2.1.1. Natural Attenuation and Biodegradation

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define natural attenuation in a simple sentence.

   Hint

   Think about how nature cleans itself.

2. 2.

   What is biodegradation?

   Hint

   Consider what happens to food waste in a compost bin.

3. 3.

   What is monitored natural recovery?

   • A chemical process
   • A method of passive remediation
   • An aggressive cleanup method

   Hint

   Think about how the environment heals itself.

4. 4.

   True or False: Dredging always improves water quality.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what happens to sediments when they are disturbed.

5. 5.

   Design a remediation strategy for a hypothetical contaminated site using one of the methods discussed. Explain your rationale and expected outcomes.

   Hint

   Think about the pros and cons of each method and the specific site conditions.

6. 6.

   Evaluate the long-term effectiveness of dredging as a remediation method in relation to sediment resuspension and chemical discharge.

   Hint

   Consider the environmental repercussions over time.