National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
Grants.gov Web site, 1 Oct 2008

NIEHS is announcing the continuation of the Superfund Hazardous Substances Basic Research and Training Program, also referred to as the Superfund Basic Research Program (SBRP). SBRP grants will support coordinated, multi-project, interdisciplinary research programs to address the mandates legislated under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986. These mandates include the development of (1) methods and technologies to detect hazardous substances in the environment; (2) advanced techniques for the detection, assessment, and evaluation of the effect on human health of hazardous substances; (3) methods to assess the risks to human health presented by hazardous substances; and (4) basic biological, chemical, and physical methods to reduce the amount and toxicity of hazardous substances. The objective for the SBRP is to develop a holistic research agenda for the protection of human health by establishing interdisciplinary programs that link and integrate biomedical research with related engineering, hydrogeologic, and ecologic components within the context of unique scientific themes developed by the applicant. This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) will utilize the National Institutes of Health P42 multi-project grant mechanism. Successful applicants must include a minimum of two biomedical projects and two non-biomedical projects. NIEHS intends to commit a total of approximately $11 million dollars in FY 2010 to fund four to five SBRP grants in response to this FOA. Applications are due by April 15, 2009. Full announcement at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-ES-08-005.html

Hoag, George, VeruTEK Technologies, Inc., Bloomfield, CT.
Abstracts: Subsurface Remediation Symposium, April 29, 2008.
Central New York Association of Professional Geologists, 2008

Traditional in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) methods have had limited success in degrading nonaqueous-phase liquids (NAPLs) because of mass transfer limitations controlling the rate of dissolution of NAPL constituents into ground water. Because most NAPL constituents are hydrophobic and have low aqueous solubilities, the concentration gradients driving mass transfer are quite small. ISCO reactions alone take place predominantly in the aqueous phase in the subsurface, which limits the effectiveness of ISCO treatment of NAPL-contaminated soil. Surfactant-Enhanced In Situ Chemical Oxidation (S-ISCO™) technology was developed as a methodology to overcome NAPL solubility limitations associated with the traditional ISCO process. The patent-pending S-ISCO™ technology uses biodegradable, food-grade cosolvents (e.g., coconut oil, castor oil, and citrus extracts) and surfactants (VeruSOL™) to solubilize immiscible-phase organic compounds into ground water. Dynamics of the process include simultaneous coelution of VeruSOL™ with the chemical oxidant, enabling simultaneous solubilization and contaminant destruction. Treatability studies and field-verification pilot studies focused on the dynamics of the coelution process have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of S-ISCO™ in decreasing the amount of both light and dense NAPLs in the subsurface. For more information on this technology, contact George Hoag at ghoag@verutek.com. Background paper at http://www.envsolutions.fmc.com/Portals/fao/Content/Docs/Surfactant%20En
hanced%20ISCO%20-%20VeruTEK.pdf

Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio
R&D Daily, 14 Oct 2008

F-LLX (Flotation Liquid-Liquid Extraction) has been recognized with a 2008 R&D 100 award in the category of Process Sciences. F-LLX was designed by researchers at Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio, as an integrated process to purify acid mine drainage (AMD) while simultaneously extracting the impurities and converting them into valuable co-products. The process mixes a tailored extractant liquid phase into the AMD, which is contaminated with toxic yet useful cations, such as iron, aluminum, and sulfate. The extractant is formulated to pull the contaminants rapidly from the AMD and separate cleanly, leaving purified water. The loaded extractant then is processed to recover the former pollutants as products, such as ferrous sulfate and potassium sulfate. The regenerated extractant is recirculated in a closed loop for continuous purification of AMD. The simple F-LLX system effectively purifies AMD water in mild operating conditions without generating any significant waste stream. For additional information on this technology, contact Public Relations Manager Katy Delaney, 410-306-8638, delaneyk@battelle.org, or Media Relations Specialist T.R. Massey, 614-424-5544, masseytr@battelle.org.

