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Phytoremediation and Modeling of Land Contaminated by Hydrons

EPA Grant Number: R825414
Title: Phytoremediation and Modeling of Land Contaminated by Hydrons
Investigators: Munster, Clyde , Corapcioglu, Yavuz , Drew, Malcolm
Institution: Texas A & M University
EPA Project Officer: Lasat, Mitch
Project Period: October 28, 1996 through October 27, 1999 (Extended to January 31, 2001)
Project Amount: $452,020
RFA: Bioremediation (1996)
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation

Description:

There are two primary objectives of the proposed research: (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of Johnsongrass (Sorghum halapense) and Canada wild-rye grass (Elymus canadensis) in the phytoremediation of soil contaminated with a mixture of recalcitrant PCB (2, 2'-dichlorobiphenyl), PAH (dibenzo(a,h)anthracene) and TNT (trinitrotoluene) using field and greenhouse experiments and, (2) to use the field and greenhouse data to calibrate and validate a recently developed bioremediation model that is capable of simulating the removal and degradation of organic chemicals from the soil by plant roots and their rhizosphere. A multidisciplinary team of researchers will utilize field investigations, green house studies and computer modeling to study the effectiveness of warm and cool season grasses in the phytoremediation of a PCB, a PAH and TNT. The field study will be conducted in a controlled, lysimeter environment where a mass balance of the water entering and leaving the soil can be maintained. All leachate moving through the soil as well as all the soil and vegetation will be collected and analyzed for chemical concentrations. The greenhouse study will be used to supplement the field study with leachate, soil and vegetation analysis. In addition, the greenhouse study will permit greater rooting depth and destructive sampling for root growth characteristics throughout the growing season. The new computer model will be rigorously tested against the field and greenhouse data. If necessary, model modifications will be made to more closely simulate the processes observed in the field and greenhouse research. The tested model will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of phytoremediation on soil contaminated by recalcitrant hydrocarbons. The field and green house research will assess the contribution of vegetation to the apparent disappearance from the soil of representative recalcitrant PCBs, PAHs and TNT. Data from three growing seasons will document the partitioning of 2, 2'-dichlorobiphenyl, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene and trinitrotoluene in the soil, vegetation and leachate, as well as their degradation. The comprehensive field and greenhouse data set will be used to validate and calibrate a newly developed phytoremediation model. This quantitative model is capable of simulating the movement of organic compounds through the soil and water as well as the uptake of chemicals by vegetation roots. This model will be used as a predictive tool to assess the effectiveness of phytoremediation on soil contaminated by recalcitrant hydrocarbons.

Publications and Presentations:

Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 18 publications for this project

Journal Articles:

Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 7 journal articles for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

phytoremediation, bioremediation, remediation, soil reclamation, PCB, PBB, TNT, PAH, computer modeling. , Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Toxics, Scientific Discipline, Waste, Remediation, Biology, HAPS, Bioavailability, pesticides, Environmental Chemistry, Contaminated Sediments, Bioremediation, biostabilization of PCBs, polychlorinated biphenyls, greenhouse experiment, bioremediation simulation, biodegradation, hydrocarbons, phytoremediation, hydrocarbon, TNT, PCBs, contaminated sediment, contaminant release, contaminant transport, rhizospheric, bioremediation model, recalcitrant hydrocarbons, contaminants in soil, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), sediment transport, bioremediation of soils, PAH, sediment treatment, PCB, Canada wild rye grass, soil reclamation, chemical contaminants, leachate, transport contaminants
Relevant Websites:

http://www.agen.tamu.edu/pet/tools/stn-tool.html/

Progress and Final Reports:
1999 Progress Report
Final Report

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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