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EarthGuard PRB™ combines a permeable reactive barrier with electrokinetic remediation for the effective cleanup of contaminated soil.
Traditional soil remediation methods, like large-scale excavation, are energy-intensive and simply relocate the problem. These approaches can disrupt site operations and risk spreading contamination.
EarthGuard PRB™ offers a cleaner, more efficient alternative. Designed to treat contamination directly in the ground, this innovative permeable reactive barrier (PRB) technology provides a less disruptive solution for environmentally friendly soil remediation.
EarthGuard PRB™ is an advanced PRB technology designed for in-situ soil remediation.
The core of this technology is a patent-pending compound, which takes the form of a grainy, powder-like reactive material. This material is used to construct a PRB, which is applied in combination with electrokinetic remediation to capture contaminants for removal.
EarthGuard PRB™ pilot-scale project
The remediation process begins with the installation of electrodes around the contaminated area to create an electric field. This field drives electrokinetic migration in soil, causing contaminants such as PFAS and heavy metals to detach from soil particles and migrate through the soil towards the PRB.
To enhance the EK process, biosurfactants are applied to the soil. These biosurfactants reduce surface tension, effectively "washing" the contaminants off the soil particles and making it easier for them to move towards the PRB.
As the contaminants travel through the treatment area, they encounter the PRB. This triggers a chemical reaction called adsorption, where the contaminants attach to the reactive material in the PRB.
Once the adsorption process is complete, the PRB – along with the captured contaminants – is carefully removed from the soil. This method is much less disruptive and more efficient than traditional excavation, as the PRB is very compact compared to the entire treatment area.
The captured contaminants are then treated either in-situ or ex-situ, depending on the site conditions and the type of contaminants. Treatment methods may include bioremediation or incineration.
EarthGuard PRB™ stands out in the field of soil remediation with its innovative technology and sustainable approach. Here’s what makes our solution exceptional:
Developed in collaboration with University of Technology Sydney and supported by Fire and Rescue NSW, EarthGuard PRB™ features a unique, patent-pending compound.
Early testing has demonstrated its ability to remove up to 95% of PFAS, showcasing its high effectiveness in addressing soil contamination.
The setup of EarthGuard PRB™ is straightforward, and the remediation process occurs underground. This approach is discreet and non-invasive, ensuring minimal disruption to site operations and preserving the integrity of the working environment.
EarthGuard PRB™ can be seamlessly integrated with other remediation methods, such as WaterGuard Nano™, our patented in-situ groundwater solution. This adaptability allows for a comprehensive and tailored approach to managing various contamination challenges.
The PRB compound and the biosurfuctants used in the EarthGuard PRB™ process are eco-friendly, with no harmful effects on the environment.
And compared to traditional excavation, EarthGuard PRB™ requires significantly less energy and can be powered by solar energy, making it a greener and more sustainable option for soil remediation.
EarthGuard PRB™ is highly versatile and can be adapted to address challenges across various sites, including airports, military estates and chemical manufacturing sites. It effectively tackles a wide range of contaminants, including:
Shown to remove the persistent “forever chemicals” found in firefighting foams and industrial applications.
Our team is continuously advancing EarthGuard PRB™ through ongoing research and development to optimise the technology for diverse soil types and contamination scenarios.
We're also continuing our application of EarthGuard PRB™ in trial projects to showcase its real-world effectiveness and develop EarthGuard PRB™ into the world’s leading solution for PFAS remediation in soil and biosolids.
What is a permeable reactive barrier?
A permeable reactive barrier (PRB) is a physical barrier installed beneath the surface of the earth in a contaminated area.
It’s made of a reactive material, which is selected based on how it reacts with certain pollutants. For example, it might transform pollutants into less harmful substances or it might trap them on the surface of the PRB through adsorption.
The PRB’s permeability means that groundwater and soil can pass through it; as contaminated water or soil flows through the PRB, it reacts to the pollutants, and the water or soil continues on with reduced levels of contamination.
In EarthGuard PRB™, the PRB consists of a patent-pending compound that adsorbs contaminants it comes into contact with.
What are biosurfactants?
Biosurfactants are natural, eco-friendly compounds produced by microorganisms. They work by reducing the surface tension between substances, which enhances the mobility of pollutants.
This is useful in remediation processes that involve the movement of contaminants through soil and water.
What are electrokinetic processes?
Electrokinetic processes use an electrical field to influence the movement of charged particles in a medium such as soil. In the context of soil remediation, electrokinetic processes mobilise pollutants within contaminated soil.
Electrokinetic processes work by inserting electrodes into contaminated materials and applying an electric current. This creates an electric field, which drives pollutants towards the electrodes through mechanisms like electromigration, electroosmosis and electrophoresis.
Pollutants are then collected at the electrodes or flushed out with water for further treatment and disposal.
Are electrokinetic processes effective for PFAS remediation?
Applied on a standalone basis, electrokinetic processes are not very efficient at moving PFAS through soil, for two main reasons:
However, the electrokinetic process applied through EarthGuard PRB™ is uniquely effective at mobilising PFAS thanks to the effective application of a biosurfactant and the use of our specially designed permeable reactive barrier.
How is EarthGuard PRB™ adapted to each site?
EarthGuard PRB™ can be tailored to each site’s unique conditions. The formulation of the PRB compound is optimised for the specific contaminants involved, and the placement of electrodes and the PRB is strategically adjusted based on factors such as soil composition, contamination levels, and site layout.
This customised approach ensures optimal performance and efficient contaminant removal for a variety of environments.
Are the results permanent?
While EarthGuard PRB™ demonstrates high effectiveness, the long-term permanence of results is still being evaluated. As with all emerging technologies, ongoing and long-term monitoring is a crucial part of our process to ensure continued effectiveness and address any future changes in soil conditions.
Our solution offers high removal rates, eco-friendly operations, and minimal site disruption. Discover how EarthGuard PRB™ can provide an effective, sustainable solution for your site.