HazMat Magazine, Summer 2008

A new organoclay product, AquaBlok+ORGANOCLAY, has been developed by AquaBlok, Ltd. of Toledo, Ohio, a manufacturer of innovative clay-based composite materials. The new product preferentially adsorbs and sequesters a wide range of hydrocarbon- and petroleum-based contaminants. The material can be utilized in remedial activities at manufactured gas plant sites and wood treating facilities, and in a wide range of refinery and/or spill containment applications in water, sediment, or soil. In general terms, the material functions on the principle of adsorption through ionic bonding. There is no actual exchange, where one particle is substituted for another. Each particle of clay and contaminant infinitely wrestles for possession of the other. This bond is strong enough that the contaminant particle is removed from the water and will not be released without the addition of a significant outside source of energy. Organoclays have been used for many years in water purification and a wide range of other applications related to petroleum contamination. Generally, AquaBlok+ORGANOCLAY is expected to adsorb between 50 and 100% of the total weight of the organoclay present in the particle. This percentage of organoclay can vary from 20 to 40% depending on the desired treatment design, contaminant material, and concentration. The dense aggregate core of the coated particle (greater mass) delivers organoclay though the water to the sediments, where all of the adsorbent material can be utilized. The larger diameter surface of the organoclay-coated particle presents a higher effective surface area to potential contaminants, thus providing for a more efficient use of the high-value organoclay component at a cost lower than that of pure organoclay. AquaBlok+ORGANOCLAY remains permeable, allowing all the effective adsorbent material to be utilized. The product is hydrophobic, so it is not affected by a lack of water for a period of time. It can be mixed with soil or other permeable media to cut off lateral seeps. When configured as the gate of a funnel-and-gate system, it can capture discharges selectively from submerged seeps of upland plume-related discharges. Placement below a low-permeability AquaBlok cap will minimize thickness of the treatment layer due to efficient use of material in the lateral seep below the cap. For more information on AquaBlok+ORGANOCLAY, contact product services at 800-688-2649 or services@aquablokinfo.com. Complete article at http://hs.environmental-expert.com/resultEachArticle.aspx?cid=25442&codi
=36195&idproducttype=6&level=143

McDermott, J. (Union Pacific); M. Shurtliff, M. Mason, and J. Burken (The Forrester Group, Inc.).
2007 Railroad Environmental Conference, October 23-25, 2007: Presentation abstracts.
Illinois Railroad Engineering Program, p 21 [poster abstract], 2007

The science of tree coring to detect the uptake of chemicals of environmental concern has matured significantly in recent years, and tree coring is now being deployed for rapid contaminant source and plume delineation. By combining tree-core analysis with GPS mapping of trees on site, site contractors are able to generate solvent plume maps at a fraction of the cost of conventional investigation techniques. The spatial resolution that can be achieved leads to maps that can locate plume boundaries and source areas in a single mobilization for sites of multiple acres in scale. Maps can be provided within days, compared to the weeks or months required for conventional investigative techniques. Ground-water contaminant delineation also can be accomplished at difficult locations that are inaccessible to direct push or drilling rigs, with minimal mobilization costs. This presentation describes methodologies and uses case studies to show how TapRoot™ Technology has been used at railroad sites and the type and level of information that can be gained. Limitation of the methods, including compounds that can be analyzed and site characteristics that can limit application, are also discussed. For more information on this technology, contact Bob Kick, 417-864-6444, extension 121, bob@forrestergroup.com

U.S. EPA Region 4 News Release, 3 Oct 2008

U.S. EPA, CTS, and Mills Gap Road Associates have reached an agreement to test a system that would treat trichloroethene (TCE) and other organic chemicals in springs near the former CTS plant in Asheville, North Carolina. Located in Buncombe County, North Carolina, the site consists of approximately nine acres of maintained grounds containing a large, single-story building. From 1959 to 1986, CTS operated an electroplating facility at the site. TCE was used to clean and/or degrease metal objects prior to electroplating. In 1987, the current owner, Mills Gap Road Associates (MGRA), purchased the site. A geological investigation to support the design of the system began in early October, and pilot-scale testing of an in situ chemical oxidation process is expected during the winter of 2008. The agreement was memorialized as an amendment to the Statement of Work required under the 2004 Administrative Order on Consent between EPA, MGRA, and CTS Corporation. The pilot-scale test involves injecting ozone underground where ground water and the affected springs come together. Ozone, which is a powerful oxidant, destroys TCE through a chemical reaction. The study will determine if this method of injecting ozone can be effective under the local conditions. If the results indicate that the ozone injection system significantly reduces TCE contamination in the springs, full-scale implementation would follow. EPA also is interested in evaluating the potential of the ozone injection system at the springs to mitigate TCE vapors in ambient air, as well as in surface water. In 2002, EPA, CTS, and MGRA entered into an Administrative Order on Consent to conduct a Time-Critical Removal Action at the site. CTS and MGRA were required to address contamination in the area above the aquifer, and a soil vapor extraction system was constructed for the purpose. The system was completed in July 2006 and has removed more than 3,600 pounds of contaminants. For more information on the site, visit www.epaosc.net/MillsGap

