Application Framework
The LIFE Narmena partners are developing an application framework for nature-based remediation techniques. This application framework consists of the different modules:
- Guidelines
- Eco-modelling tool
- CO2 calculator
- Comparative cost analysis
- Decision Support System
- Code of Good Practice Phytoremediation
Guidance for nature-based remediation techniques
(foreseen in 2026)
A guide to the application of NBR techniques will be developed. This guide is not legally binding, but is intended to provide users a profound insight in the applied techniques and a guidance on their application. The guide includes for each technique:
1. A technical description;
2. Scope of application and boundary conditions;
3. Directions for integration into nature management;
4. Directions for integration into water/flood risk management;
5. Description of good practices and specific experience from the LIFE Narmena pilot project;
Eco-modelling tool
This tool allows the user to run simulations for specific contaminants or sites to get a picture of how successful a particular remediation technique is in reducing the toxicity of some reference organisms. Measures to be applied in the field can be refined to meet certain remediation goals.
The eco-modelling tool is based on ecotoxicological research and can mainly be used for the parameters Cd, As and Cr. The reports of the ecotoxicological research for the sediment compartment (using Hyalella azteca) are available on the Narmena main page. The eco-modelling tool will be available through an online application.
The tool is available via this link.
CO2-calculator
(foreseen in 2026)
By remediating contaminated sites, we protect the environment and people's health. However, remediation activities are often highly invasive and create environmental pressures through the intensive use of energy and materials.
Therefore, during the selection of a remediation technique for a specific contamination, a calculation tool is used to compare the CO2 emissions of potential remediation techniques against each other. This is one way how sustainability is taken into account in a soil remediation project. Currently, the nature-based remediation techniques we are testing in LIFE Narmena are not yet available in this CO2-calculator. These modules are therefore being added.
This CO2-calculator tool is currently used in soil remediation projects.
Comparitive cost analysis
In a soil remediation project, the costs related to the different remediation variants play an important role in the selection of the best technique. We evaluate the hypothesis that nature-based remediation techniques are more cost-effective than conventional techniques using the pilot projects. If this is the case, we nuance the evaluation with the site- or contamination-specific parameters that play an important role in this trade-off, or which choice of material and equipment is best considered.
Decision Support System
We are developing or refining some decision support tools for the evaluation of sediment contamination and for the application of nature-based remediation techniques.
BOSS-Waterbodem
This tool includes a variety of remediation and treatment techniques for contaminated sediments, complemented with examples. This tool allows users to perform simulations for specific situations by completing a questionnaire. The tool then indicates which techniques are best suited for this. We will complement this tool with the techniques applied in LIFE Narmena.
You can find the application on this page.
Flowcharts for nature-based solution for contamination in green areas
OVAM published the study and hands-on manual “Nature-based solutions for management of soil contamination in green areas” in 2022.
This manual provides basic information to apply nature-based solutions. In practice, additional support will sometimes be needed from an expert. To support potential users of these techniques, the OVAM is working on an assignment center that can be used by local governments.
This manual incorporates the experience of the LIFE Narmena pilot projects.
Sediment explorer
The Sediment Explorer centralizes information relating to the quality and quantity of sediments. Both raw source data from various Flemish environmental institutions, administrations and watercourse managers and processed results within specific research projects can be consulted in this explorer.
The Sediment Explorer is publicly consultable since April 2023.
Code of Good Practice Phytoremediation
(foreseen in 2026)
This code of good practice was published in 2019 and provides guidelines for the implementation of soil remediation by phytoremediation. The phytoremediation projects in LIFE Narmena are therefore implemented according to this code.
We provide recommendations and elaboration of practices from the Narmena and Resanat projects to users of the CVGP for inspiration, stimulation and exchange of knowledge.
Here you can consult the Code of Good Practice Phytoremediation.