They create a compound to remove lindane from the ground.

2023/10/23 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ingurumena
• Osasuna

A group of researchers from the University of Navarra and the companies Magna and Emgris have created a compound that facilitates the disposal of lindane from contaminated landfills and lands. This compound can be used directly on the ground to clean the contaminated area. The Journal of Environmental Management announces the achievement.

Lindane is very toxic, persistent and bioaccumulative. It has been used as an insecticide for many years and since 2008 it has been banned in the European Union for its effects on the environment and health.

The new compound is filled with micropores and is especially absorbent in reducing and alkaline atmosphere. “The final product is economically viable, easy to produce, with raw materials of circular economy and very efficient,” explains Javier Erro, researcher at the Institute of Biodiversity and Environment of the University of Navarra.

One of the main innovations is that it can be applied directly without the need to isolate contaminated soil. They have also shown that it removes more than 90% of lindane in a short time. On the other hand, they also serve for the recovery of other organic or inorganic compounds such as heavy metals.