In-situ activated carbon (AC) amendment is a promising remediation technique for the treatment of sediment impacted by hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs). Since its first proposal in the early 2000s, the remediation technique has quickly gained acceptance as a feasible alternative among the scientific and engineering communities in the United States and northern Europe. This review paper aims to provide an overview on in-situ AC amendment for the treatment of HOC-impacted sediment with a major focus on its working principles. We began with an introduction on the practical and scientific background that led to the proposal of this remediation technique. Then, we described how the remediation technique works in a mechanistic sense, along with discussion on two modes of implementation, mechanical mixing and thin-layer capping, that are distinct from each other. We also discussed key considerations involved in establishing a remedial goal and performing post-implementation monitoring when this technique is field-applied. We concluded with future works necessary to adopt and further develop this innovative sediment remediation technique to ongoing and future sediment contamination concerns in Korea.

Keywords: Activated carbon, Stabilization, Remediation, Sediment, Sorption