ViroSoilTM Technology - Introduction
ViroSoilTM Technology is a total treatment solution incorporating a range of toxicologically safe formulations, ViroBindTM reagents, which when added to soils immobilise heavy metals and phosphate.
ViroBindTM reagents have a high charge-to-mass ratio and a high surface area-to-mass ratio. They are composed of up to 80% of solid grains 10µm or less in dry powder or slurry, are highly insoluble and non-dispersive in water, displaying rapid settling characteristics and producing a stable sediment when applied directly to water.
Metals in the soil profile are bound in a non bio-available, non-leachable form, limiting the potential for translocation into the surrounding environment or their absorption by plants or animals. In this manner metals are permanently immobilised even under acidic conditions. Binding occurs rapidly, with leachable levels significantly lowered within 48 hours. Soluble phosphate is bound by an adsorption mechanism whereby available phosphate is not released to the surrounding soil but is still available to plants via a slow release osmotic mechanism across the plant root nodules.
ViroSoilTM Technology can remediate contaminated land to a standard that would allow the use of in-situ treatment. In this way, no soil would leave site, significantly reducing traffic movements and landfill costs and ensuring that the project is managed in an environmentally sustainable manner. Even when a “dig and dump” approach is required, landfill costs can be reduced as treatment with ViroSoilTM Technology can re-classify soils according to the WAC guidelines due to the non-leachable properties of the treated soil.
Proven odour abatement properties give added value to the use of ViroSoilTM Technology where mercaptans, methane and hydrogen sulphide gases can be simultaneously removed during the mixing phase of the contaminated soil with ViroBindTM reagents.
ViroBindTM reagents have excellent acid neutralisation properties (neutralisation capacity of up to 14 moles/kg) allowing soil acidity to be neutralised in and around the treatment area. Application also helps maintain a healthy sustainable soil horizon by adding macro and micro nutrients in plant available forms and increasing soil moisture retention.
ViroSoilTM Technology is also highly effective for the treatment of dredgings and sediments. Its excellent neutralisation capacity, high iron sorption characteristics and the absence of hydrogen carbonate minimises the catalytic oxidation of sulphides.
