need for further research to establish realistic and achievable remediation goals based on toxicity studies involving various trophic levels.

An Overview of Degradation Strategies for Amitriptyline.

Antidepressant drugs play a crucial role in the treatment of mental health disorders, but their efficacy and safety can be compromised by drug degradation. Recent reports point to several drugs found in concentrations ranging from the limit of detection (LOD) to hundreds of ng/L in wastewater plants around the globe; hence, antidepressants can be considered emerging pollutants with potential consequences for human health and wellbeing. Understanding and implementing effective degradation strategies are essential not only to ensure the stability and potency of these medications but also for their safe disposal in line with current environment remediation goals. This review provides an overview of degradation pathways for amitriptyline, a typical tricyclic antidepressant drug, by exploring chemical routes such as oxidation, hydrolysis, and photodegradation. Connex issues such as stability-enhancing approaches through formulation and packaging considerations, regulatory guidelines, and quality control measures are also briefly noted. Specific case studies of amitriptyline degradation pathways forecast the future perspectives and challenges in this field, helping researchers and pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide guidelines for the most effective degradation pathways employed for minimal environmental impact.

Groundwater quality assessment using water quality index and principal component analysis in the Achnera block, Agra district, Uttar Pradesh, Northern India

The qualitative and quantitative assessment of groundwater is one of the important aspects for determining the suitability of potable water. Therefore, the present study has been performed to evaluate the groundwater quality for Achhnera block in the city of Taj, Agra, India, where groundwater is an important water resource. The groundwater samples, 50 in number were collected and analyzed for major ions along with some important trace element. This study has further investigated for the applicability of groundwater quality index (GWQI), and the principal component analysis (PCA) to mark out the major geochemical solutes responsible for origin and release of geochemical solutes into the groundwater. The results confirm that, majority of the collected groundwater samples were alkaline in nature. The variation of concentration of anions in collected groundwater samples were varied in the sequence as, HCO3− > Cl− > SO42− > F− while in contrast the sequence of cations in the groundwater as Na > Ca > Mg > K. The Piper diagram demonstrated the major hydro chemical facies which were found in groundwater (sodium bicarbonate or calcium chloride type). The plot of Schoellar diagram reconfirmed that the major cations were Na+ and Ca2+ ions, while in contrast; major anions were bicarbonates and chloride. The results showed water quality index mostly ranged between 105 and 185, hence, the study area fell in the category of unsuitable for drinking purpose category. The PCA showed pH, Na+, Ca2+, HCO3− and fluoride with strong loading, which pointed out geogenic source of fluoride contamination. Therefore, it was inferred that the groundwater of the contaminated areas must be treated and made potable before consumption. The outcomes of the present study will be helpful for the regulatory boards and policymaker for defining the actual impact and remediation goal.

Modeling evaluation of the impact of residual source material on remedial time frame at a former uranium mill site

Groundwater contamination at legacy uranium processing sites is an ongoing global challenge. Plumes at many uranium-contaminated sites are more persistent than originally predicted by groundwater modeling. Previous investigations of uranium plume persistence identified residual and secondary sources that contribute to plume longevity, but there is a remaining need to revise forecasted cleanup times using information about these ongoing sources. The purpose of this study is to investigate the quantitative impact of residual vadose zone sources of uranium on groundwater remediation time frame. This objective was approached by applying numerical uranium transport simulations and uncertainty analysis to a former uranium mill site in the southwestern United States. Information from recent site investigations provided details about the distribution and release characteristics of uranium accumulations in the vadose zone. The residual uranium characteristics were incorporated as decaying source terms in the transport model. A stochastic approach using an iterative ensemble smoother was applied for history matching, and the transport model was used to assess the impact of multiple remedial alternatives on forecasted time frame. The forecasted time frame to achieve the groundwater remediation goal for uranium by monitored natural attenuation is on the order of thousands of years, and treatment of the dissolved plume does not reduce the projected time frame. The large proportion of residual uranium mass remaining in the vadose zone and the gradual leaching rate due to the site's semiarid climate create a long-lived source that can sustain a dissolved plume for thousands of years despite an estimated 99% mass removal achieved during mill tailings disposal. Residual uranium in vadose zone sediments beneath former tailings impoundments could present comparable uranium plume persistence and remediation challenges at other legacy uranium mill sites in semiarid climates. Other remaining uranium-impacted sites are similarly complex, and forecasted remedial time frames are needed to effectively achieve compliance, manage risk, assess the benefits of additional treatment, manage and project costs, and support beneficial site reuse.

