Natural attenuation research at the contaminated megasite Zeitz

Monitored natural attenuation (MNA) as a possible remediation strategy has been intensively discussed over the last several years. However, in order to apply natural attenuation (NA) as a rational remediation option, suitable methods for the assessment and evaluation of the efficiency of these processes must be developed, the sustainability of the NA processes has to be demonstrated and regulatory and public acceptance has to be established. The RETZ-INA (Reference test site Zeitz for the implementation of the Natural Attenuation approach) Project deals with the implementation of the MNA approach as a remediation concept at the heavily contaminated former industrial field site Zeitz (Germany). Due to the long history of industrial production, the multiple contaminant sources present and the large spatial extent.