UK-2 :: Soil and groundwater remediation

Soil and groundwater remediation is difficult to achieve so it is best to preserve what we already have. Recent reviews of progress in groundwater remediation in the USA and elsewhere have shown that at the present rate, we are centuries away from restoring the groundwater to the quality before industrial pollution took place. Technological advancements with new materials and novel combinations of pre treatment, treatment and post treatment technologies could help accelerate progress.
How can new treatment materials, new technologies and new combinations of technologies be brought to market more quickly in more EU MS than has been the case in recent decades?
Specific research questions (following the conceptual model of INSPIRATION)
Demand Demand for water will be mitigated by better groundwater remediation.
Natural capital Rapid and more effective progress on soil and groundwater remediation will help steward our natural capital.
Land management Remediated soil can be reused helping avoid urban sprawl and the consumption of green field (previously undeveloped) land.
The innovation requested would help improve economic performance, reduce environmental impact and amplify the social licence to operate and hence contribute to more clearly sustainable land management.
Net impacts Reduced resource consumption and enhanced soil and groundwater resource.
Justification The present rate of progress is too slow and the net impact of current approaches to soil and groundwater remediation is not optimal.