Taking responsibility responsibly: looking forward to remedying injustice

ABSTRACT What does it mean to be responsible for structural injustice? According to Iris Marion Young, the ongoing and socially embedded character of structural injustice imposes a future-oriented obligation to work with others toward creating remedial, institutional change. Young explains, ‘Political responsibility seeks less to reckon debts than to bring about results’ (Young, 2003, p. 13). This paper conceptually develops how the goal of remediation bears on responsibility in relation to structural injustice. Does the attribution of responsibility in this context call upon individuals to simply do anything in efforts to affect progressive change? If not, then to what extent are these attributions of responsibility action guiding? On what basis do they direct agents to effectively intervene on relevant conditions and processes rather than act in ways that exacerbate the injustice? I explore the role of etiological explanation in the attribution and acceptance of corrective responsibility, which refers to diagnosis of the operative causation of unjust outcomes. After probing tensions within prominent models of corrective responsibility, I offer my own model attempting to resolve those issues. I argue the forward-looking nature of the call to participate in remedying social problems includes a demand for agents to do so in a way that is itself responsible. I theorize a framework of taking responsibility responsibly. This framework accounts for the moral difference between a conscientiously formulated program of remedial action and a quixotic exercise in reckless delusion.

Machine Learning Modeling Based on Microbial Community for Prediction of Natural Attenuation in Groundwater.

Natural attenuation is widely adopted as a remediation strategy, and the attenuation potential is crucial to evaluate whether remediation goals can be achieved within the specified time. In this work, long-term monitoring of indigenous microbial communities as well as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) and chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) in groundwater was conducted at a historic pesticide manufacturing site. A machine learning approach for natural attenuation prediction was developed with random forest classification (RFC) followed by either random forest regression (RFR) or artificial neural networks (ANNs), utilizing microbiological information and contaminant attenuation rates for model training and cross-validation. Results showed that the RFC could accurately predict the feasibility of natural attenuation for both BTEX and CAHs, and it could successfully identify the key genera. The RFR model was sufficient for the BTEX natural attenuation rate prediction but unreliable for CAHs. The ANN model showed better performance in the prediction of the attenuation rates for both BTEX and CAHs. Based on the assessments, a composite modeling method of RFC and ANN was proposed, which could reduce the mean absolute percentage errors. This study reveals that the combined machine learning approach under the synergistic use of field microbial data has promising potential for predicting natural attenuation.

A bidirectional kinetic reaction model to predict uranium distribution in permeable reactive bio-barrier with high-sulfate environment

The use of permeable reactive bio-barriers (Bio-PRBs) is a developing method for remediation of uranium groundwater pollution. However, some remediation effects are difficult to estimate when because of the subsurface environment. Advanced knowledge of uranium migration and reactions in Bio-PRBs is crucial for successful practical application. In this study, a bidirectional kinetic reaction model was developed for predicting uranium reduction in a Bio-PRB system. The research demonstrates that the model is able to predict the uranium migration and rapidly evaluate the Bio-PRBs performance. The results show that contact period and microbial growth are the key factors that affect the remediation performance of Bio-PRBs. Microbial growth could lead to a decrease in hydraulic conductivity (K). The hydraulic conductivity loss in the free microorganisms (FM) group was 0.8–2.3 m/d, which was significantly smaller than the immobilized microorganism (IM) group (0.8–5.2 m/d). Compared to the IM group, the simulation results reveal that longer contact reaction period improves the remediation performance of SO42− and uranium by 32.6% and 21.7%, respectively. The bidirectional reaction between microorganisms and pollutants leads to a decrease in the remediation efficiency. In addition, the model can be used to design standard Bio-PRBs for real field of uranium contanminated groundwater. To meet the remediation goal of groundwater, the width of IM group needs to be increased to 250 cm while 500 cm for FM group. Therefore, IM-PRBs save costs significantly. The model has successfully optimized Bio-PRBs and predicted uranium contaminant-plume evolution and microbial growth inhibition in different Bio-PRBs.

Thermal conductive heating coupled with in situ chemical oxidation for soil and groundwater remediation: A quantitative assessment for sustainability

