Plants help Proton to clean the soil in Hillerstorp
Few people realise that plants can play a crucial role in cleaning soil of contaminants. But for Proton Finishing in Hillerstorp, it was an important discovery during the feasibility study carried out to clean the soil around the property. Proton is now investing in phytoremediation – an effective and environmentally friendly method where plants are used to clean soil. The initiative is a natural step in the company’s efforts to make a positive difference.
The property in Hillerstorp, where Proton Finishing has operated since the early 1990s, has been used for surface treatment activities since the 1950s. In the first years of operation, the legislation was different, which is the reason for the need for decontamination today.
Proton Finishing enlisted the help of PhytoEnvitech AB, a company specialising in green technology and rooted in academic research, to clean up the soil around the main building in Hillerstorp.
‘We conducted a feasibility study to map the pollution levels and get recommendations on how to reduce them,’ says Maria Thom, Sustainability Manager at Proton Group. ‘The study showed elevated levels of heavy metals and the need for remediation.’
The top layer of soil containing the turf was excavated and Salix, a plant known for its phytoremediation properties, was planted.
Salix has a great ability to absorb and store heavy
metals in its tissues, making it ideal for cleaning the soil.
‘There are several advantages to this method,’ says Ms Thom. ‘It is an environmentally friendly solution that preserves the structure of the soil and the biomass harvested can be used for energy production. It also creates a pleasant environment to be in.’
For Jimmy Carlsson, who is site manager at Proton Finishing in Hillerstorp and also has a great personal interest in plants, the investment is important from several perspectives: ‘As head of the unit here in Hillerstorp and also a proud Hillerstorp resident, it is a matter of course to take care of the environment around us. Many residents in the village have come forward and wondered what we are doing and we have received several positive reactions when they hear about the initiative. And even though the purpose of the planting is primarily environmental, the greenery around the property is of course a big plus.’
Project duration may vary, but for Proton Finishing the process is expected to take at least four years. The project will continue until the desired treatment levels are achieved, and continuous measurements will be taken to monitor the reduction of contaminants in the soil.
‘Proton Finishing’s work on phytoremediation is an excellent example of how industry can take responsibility for the environment by using innovative and sustainable methods,’ said Tommy Landberg of PhytoEnvitech. ‘By planting Salix on their contaminated land, Proton Finishing shows that it is possible to combine effective soil remediation with environmentally friendly solutions, while contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.’
It is an environmentally friendly solution that preserves the structure of the soil and the biomass harvested can be used for energy production. It also creates a pleasant environment to be in.
Proton Finishing’s work on phytoremediation is an excellent example of how industry can take responsibility for the environment by using innovative and sustainable methods.
Tommy Landberg
PhytoEnvitech AB
About the phytoremediation method
Phytoremediation is a process whereby suitable plants are planted on contaminated land to absorb and break down pollutants. Fast-growing species such as Salix (willows) are particularly effective as they can absorb and store high levels of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and zinc in their tissues. Organic pollutants are broken down by enzymes produced by the plants. Plant roots stabilise the soil and prevent erosion, while they can also change the pH of the soil to influence
the mobility and availability of contaminants. Once the plants have absorbed the contaminants, they are harvested and the plant material is disposed of safely, for example by incineration where the ash is treated to further reduce contaminant levels. Regular soil samples are taken to monitor the effectiveness of the remediation, and the process is repeated until contamination levels are sufficiently low.
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