Neubeck, J., Alpha Geoscience, Clifton Park, NY.
Abstracts: Subsurface Remediation Symposium, April 29, 2008.
Central New York Association of Professional Geologists, 2008

Low concentrations (less than 200 ppb) of the volatile organic compounds tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene affect ground-water quality at an abandoned dry cleaner site in upstate New York. This New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Class 2 property, 100 by 50 feet in area, is located on a corner in a residential neighborhood in a small city. A building covers much of the site, and the closest neighbors are less than 20 feet away. Vapor intrusion of the contaminants has been documented in the basements of at least two residences, and the sub-slab concentration was measured at > 5,000 µg/m³ under the site building in 2006. The property owner was obligated to control the impacts, as part of the "innocent landowner" defense. The soil contains lenses of silt, clay, and fill that are not impacted. Depth to fractured bedrock is approximately 7 feet below grade. Because most remedial options were considered neither applicable or feasible, phytoremediation using hybrid poplar trees was implemented to form a remedial buffer between the site and the residences. The trees are expected to promote ground-water uptake and chemical breakdown, stimulate biotransformation in the root zone, and control ground-water migration. A sub-slab depressurization system also was installed in the site building. Thirty trees roughly 15 feet in height were planted in April 2007 at a depth of six feet in soil mixed with highly organic compost. Laboratory analyses detected up to 50 ppb PCE in twig samples collected in September 2007. The results of the bedrock investigation and the winter 2008 residential indoor air quality sampling are pending. New growth was observed on the trees in early April 2008. The survival rate during the second season is critical to the establishment of the tree buffer. The preliminary tree sampling data suggest that phytoremediation is affecting the PCE; however, the pending bedrock and soil vapor data will be used to determine whether the on-going remedial actions will be sufficient to achieve the cleanup goals.

Bergeron, E. and M. Barbeau (Golder Associates); A. Peisajovich (Transport Canada); G. Lajoie (Cree Regional Authority).
2008 RPIC Federal Contaminated Sites National Workshop, 28 April - May 1, Vancouver, BC. Real Property Institute of Canada, 29 slides, 2008

This remotely located meteorological station had a condemned landing strip, no access by road, and no electricity or services. The remediation technique selected combined in situ and ex situ chemical oxidation treatment of petroleum-contaminated soil using potassium permanganate. The first phase of treatment required the design of efficient mixers, a perfect oxidant dosage, and optimization of the reactive agents' addition sequence. The ex situ step of soil mixing promoted a 50% reduction of hydrocarbons in the reactors. The in situ process increased the percentage of hydrocarbon reduction by 10 to 30%. A residual concentration of permanganate lingered in the soil, which was sufficient to oxidize even refractory hydrocarbons. Sustainable development was a priority throughout the project to minimize the economic, social, and environmental repercussions. Remediation planning encompassed minimal use of fuel, recycling of dismantled metal, repair of various site structures, maximal use of tribal labor, and the potential for increased economic activity in the region as a heritage for future generations. The Canadian government invested over $5 million for the realization of this project. The presentation slides are available through the meeting program at http://www.rpic-ibic.ca/en/activities/2008_FCS/paper_presentations/steam
_a.shtml

Long, J.D., OSM/VISTA, Savage River Watershed Association, Frostburg, MD.
Abstracts of the 2008 National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Richmond, VA: New Opportunities to Apply Our Science, 14-19 June 2008.
ASMR, Lexington, KY. p 43, 2008

