Sanitech, a leading portable sanitation and hygiene solutions company in South Africa, and Sensatec, a leading entity in environmental solutions and services for contaminated soil and groundwater, recently announced a strategic partnership that will accelerate growth and strengthen their presence in the South African and Namibian markets.

This partnership addresses the increasing demand for environmentally responsible solutions to combat soil and groundwater contamination, a significant challenge facing various industries across the region.

A sustainable future through in-situ remediation

The partnership will prioritise in-situ remediation and treatment, a proven and cost-effective method for rehabilitating contaminated soil and groundwater. Unlike traditional approaches that involve excavation and off-site treatment, in-situ remediation involves the direct application of safe reagents to the contaminated site, minimising disruption and reducing environmental impact. This innovative approach can significantly accelerate remediation timelines, in many cases even reducing them from decades to years or even months.

“By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and experienced teams, we can significantly accelerate remediation timelines,” explains Harry Ylikangas, CEO of Sensatec Africa.

“In-situ remediation, combined with our advanced solutions, makes it possible to address contamination efficiently, reducing both costs and environmental impact.”

Advanced technologies and local expertise

Sensatec will introduce a suite of advanced technologies and methodologies to the African market, designed to accelerate the completion of remediation projects. These technologies are often less expensive and more sustainable than traditional techniques, and include

• Bioremediation, which harnesses the power of microorganisms to degrade contaminants, enabling a targeted, accelerated approach to remediation by optimising environmental conditions and introducing specific microorganisms.
• Thermal desorption uses heat to vaporise and remove contaminants and can be applied to a wide range of contaminants, including Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals.
• Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) employ powerful oxidants to break down pollutants and can be used to treat a wide range of contaminants including pesticides, dyes, and industrial chemicals.
• Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs) are engineered barriers placed in the ground to intercept and treat contaminated groundwater, providing continuous treatment to ensure long-term protection of groundwater resources, effectively removing a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, sulphate, nitrate and organic pollutants.
• Highly effective PFAS desorption technologies ex-situ and in-situ are applied as one of the very few and proven technologies to eliminate PFAS from soil and groundwater. This technology becomes extremely relevant especially in the light of almost non-existent options for safe disposal of excavated soil contaminated by PFAS.

The advanced remediation techniques are most effective when the contamination and plume characteristics are assessed in detail both in the field by solution specific assessment methodologies and in Sensatec process laboratories. By directly targeting the contaminants in right places with the right remediation methodology, we can significantly reduce remediation timelines.

By combining these advanced technologies with Sanitech’s extensive service footprint, rapid-response capabilities, and procurement expertise, the partnership is equipped to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions. Sanitech’s local knowledge and infrastructure will ensure seamless project execution, while Sensatec’s cutting-edge technologies will accelerate remediation processes and improve environmental outcomes.

A comprehensive solution for clients

Together, Sanitech and Sensatec will offer clients a comprehensive service, covering the full project life cycle – rom initial site assessments and feasibility studies, through to detailed design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and long-term operation and maintenance. Sanitech and Sensatec will also always work closely with the client, regulator and consultants. This integrated approach provides clients in South Africa and Namibia with a single point of contact, ensuring clear accountability and streamlined processes to meet environmental compliance requirements.

“This partnership will leverage our combined strengths to address the urgent need for sustainable and effective remediation solutions,” says Robert Erasmus, MD of Sanitech. “By working together, we can provide our clients with a comprehensive range of environmental solutions.”

A shared vision for the future

By combining expertise and resources, Sanitech and Sensatec are committed to providing sustainable and effective solutions to protect the environment and ensure a healthier future for generations to come. The long-term goal of this partnership is to secure market leadership in soil and groundwater remediation projects in South Africa and Namibia by delivering innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible solutions.

“This is a significant milestone for Sensatec in Africa,” concludes Ylikangas. “By combining our advanced technologies with Sanitech’s local expertise, we are well-positioned to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions to our clients.”