Cleanup techniques
Types of reclamation processes
Reclamation processes can generally be classified according to the place in which they are applied:
In Situ Processes
Recovery and/or treatment operations take place at the natural site of the contaminated matrix, without the need for excavation or earth movement.
On Site Processes
Less invasive as they involve the treatment of contaminated matrices at the site.
Off Site Processes
Treatment of the contaminated environmental matrix (air, water or soil) occurs in an environment different from its natural one. Eni Rewind does not prioritise this type of treatment because it generates a strong environmental impact.
In Situ Processes
Recovery and/or treatment operations take place at the natural site of the contaminated matrix, without the need for excavation or earth movement.
On Site Processes
Less invasive as they involve the treatment of contaminated matrices at the site.
Off Site Processes
Treatment of the contaminated environmental matrix (air, water or soil) occurs in an environment different from its natural one. Eni Rewind does not prioritise this type of treatment because it generates a strong environmental impact.
Thanks to our research, which focuses on low environmental impact techniques, in situ ones in particular, we have developed decision-making and monitoring tools at the service of the site cleanup process, with the registration of brands and patents.
MIAMI (integrated microbiological and isotopic analysis methods)
Isotopic methodology enables more accurate contaminant characterisation, reducing the degree of uncertainty typical of traditional methods, while also identifying the actual source of contamination. Combining this methodology with the molecular technique enables the assessment and quantification of the degree and process of alteration the contaminant is subjected to in the environment.
Molecular fingerprinting The qPCR, quantitative PCR or gene amplification technique is used, based on the quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction. It consists of searching for gene markers association with in situ biodegradation of main contaminants. Specifically, markers of aerobic/anaerobic degradation are searched for in bacterial DNA extracted from groundwater. The presence of gene markers associated with specific reactions of bacterial biodegradation in groundwater samples indicates potential applicability of bioremediation.
Isotopic fingerprinting The technique involves analysing the isotopic ratio of rare and abundant isotopes of a specific chemical element, by means of GC-IRMS (Gas Chromatography Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry). Stable isotopes do not decay, however their ratio changes during the biodegradation process, due to microorganisms. Many biochemical processes tend to result in products rich in lighter isotopes, with a consequent progressive enrichment in heavier ones in the substrate. This phenomenon is called "fractioning" and enables the assessment of attenuation processes of the pollutant plume with a quantitative approach.
