Remediation in developing countries: A review of previously implemented projects and analysis of stakeholder participation efforts

• Published in: Critical reviews in environmental science and technology 2021-06, Vol.51 (12), p.1259-1280
• Main Authors: O'Brien, Rosalie M., Phelan, Thomas J., Smith, Nicole M., Smits, Kathleen M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Clean-up; contaminated land management; Developing countries; Environmental cleanup; Excavation; Heavy metals; LDCs; Literature reviews; Persistent organic pollutants; Pollutants; Remediation; Sediment pollution; Soil contamination; Soil pollution; Stakeholders; Structural stability
• ISSN: 1064-3389; 1547-6537
• DOI: 10.1080/10643389.2020.1755203

In developing countries, remediation projects are predominantly implemented in areas with imminent risks due to human exposure routes. Projects experience challenges due to funding constraints derived from the history of legacy pollution and informal livelihood occupations in addition to political and economic instability and weak regulatory structures. Remedial efforts therefore often utilize simple, cost-effective methods of excavation and safe storage of polluted media, most often of which is soil contaminated with heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. Overcoming context-specific challenges require strong stakeholder participation efforts. However, most projects fail to effectively engage multiple stakeholders and suffer from inexperienced facilitation and inaccurately applied engagement methodologies. This literature review critically examines remedial projects in developing countries. Particular attention is given to remedial challenges specific to working in developing countries and current state of the practice of clean-up initiatives. It provides recommendations for enhancing existing remedial efforts by developing robust stakeholder participation efforts throughout the remedial process.