Lime Treatment of Contaminated Land

Lime products have been used to raise the pH of soils contaminated with cadmium and other heavy metals. This treatment immobilises the metals and enables the land to be used for growing forage crops and grasses [32.33]. 

2 Contamination with Mineral Oils and Similar Substances 

A patented process, known as the DCR process, [32.34] describes the use of coated ground quicklime to disperse mineral oils and similar substances. The coating delays the hydration of the quicklime, which subsequently carbonates. Because the organic matter is finely dispersed, it is claimed to be biodegradable. The process is reported to be suitable for the treatment of contaminated soils and sludges. 

The process is understood to have been applied successfully to many sites in Europe. The treatment undoubtedly improves the characteristics of the soil and sludge and immobilises the organic matter to a degree. However, there is concern as to whether the treated material meets the requirements of the appropriate leaching tests [32.35, 32.36]. The latter simulates the effects of acidic rain, which is much more aggressive than normal groundwater. 

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