Leaching and transport

The environmental risk of contaminants present in a material is determined by the “leachable” fraction, as opposed to the (often large) fraction that is bound to the matrix in such a strong way that it will not be released. As a consequence, the research of the group focuses on the actual risks with respect to contaminant spreading in the environment. After the leaching process, contaminants may be further transported through soil and groundwater. These transport processes are also subject of study in the group.