A Permeable Reactive Barrier Installed in Acid Sulfate Soil Terrain

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) are used worldwide for the remediation of contaminated groundwater in the subsurface. This paper showcases a PRB installed in an acid sulfate soil rich ground to neutralize acidic groundwater. Recycled concrete has been used as the reactive material. Its performance is monitored over 8 years and has shown promising results for treatment in the long-term by maintaining a neutral pH and removing heavy metals from groundwater. Heavy metals (Al and Fe) precipitate out of solution and armor the reactive surfaces of recycled concrete, which leads to a decrease in the efficiency. Longevity of the PRB is predicted considering the rate of exhaustion of reactive material, rate of precipitation of secondary minerals and the groundwater flow at field site.