Based on the properties of some products (e.g., surfactants or chelators) commercial products were tested in the laboratory (column tests) for their effectiveness and efficiency in washing soils contaminated with aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons or metals.

Soils (surface and deep) hailing from two industrial plants were found to be non-compliant for parameters C under 12 and BTEX (in the first site) and metals (Arsenic, Zinc, Cadmium) in the second site.

For the two sites under study, soil-washing technology was chosen for the remediation of soils contaminated with hydrocarbons or metals. Among many methods of soil remediation, the soil-washing technique is widely accepted and often used. Laboratory-scale feasibility studies to analyze the performance of different types of products are widely recommended before field testing.