In 1979, the Maryland Abandoned Mine Inventory showed that over 450 miles of Maryland streams had been damaged by acid mine drainage (AMD). Aaron Run, a sub-drainage of the Savage River Watershed, has been severely contaminated by AMD from pre-law mining activities and has been placed on Maryland's 1998-303(d) list of Water Quality Limited Segments for pH impairment. In 2005, the Maryland Department of Environment, Bureau of Mines (MDE-BOM) submitted a proposal and received funding through U.S. EPA's 319 program to demonstrate de-listing of Aaron Run. The remediation plan developed and carried out by MDE-BOM proposes to mitigate AMD impacts at three project locations by raising the entire stream's average pH from approximately 3.3 to 7.0 and eliminating the majority of AMD inflow. Treatment technologies implemented in 2008 will include a limestone doser, limestone leach beds, and several Aluminator© systems. The Aluminator© is a modified successive alkalinity producing system designed to increase pH values, generate alkalinity, and retain aluminum within the treatment system. Mine drainage enters the Aluminator© on the surface of the treatment unit and flows downward through the treatment column of a standing pool of water above an organic compost layer above a bed of limestone. The limestone layer is the prime treatment area where aluminum is accumulated. The treated water is collected in a perforated piping system specifically sized and situated within the limestone to match the needs of both the total flow and the aluminum loading of the given discharge. Treatment effectiveness can be maintained by periodically flushing the collected aluminum from the limestone with minimal interruption of treatment. Aluminators© have years of proven field application. Success of the Aaron Run restoration effort may lead the way for future regional watershed restoration efforts.

Behum, P.T., D.R. Hause, M.A. Stacy, and T.D. Branam.
Abstracts of the 2008 National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Richmond, VA: New Opportunities to Apply Our Science, 14-19 June 2008.
ASMR, Lexington, KY. p 9, 2008

The Enos Gob Pile, located in Pike County, Indiana, is a 250-acre refuse disposal area. Two passive treatment systems totaling approximately 64 acres were constructed in 2005 by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Reclamation to treat acid mine drainage (AMD) discharging from the refuse disposal area. The systems encompass two vertical flow ponds (VFP) for additional alkalinity enhancement and a series of oxidation ponds and aerobic wetlands for metal precipitation, with addition of alkaline water (alkalinity = 242 mg/L) from adjacent mine impoundments. The systems were designed to handle a large amount of acidic runoff during storm events (1.5 to 2.0 cubic ft/sec). Underlying and surrounding the refuse pile is mine spoil with a generally favorable neutralization potential. As a result of that neutralization, the water entering each VFP is relatively low in iron (Fe at 19.2 mg/L) and total acidity (92 mg/L). The designers were required to consider the impact of a significant amount of aluminum (5.2 mg/L) on the life expectancy of the VFP. Post-construction evaluations assisted by the Indiana Geological Survey indicate nearly complete Fe removal by the system (total Fe = 0.25 mg/L) and a net alkaline discharge (alkalinity exceeds acidity by about 65 mg/L). Although no specific structures were incorporated in the design for manganese (Mn) removal, the wetland system is also removing Mn (3.7 mg/L in the VFP inlet, 0.23 mg/L at the system outlet). Improvements in metal removal occurred with the development of aquatic vegetation. Future work will evaluate the reduction in system efficiency during the winter months and compare the alkalinity generated by the two parallel VFPs—one with dolomitic limestone and one with high-calcium limestone—as an alkalinity source.

Wallace, S.D., North American Wetland Engineering, White Bear Lake, MN.
2008 RPIC Federal Contaminated Sites National Workshop, 28 April - May 1, Vancouver, BC. Real Property Institute of Canada, 43 slides, 2008

