Natural attenuation

Natural attenuation (from the English natural attenuation , derived from the Latin attenuare : to reduce, to reduce) is the name for the processes in the soil that take place naturally and lead to a reduction in the contamination of the soil . The common abbreviation is "NA".

They are, for example, microorganisms that break down chemical compounds, or chemical or physical processes. In the remediation of groundwater and soil pollution, natural processes can be just as effective as technical measures.

The NA can be made usable for groundwater and soil remediation by setting it in motion and accelerating it ( Enhanced Natural Attenuation , ENA). If necessary, the processes taking place in the groundwater or soil are observed ( Monitored Natural Attenuation , MNA).

Web links

• www.natural-attenuation.de , website of the BMBF funding priority KORA (controlled natural retention and degradation of pollutants in the remediation of contaminated soils and groundwater)