Figure 9.33

SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY: How is contaminated groundwater cleaned? In 1980, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Superfund Program was established to clean up the nation’s worst toxic contamination. Over 80% of EPA Superfund sites are areas of contaminated groundwater. The method of cleanup used depends on the type of contaminant, the physical circumstances at the site, and the cost. Generally, contaminated water is either pumped from the ground and treated, or it is treated while in the ground, a method called in situ remediation.