An engineered wetland system constructed by British Petroleum (BP) in Casper, Wyoming, needed to handle up to 3 million gallons per day of gasoline-contaminated ground water, blend into the middle of a golf course, and operate for over 100 years. The site was one of the oldest and largest Amoco refineries in the West, operating from 1908 until 1991. As a result of operating practices during the refinery's first 50 years, residual hydrocarbons underlie much of the site. Since 1981, over 9 million gallons of light nonaqueous-phase liquids have been removed from the ground water. Under the 1998 Consent Decree, BP and the City of Casper agreed to convert the former refinery site into a golf course and office park, with a trail system along the North Platte River. This redevelopment was challenged by the presence of a large volume of contaminants below the water table. Maintaining gradient control requires decades of ground-water pumping for adequate removal of the contaminants. Because of the timeframe required for remediation (50 to 100 years) and the high cost of pump and treat, BP explored the potential of biological processes for contaminant treatment and cost savings. The development of a $3,400,000 engineered wetland system eliminated the need for a mechanical plant (air stripping with catalytic oxidation) projected to cost $15,900,000. A pilot wetland was built in 2001 to establish site-specific degradation parameters. Full-scale design began in 2002 after extensive permit negotiations with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. To meet site objectives, the full-scale wetland had to be capable of operating at very high flow rates, and the iron fouling of the subsurface flow wetland media observed during the pilot operation had to be addressed. To solve this problem, a cascade aeration system (for iron oxidation) and a surface-flow wetland (for iron precipitation) was added to the system. The surface flow wetland was designed to allow the precipitation of iron that had oxidized in the cascade. Without iron removal, precipitation would occur in the aerated subsurface flow wetlands, which conceivably could create a fouling problem, given the 100-year operating life of the system. The presentation slides for this project are available through the meeting program at http://www.rpic-ibic.ca/en/activities/2008_FCS/paper_presentations/steam
_a.shtml

Hulseapple, S., Alpha Geoscience, Clifton Park, NY.
Abstracts: Subsurface Remediation Symposium, April 29, 2008.
Central New York Association of Professional Geologists, 2008

In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) is being used to remediate petroleum-related contaminants at a former gasoline station in Delaware County, New York. Underground storage tanks and contaminated soils reportedly were removed in the 1970s; however, ground-water impacts in the sandy aquifer remain. RegenOx® is a product manufactured by Regenesis for chemical oxidation of a range of contaminants, including petroleum compounds. The product rapidly desorbs contaminants from the soil into the ground water where the compound facilitates oxidation of the contaminant. A pilot study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of chemical oxidation at the former gasoline station. The pilot treatment area was approximately 30 feet by 30 feet with a contaminated zone 4 ft thick at a depth of 25 ft below ground surface. The total petroleum volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration at well MW-5 in the center of the pilot study area was 14,490 µg/L in April 2007. A total of 1,500 pounds of RegenOx® was injected during two events between October 15 and November 12, 2007, using a direct-push drill rig around the monitoring well. The total petroleum VOC concentration was reduced to 7,730 µg/L at MW-5 based on ground-water samples collected on December 12, 2007, a decrease of 38%. Naphthalene, n-propylbenzene, isopropylbenzene, and o-xylene decreased to less than detectable concentrations in the injection area. The radius of influence from the injection in the vicinity of MW-5 appears to extend a distance of at least 30 feet, as evidenced by the decrease in concentrations to non-detectable levels 25 feet away and reductions in VOCs 50 feet away. The potential indirect effects of injection due to changes in the chemical equilibrium may extend beyond 30 feet. The results of the pilot study confirm that RegenOx® likely can be used successfully to reduce petroleum hydrocarbons in the ground water at this site. Full-scale remediation has been scheduled to reduce the concentrations in ground water to acceptable levels and achieve site closure.

Boutin, A., S. Hains, C. Gosselin, D. Millette, and M. Barbeau (Golder Associates); B Michaud (Ministry of National Defence); S.S. Leblond (Defence Construction Canada).
2008 RPIC Federal Contaminated Sites National Workshop, 28 April - May 1, Vancouver, BC. Real Property Institute of Canada, 21 slides, 2008

A nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) reactive zone was constructed at the pilot scale to control a trichloroethene (TCE) plume extending 4 km downgradient of three identified source zones at a Canadian National Defence site. The plume consists mainly of dissolved concentrations of trichloroethene (TCE) with low concentrations of dichloroethene (DCE) and vinyl chloride. The hydrostratigraphic setting consists of deltaic sand lying on proglacial sand. In 2006, successive injections of a total of 4,000 kg of NZVI coated with a metallic catalyst were conducted. Immediately after injection the first mixture, the redox potential dropped below -400 mV. Three months after completion of the injections, TCE concentrations had decreased over 80% from initial levels, and cis-DCE concentrations began to increase. A significant biological component was identified to contribute to the reduction in TCE concentrations. A complementary program undertaken in 2007 included laboratory tests and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis to assess contaminant biological reduction potential, cone penetrometer technology profiling, and optimization of treatment using dissolved hydrogen injection and ground-water recirculation. This presentation covers the design of the injection, transition of aerobic site conditions to anaerobic conditions, evaluation of the rate of TCE reduction, influence of biological reduction, and effectiveness of optimizing the treatment. The presentation slides are available through the meeting program at http://www.rpic-ibic.ca/en/activities/2008_FCS/paper_presentations/steam
_a.shtml

Tracey, G., G. Berman, S. Insalaco, J. Swanko, S. Powell, R. Pruhs, R. Reali, W. Daniels, and C. Carter. Abstracts of the 2008 National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Richmond, VA: New Opportunities to Apply Our Science, 14-19 June 2008.
ASMR, Lexington, KY. p 77, 2008

During restoration of the former Appomattox River Federal Navigation Channel, ~350,000 cubic yards of deposited sediment will be removed from below 14 feet mean lower low water (MLLW) to over 6 feet MLLW over a 1-mile reach of the Appomattox River. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination exceeds 500 mg/kg on average, with hotspots exceeding 5,000 mg/kg. Upland source control measures, dredge sequencing, sediment capping requirements to address residual contaminants, and beneficial reuse options for the dredged material have been evaluated. To support beneficial reuse as agricultural soil, a lab treatability study has been completed to assess biodegradation potential. After 46 weeks of an enhanced bioremediation process conducted in laboratory test pans, total PAH concentrations decreased 80% overall. The bench-scale results were used as the basis for the design of a pilot field-scale landfarm study demonstration undertaken during July 2007. After five months of treatment, low molecular-weight PAHs in landfarm material appear to have degraded first, while high molecular-weight PAHs are degrading more slowly, a process that generally mimics the results of the laboratory investigation. This paper presents conclusions based on the laboratory and landfarm activities, as well as the technical and regulatory issues that must be resolved to allow eventual placement of the material at a mine reclamation site for revegetation purposes.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), 275 pp, Aug 2008

The source areas at the Raytheon site are beneath and adjacent to several buildings. The contaminants of concern (COCs) at the site include 1,4-dioxane, trichloroethene, cis-1,2- dichloroethene, vinyl chloride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethene, 1,1-dichloroethane, chloroethane, toluene, and xylenes. The driver and challenge for remediation is 1,4-dioxane because it is difficult to treat and has not been shown to attenuate naturally other than through dilution in aquifer environments. The principal methods selected to remediate ground water at the site are pump and treat and aggressive in situ treatment via advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). An AOP is one of the few methods capable of treating both 1,4-dioxane and the other site COCs. The AOP approach has been proven for ethenes, although advanced oxidation is less effective for the treatment of ethanes. Two different AOP systems will be operated in parallel to provide operational experience treating site ground water and to develop an optimal treatment approach for the remedial action plan. The HiPOx™ system from Applied Process Technology Inc. combines ozone and hydrogen peroxide for reducing COCs using hydroxyl radicals as oxidants. This oxidation process occurs in the aqueous phase and does not increase the temperature or pressure of the water because it usually occurs at very low concentrations (<1%). The Photo-Cat system developed by Purifics® ES Inc. uses air and ultraviolet (UV) light in the presence of a titanium-dioxide catalyst in a patented, closed-looped, slurry-based process to generate hydroxyl radicals that oxidize the COCs to harmless degradation products. The fully automated system is designed to operate continuously. An integral part of the Photo-Cat system is the pH adjustment system that initially acidifies the ground water upstream of the static mixer and later neutralizes treated water prior to discharge. A field test of the Photo-Cat system took place at the site in April 2007 using 3,000 gallons of extracted ground water and a pre-packaged Photo-Cat. In-line neutralization followed by in-line aeration was required due to low-pH ground water. Photo-Cat treatment for 1,4-dioxane and ethenes was successful to levels below the FDEP guidelines. Ethanes were treated by post-AOP air stripping. During field testing, the Photo-Cat was operated both with and without iron pretreatment. Treatment efficiency was decreased by half when running without pre-treatment at a low pH (< 4 standard units). Incorporating iron pretreatment in the treatment system required initial neutralization followed by in-line aeration. During the April 2007 field test, ground water was extracted and sent to APT for testing in the HiPOx™ system. Initial testing was conducted to provide a site-specific determination of ozone demand. Water was pH adjusted and treated with hydrogen peroxide and ozone in various dosages. This bench-scale test was successful in reducing concentrations of 1,4-dioxane to less than the FDEP GCTL (3.2 µg/L). Report at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/southwest/Raytheon/pages/Reports.htm