Thermal conductive heating (TCH), broadly applied to remove volatile and semi-volatile organic contaminants from subsurface, is often considered unsustainable due to its high carbon emissions, energy consumption and expensive costs. TCH coupled with in situ chemical oxidation (TCH-ISCO) has drawn much attention recently due to its ability to achieve cleanup goals of groundwater remediation in a timely manner as TCH does, but at much lower temperatures. However, there is a lack of quantitative assessment on the sustainability of TCH-ISCO based on field data. In this study, a quantitative life cycle assessment approach coupled with best management practices (LCA-BMPs) model was developed with data collected in the field to assess the sustainability of TCH-ISCO for chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) contaminated soil and groundwater remediation for the first time. The results revealed that the energy supply via electricity contributed to 68% and 93% of the adverse environmental impacts (e.g., global warming, mineral resource scarcity, and fine particulate matter formation), for TCH-ISCO and TCH, respectively. In addition, the carbon emissions and direct cost of TCH-ISCO were estimated to be 80% and 70% less than TCH, respectively. With regard to the social sustainability, TCH slightly outperformed TCH-ISCO. The overall sustainability scores of TCH-ISCO and TCH were 89.6 and 61.9, respectively, demonstrating that the sustainability performance of TCH-ISCO was significantly better than that of TCH. In view of the current demand for sustainable remediation technology, this study provides reliable data evaluation for the application of TCH-ISCO.

Analytical Model for the Design of Permeable Reactive Barriers Considering Solute Transport in a Dual-Domain System

A permeable reactive barrier (PRB) is an effective groundwater in situ remediation technology, and the design methods used for PRBs are significant in ensuring that they meet remediation goals. Steady-state analytical solutions are an effective tool to provide conservative and simple design methods. A steady-state analytical solution is proposed to describe organic contaminant transport through the PRB and aquifer in a PRB and cut-off wall system. The proposed analytical solution may serve as an effective tool to provide conservative and simple design methods. The shape factor (S) is introduced at the PRB-aquifer interface to investigate the effects of a PRB’s layout forms on its performance. The results show that the relative contaminant concentration at the point of compliance for a PRB with S=8 is 11 orders of magnitude larger than that without considering the shape factor. Effects of degradation, dispersion, and advection on PRB design are subjected to dimensionless analysis. Dimensionless analysis shows that degradation plays a key role in decreasing contaminant concentration in the PRB. In addition, increasing advection may promote contaminant transport from the source to the aquifer. Simplified solutions to estimate PRB thickness and source remediation time are derived for the practical design and performance evaluation of the PRB system.

Stabilization of Waste Mercury with Sulfide through the Ball-Mill Method and Heat Treatment

Most mercury supplies nowadays are limited due to their toxicity and difficulty in treatment. If mercury is stored inappropriately, it will not only contaminate the environment but also pass along the food chain and eventually to humans. Therefore, addressing mercury waste is crucial for the environment and human health. This study aims to stabilize waste mercury using sulfur powder and generate mercury production through a ball mill and heat treatment. To begin with, sulfur powder, waste mercury (98%) from chemicals, and milling balls will be mixed in this step. The parameters in this process were milling temperature, milling time, ball/material ratio, and milling speed. Under the optimal parameters of 35 °C for milling temperature, 12 h for milling time, 46% for the ball/material ratio, and 300 rpm for milling speed, β-HgS was obtained, and α-HgS was subsequently acquired through dry distillation in a tubular furnace at 600 °C for 3 h. On the other hand, high-purity mercury (99.5%) could be recovered under the circumstances of heating α-HgS with oxygen at 600 °C for 3 h. In a nutshell, waste mercury (98%) could be treated appropriately under the state of α-HgS, and high-purity mercury (99.5%) could be produced and reused for other industries through this research. Both contribute to environmental remediation and resource recovery goals.

The role of diagnostic writing assessment in promoting Chinese EFL students’ learning autonomy: An action research study

Writing is a productive language skill that is difficult to improve and derive confidence from. Despite the abundant studies on product, process, or genre approaches to teaching writing and teachers’ feedback, there is a paucity of research into English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ responsibility for writing improvement and diagnostic writing assessment feedback. The present study employed an action research approach to explore the role of diagnostic writing assessment in promoting Chinese upper-intermediate EFL students’ learning autonomy. Questionnaires, reflective journals, and portfolios were utilized to elicit data, which were analyzed within Benson’s three-dimension learning autonomy framework. It was revealed that the diagnostic writing assessment impacted all dimensions of learning autonomy, helping EFL students form realistic perceptions of their writing abilities, formulate approachable remedial learning goals, select appropriate learning methods and content, monitor learning processes, and evaluate learning outcomes. It was also found that teacher interventions could significantly enhance EFL students’ learning management. This study highlighted the role and tested the feasibility of adopting diagnostic writing assessment to facilitate EFL students’ autonomous learning.

