Definition and general context

Decontamination systems are sets of technologies, processes and equipment designed to eliminate, reduce or neutralize contaminants present in different environments, both in the industrial field and in the environment. Its main purpose is to guarantee safety and health, preventing risks to human health, flora, fauna and ecosystems.

These systems are applied in various areas, from the decontamination of wastewater and contaminated soils, to the decontamination of surfaces and air in industrial facilities, laboratories, hospitals and public spaces. Growing concern about environmental impact and public health has driven the development and implementation of increasingly efficient and specialized systems.

Physical decontamination systems

Physical decontamination systems are based on the direct removal of contaminants through mechanical or physical processes, without chemically altering the contaminating substances. These include techniques such as filtration, sedimentation, centrifugation and absorption.

In filtration, for example, porous media is used to retain solid particles or microorganisms present in liquids or gases. Sedimentation takes advantage of gravity to separate solid particles suspended in liquids, facilitating their subsequent elimination.

These methods are fundamental in the preliminary treatment of wastewater, the decontamination of air in ventilation systems and the cleaning of soils affected by solid particles or visible residues, being complementary to other chemical or biological systems.

Chemical decontamination systems

Chemical decontamination systems use chemical reactions to transform or eliminate contaminants. These processes can include oxidation, reduction, neutralization and precipitation, among others.

A common example is advanced oxidation, which uses oxidizing agents such as ozone or hydrogen peroxide to break down toxic organic compounds in wastewater. Neutralization is applied to correct the pH of contaminated liquids, making the compounds less harmful or easier to remove.