By Clarice Sivesgaard Abacan, AAU Communication and Public Affairs

Grindsted, one of Denmark’s most severely polluted towns, is seeing a glimmer of hope thanks to a groundbreaking research project aimed at addressing its generational pollution. The contamination, which stems from historical industrial activities at Grindstedværket, has left the town grappling with polluted groundwater containing heavy metals, mercury, pharmaceuticals, and chlorinated solvents.

The regions are responsible for the cleanup of generational pollution

In Denmark, it is the regions that are responsible for the cleanup of generational pollution. These pollutions are extensive and complex soil contaminations that require significant resources to manage. Besides Grindsted, there are 9 other generational pollution sites in Denmark, including Høfde 42, Kærgård Klitplantage, Himmark Strand, and the old Cheminova factory site.

Electrolytic Water Purification: A Promising Solution

In an effort to tackle this issue, a research team led by Associate Professor Jens Muff from Aalborg University Esbjerg has been exploring a novel method of groundwater purification known as electrolytic water purification. The technology has already shown promising results in preliminary trials supported by CLEAN and the Region of Southern Denmark, finding that the amount of vinyl chloride and benzene in groundwater can be effectively reduced through electrolysis. Vinyl chloride is a toxic substance that, in high concentrations, can lead to liver cancer.

“I'm involved in this exciting project where we use electrolytic water purification. This technology basically “only” requires power supply and smart control, no dosing of chemicals is needed. The process opens up new innovative applications, such as using surplus electricity for water purification and thus new ways to balance the electricity grid,” explains Jens Muff.

Scaling up for broader impact

The next phase of the project involves scaling up the technology for larger trials. A pilot plant will be established to conduct continuous tests, assessing the robustness and efficiency of the method under real-world conditions. This phase is crucial for determining the feasibility of implementing the technology on a broader scale.

“My colleagues and I are now moving on to the next phase - demonstrating the technology on a larger scale in a pilot plant, where we will conduct continuous tests to examine the robustness of the method and the balancing of reaction time in relation to the available current. As project owner, GEV in Grindsted has assembled a consortium of partners with the necessary expertise to ensure the project's success,” says Jens Muff.

The project has garnered support from the Just Transition Fund (FRO) and the European Union, with Energy Cluster overseeing its administration. Jens Muff and his colleagues are optimistic about the potential of electrolytic water purification to offer a sustainable and effective solution to Grindsted’s pollution problem. If successful, this technology could be applied to similar environmental challenges elsewhere.

“The contamination in Grindsted is extremely complex, and if we can demonstrate that the technology works here, there are so many other contaminated sites where the technology can be considered as a super interesting alternative to traditional pump-n-treat solutions,” adds Jens Muff.

A Hopeful Outlook

While the generational pollution in Grindsted serves as a stark reminder of past environmental mismanagement, the advancements in purification technology provide a glimmer of hope. The ongoing research and development efforts could pave the way for a cleaner, safer future for Grindsted and beyond.

"The advancements in electrolytic water purification technology not only contribute to a cleaner and safer future for Grindsted but could also lead to new, more sustainable solutions to other environmental challenges that can contribute to the green transition," concludes Jens Muff.