Cyclodextrins for the enhancement of soil remediation technologies

Randomly methylated beta-cyclodextrin (RAMEB, an industrially produced cyclodextrin derivative) was used as an additive to enhance the efficiency of an ex situ (enhanced natural attenuation) technology. The demonstration experiments were performed on a former military site contaminated with old diesel and engine oil. The results of the technology monitoring which integrated physico-chemical, biological and environmental toxicological tests, proved that the bioavailability of the contaminants was improved, the adaptation period of the soil indigenous microflora was shortened, and the microbial decomposition of the contaminantwas accelerated. Thermoanalytical studies proved that RAMEB could mobilize the strongly adsorbed contaminants as well as humic substances. The technology was evaluated using the Technology Verification System (TSV) including mass balance, quantitative risk assessment, cost-benefit and/or cost-efficiency analysis and SWOT analysis. The verification demonstrated the environmental efficiency and competitiveness of the technology.