Reference Guide to Non-Combustion Technologies for Remediation of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Soil

This report is the second edition of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (US EPA's) 2005 report and provides a high level summary of information on the applicability of existing and emerging non-combustion technologies for the remediation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in soil. POPs are chemicals that are demonstrated to be toxic, persist in the environment for long periods of time, and bioaccumulate and biomagnify as they move through the food chain. POPs are linked to adverse effects on humans and animals, such as cancer, damage to the nervous system, reproductive disorders, and disruption of the immune system. In addition, restrictions and bans on the use of POPs have resulted in a significant number of unusable stockpiles of POP-containing materials, largely located outside the United States (US). Deterioration of storage facilities used for the stockpiles, improper storage practices, and past production and use of POPs also have resulted in contamination of soils around the world. Since the publication of this report in 2005, nine (9) additional chemicals have been listed in the Stockholm Convention; this brings the total number of chemicals currently listed as POPs under the Stockholm Convention to twenty-one (21). In addition, three (3) POPs are currently under consideration.