Environmental remediation refers to the process of mitigating or reversing environmental damage to restore ecosystems, soil, water, or air to acceptable and sustainable conditions. This interdisciplinary field employs various techniques and technologies to address pollution, contamination, or other forms of environmental degradation caused by human activities or natural disasters.
Origin of the term and application
The word remediation is from the Latin, “remediatio” meaning “a process of healing.” It is used in a broad range of contexts, but when paired with environmental it refers to the efforts to restore and rehabilitate ecosystems impacted by pollution or contamination which can be caused by oil spills, industrial waste and other forms of improper waste disposal. After assessment of the site to determine the nature and quantity of pollutants, various strategies are then utilized in environmental remediation to ensure safe removal of the toxins. Today, some countries have legislation around environmental remediation. Remediation efforts contribute to the protection of human health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, fostering a cleaner and more resilient environment for current and future generations.
