Natural Attenuation
Project CORONA (Confidence in forecasting of Natural Attenuation as a risk-based groundwater remediation strategy) was an international research project focused on understanding and quantifying the processes of natural attenuation of contamination in rock environments and groundwater.
The basic subject of the research was the so-called "corona" of the contamination cloud – a reactive transition zone between a heavily contaminated environment and the surrounding rock massif. It is in this zone that key physical, chemical, and biological processes take place, which fundamentally influence the rate of pollution spread and its natural decomposition.
The role of OPV
OPV participated in the project by providing hydrogeological consultations, geochemical assessments, and mathematical modelingbased on real operational data from the long-term monitored site of CEPRO Hnevice, where OPV is responsible for the remediation of oil pollution.
OPV contributed in particular to:
- the analysis of groundwater flow,
- the evaluation of oil substance transport,
- the evaluation of natural degradation processes,
- the application of research findings to remediation practice.
International cooperation
The CORONA project brought together research institutions, industrial entities, and government agencies across Europe. The project included a Knowledge Exchange Group, which enabled the sharing of data, methodologies, and results between academia, practitioners, and regulators.
Leading European universities and institutions participated in the project, including:
- University of Sheffield (Velká Británie),
- University of Tübingen (Německo),
- Technical University of Denmark (Dánsko),
- TU Delft (Nizozemsko),
- EPFL Lausanne (Švýcarsko),
- Univerzita Karlova (Česká republika).
Project results and benefits
The CORONA project has contributed significantly to a better understanding of natural remediation processes and their safe use as part of remediation strategies.The project results have made it possible to:
- better predict the behavior of contamination plumes,
- optimize the scope and costs of remediation measures,
- link scientific research with real-world environmental projects.
The findings of the CORONA project are still used today in remediation geology, risk assessment, and groundwater protection throughout Europe.
