Abstract
Mercury from anthropogenic activities has led to soil and sediment pollutions that pose
significant risks to humans and the environment. Remediation of soils and sediments
contaminated with mercury can be technically challenging and costly, depending on the
subsurface mercury distribution, the types of mercury species and the regulatory requirements.
This paper introduces the theory that is relevant to in situ mercury remediation, followed by
detailed discussion of several in situ Hg remediation technologies in terms of applicability and
cost, along with the advantages and disadvantages of the technology. In general, in situ thermal
desorption, electrokinetic, and soil flushing/washing treatments are removal technologies that
involve mobilization and capture of mercury species; whereas containment, solidification
/stabilization, and vitrification are immobilization technologies that convert mobile Hg species to
less soluble forms. Two emerging technologies, phytoremediation and nanotechnology, are also
discussed in this review.
