The so-called pump and treat method has been used quite extensively for the remediation of contaminated ground water. Now it is perceived by some in the field as too expensive when compared to newer in-situ methods for the removal of organic compounds. Examples of these are bio-remediation, in-situ oxidation and surfactant injection. It has been found, however, that pump and treat can be economically acceptable and competitive when organically modified clay is combined with the activated carbon used in the conventional version of the system.
Water supply shortages exist in many regions of the world, including in parts of the U.S., where western states such as Nevada and California are particularly affected. The situation generally is going to get worse and conservation and water quality protection measures are becoming increasingly important.
