Environmental technologies based on geochemical processes

Abstract

The accumulation of potentially harmful substances in our environment bears a close similarity to ore-forming processes; this is particularly evident in the case of inorganic pollutants. A look at the ways in which Nature minimizes the impact of high concentrations of toxic substances on the environment can provide inspiration for environmentally sound sanitation techniques. At variance with official environmental policies in the Netherlands, but in line with the basic aims of environmental science, it is often better to leave contaminated sites untouched, than to mobilize toxic substances during sanitation, or pretend to isolate them forever from contact with the biosphere.