Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Practice Exam

Which is the most effective in-situ remediation method for soil contamination by a volatile compound?

1. Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE)

2. Bioremediation

3. Soil Vacuum Extraction (SVE)

4. Chemical oxidation

The correct answer is: Soil Vacuum Extraction (SVE)

The most effective in-situ remediation method for soil contamination by volatile compounds is Soil Vapor Extraction (often referred to as SVE). This technique specifically targets volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by using a vacuum system to extract vapors from the soil. The process involves creating a vacuum in the soil, which draws the contaminated air into a treatment system where pollutants can be captured or treated before being released, effectively removing contamination. This method is particularly advantageous because it is designed to be targeted and efficient, addressing the specific properties of volatile compounds, which can easily vaporize and migrate through the air within the soil matrix. The effectiveness of SVE lies in its ability to rapidly reduce contaminant concentrations, making it preferable for sites where VOCs are a primary concern. Bioremediation, while effective for certain types of contaminants, is generally more suitable for biodegradable compounds and may not address volatile compounds as efficiently. Chemical oxidation can be effective but often involves complex chemical reactions and may not be as immediate as vapor extraction methods. Therefore, Soil Vapor Extraction stands out as the most suitable choice for remediating soil contaminated with volatile compounds.