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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.
Salix has a great ability to absorb and store heavy metals in its tissues, making it ideal for purifying the soil.
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 soil remediation.
‘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 who 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.’
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 LandbergPhytoEnvitech AB
Project duration can 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 its 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.’
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