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Multimedia Research
Milestones
Oil Spill Products
Models and other tools have been produced to provide better science in the cleanup of oil spills.
ORD oil spills research supported the implementation of 40 CFR, Subchapter J, Part 300 -National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan, Sub-Part J - Use of Dispersants and Other Chemicals.
Modeling tools were developed to support oil spills
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On-line tools were developed for assessment of subsurface transport of petroleum hydrocarbons. These tools can be integrated directly into site assessment and cleanup decision making.
Methods and Models
Models and methods have been produced to provide better science in the assessment of contaminants at hazardous waste sites and other polluted sites. They include:
Models were produced that address characteristics of gasoline which contribute to exposure in drinking water that comes from groundwater. This supported a congressionally-required report on the health effects of alternatives to the gasoline additive methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE).
Online tools for assessment of subsurface transport of petroleum hydrocarbons have been developed. These tools can be integrated directly into site assessment and cleanup decision making.
A statistical package called TACS (Tools for Analysis of Contaminated Sites) to support site characterization was updated.
Analytical Method Development
An immunochromatography sample preparation method was developed that will allow clients to streamline sample preparation and realize significant time and expense savings.
Method 8261 and instrumentation was developed, patented, and commercialized by ORD to support Superfund's need for robust methods to address problematic matrices. Vacuum distillation was pioneered as an analytical technique for determining volatile organic contaminants (VOCs) in environmental/biological samples (two patents awarded for the vacuum distillation apparatus).
Method 5032 was developed for use of vacuum distillation as an extraction technique.
Analytical support either through direct requests or via the Site Characterization Technical Support Center or other centers. This support includes analysis of extracts, data generated by various state-of-the-art analytical techniques (i.e., high-resolution mass spectrometry), and consultation on technical questions as requested from EPA, states, tribes, and Superfund Program Office.
Mining Site Treatment Method
ORD researchers provided extensive groundwater remediation consultative support in the cleanup of the East Helena Superfund site in Montana. Researchers performed a field evaluation of a Permeable Reactive Barrier (PRB) for in situ (at source) removal of arsenic from groundwater. The pilot-scale PRB was installed in June 2005 and has been monitored since then. Hydrogeological and geochemical studies were conducted to select an appropriate design configuration for the PRB and evaluate the performance of the PRB system.
EPA successfully established a cooperative agreement with the primary responsible party to construct the PRB and test the technology. In addition, the Agency's regional office in Denver benefited from the technical expertise of ORD scientists at the site. A plan has been developed to move forward with the remediation of a highly contaminated aquifer.
Asbestos Research
Studies were initiated to assess the health effects of asbestos fibers to support the Libby, Montana risk assessment being conducted by EPA. An asbestos mine was operating in Libby and the risk assessment is being conducted to assess the risk of asbestos fibers for clean-up activities. Asbestos research continues to answer key scientific questions about the health effects from environmental asbestos. A comparative study on at least two other site-specific asbestos-containing environmental samples to determine levels where effects occur is planned for 2008.
There is a lack of data and appropriate methods to determine the degree of asbestos aerosolization. Research is providing sampling and measurement methods of asbestos fibers. Three field studies were conducted to evaluate aerosolization of asbestos fibers from soil surfaces and develop sampling methods for use by EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. The research products will improve the field detection of fibers. ORD will conduct additional studies in: Montana, Michigan, Washington, Oregon, and California.