Thermal Conduction Heating for a 125 ft Deep TCE Source—Multiple Lines of Evidence for Verification of Remedial Goals

AbstractThis paper describes thermal conduction heating of a trichloroethylene (TCE) source zone within vadose zone soils consisting of glacial till at depths of 50 to 125 ft below an active manufacturing facility. The performance objectives and metrics used to determine remediation success are presented. Access limitations inside the facility prevented traditional spatial soil confirmation sampling, which made performance assessment a unique challenge. Instead, the project team developed an approach utilizing multiple lines of evidence to document remedy completeness. These lines of evidence included achievement of target temperatures within the treatment volume, demonstration of asymptotic vapor concentrations extracted from the treatment volume, achieving modeled energy input goals, and verifying TCE concentrations in post‐treatment soil samples collected at the few accessible locations within the operational facility. The treatment volume was divided into three discrete treatment areas or heating groups, each constructed and heated independently in order to meet an aggressive project schedule. Additionally, each line of evidence was required to be met in each group. After approximately 283 days of heating, temperatures exceeded 90 °C at 95% of the temperature monitoring points, TCE levels had diminished to asymptotic levels in the recovered vapors, and mass removal rates from the treatment volume declined to minimal levels. Confirmatory soil sample results indicated that average TCE concentrations achieved were more than an order of magnitude below the remedial goal of 1 mg/kg.

Desorption and Co‐Dissolution of Uranium‐Bearing Solids During Alkalinity‐Enhanced Flushing of Contaminated Sediments

AbstractElevated uranium concentrations in groundwater remain a persistent challenge at contaminated sites. Several sites rely on natural flushing of uranium as a remediation strategy. Uncertainties in conceptual models can cause remediation strategies to underestimate timeframes required to reach remediation goals. In this study, laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate uranium flushing of sediments from a site with persistent groundwater contamination. Six columns were used to simulate alkalinity‐enhanced flushing of uranium from sediments, by switching influent alkalinity after ~12 pore volumes. About 20% to 31% of sediment uranium was consistently flushed from the sediments. Kd values varied greatly (5.3 to 117 L/kg) but were consistently lower (20% to 50%) during influents with elevated alkalinity. The mass of uranium recovered from the columns also was consistently higher (5% to 80%) during alkalinity‐enhanced flushing periods. However, column experiments with sequentially increasing alkalinity showed diminishing returns in uranium elution at higher carbonate concentrations. The loss of flushing efficiency is attributed to significant calcite precipitation at higher alkalinities. The results show that alkalinity‐enhanced flushing of uranium could be employed as a viable remediation scheme if calcite precipitation could be minimized in a field application.

Modeling Dissolution of Soluble Compounds from Multi-Component NAPL Using a Desorption Approximation.

Groundwater professionals require methods to estimate the potential time required to achieve remedial goals, including locations within and downgradient of zones containing non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs). NAPLs have long been recognized as persistent contaminant sources to groundwater. Dissolution of multi-component NAPLs is particularly complex, and numerical models that explicitly simulate it are not widely available. This study introduces an equilibrium partitioning approximation to simulate the dissolution of the most soluble chemical components from multi-component NAPL containing a significant fraction of relatively insoluble mass. The effective distribution coefficient that describes depletion of a specific compound from NAPL is estimated based on the properties of the NAPL and the porous medium. This study also presents numerical modeling results that support the utility of the method, with verification using published empirical data collected during dissolution of residual coal tar in a controlled laboratory sand tank experiment. The numerical modeling method uses equilibrium partitioning as an approximation and matched the concentrations of the two most soluble NAPL components in and downgradient of the NAPL zone with reasonable accuracy. The results suggest that the method should be useful for screening level assessments and can be adapted to compare relative groundwater restoration timeframes of select NAPL components for various remedial alternatives.

Risk Control Values and Remediation Goals for Benzo[a]pyrene in Contaminated Sites: Sectoral Characteristics, Temporal Trends, and Empirical Implications.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a highly carcinogenic pollutant of global concern. There is a need for a comprehensive assessment of regulation decisions for BaP-contaminated site management. Herein, we present a quantitative evaluation of remediation decisions from 206 contaminated sites throughout China between 2011 and 2021 using the cumulative distribution function (CDF) and related statistical methodologies. Generally, remediation decisions seek to establish remediation goals (RGs) based on the risk control values (RCVs). Cumulative frequency distributions, followed non-normal S-curve, emerged multiple nonrandom clusters. These clusters are consistent with regulatory guidance values (RGVs), of national and local soil levels in China. Additionally, priority interventions for contaminated sites were determined by prioritizing RCVs and identifying differences across industrial sectors. Notably, we found that RCVs and RGs became more relaxed over time, effectively reducing conservation and unsustainable social and economic impacts. The joint probability curve was applied to model decision values, which afforded a generic empirically important RG of 0.57 mg/kg. Overall, these findings will help decision-makers and governments develop appropriate remediation strategies for BaP as a ubiquitous priority pollutant.