Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing solid and/or liquid matter containing harmful substances from the ground or from surfaces of liquids. A vacuum up to 0.1 bar is generated by a water jet pump, whereby the matter can be sucked up even over differences in height of almost 10 meters. The water jet pump is arranged in a closed water circulation system which uses a centrifugal pump for its drive, preferably a fire-extinguishing pump. In order to prevent the harmful substances from getting into the water circulation, a collecting vessel is arranged in the suction line for the matter containing harmful substances.