An EC LIFE Environment Project coordinated by the University of Oxford.

The NITRABAR project involves remediation of agricultural diffuse nitrate-polluted waters through the implementation of a permeable reactive barrier (PRB). Essentially, the system is a narrow trench installed between the field and a water body and filled with a mixture of natural materials. As ground water, runoff, and field drainage waters pass through the system, the nitrates are converted to nitrogen gas by microorganisms that attach themselves to or live between the emplaced materials. This approach is expected to achieve an 85% reduction in the nitrate level in waters passing through the system. The project aims to demonstrate the application of the NITRABAR system in the agricultural setting and enable others to replicate the system throughout Europe. The PRB was installed in October 2007 at the Eco-Millennium Environmental Centre, Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Oxford University coordinates the project for the other participants: the University of Strathclyde, Ecomesh Ltd., APCO Ltd., PRGW, Zenenzo bvba, CL:AIRE, and the UK's Environment Agency. More information at the NITRABAR Web site: www.nitrabar.eu/

Whiffin, B., R.W. Tossell, and B. Greenly (CH2M HILL Canada Ltd.); B. Allen and L. Arguin (Dessau-Soprin Inc.); B. Michaud (Dept. of National Defense).
2008 RPIC Federal Contaminated Sites National Workshop, 28 April - May 1, Vancouver, BC. Real Property Institute of Canada, poster presentation, 2008

This poster illustrates the results of pilot-scale testing of a multi-barrier approach to in situ remediation of trichloroethene (TCE) contamination at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier. Valcartier's geological unit at the pilot test area comprises very coarse sand and gravel from near the surface to a bedrock confining unit at ~20 to 28 meters below ground surface (mbgs). Ground water is present at 10 mbgs with an average hydraulic conductivity of 7.2 E(-4) m/s and temperatures that average 6°C. In a multi-barrier configuration, pilot tests were undertaken of air sparging, hydrogen sparging, and a zero-valent iron (ZVI) permeable reactive barrier (PRB) combined with a supplemental ZVI/carbon source (EHC® from Adventus) to stimulate bioremediation. The poster shows the theoretical treatment mechanisms that can occur within the multi-reactive barrier relative to the observed test results and findings. Both biotic and abiotic pathways are examined. Pilot testing results indicate that ground-water TCE and cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-DCE) concentrations declined between 50 and 75% for the pilot test configuration used, depending on the location within the test zone. The greatest decline in chlorinated volatile organic compound (CVOC) concentrations occurred primarily in the ZVI/EHC® barrier. Concentrations of both TCE and cis-DCE declined despite the cold temperatures (5 to 8°C) and higher than anticipated ground-water flow rates. An evaluation of the ratio of TCE to cis-DCE showed little change in the distribution seen between upgradient wells and downgradient wells, which indicates that both compounds are degrading at the same relative rate and that most of the degradation occurring is abiotic. These results suggest that the EHC® carbon source did not play a significant role in CVOC degradation during the time period of the test. The requisite bacteria for reductive dechlorination, called halo-respiring microorganisms, were absent or at low populations, and dissolved oxygen, as the primary electron acceptor in ground water, was not depleted to the range required for effective treatment. The dominant factors affecting success and estimated life cycle costs are examined, as well as the implications of the pilot test on full-scale implementation and operation. Additional information on this project is available in an 8-page paper, "A Biotic/Abiotic Three Phase In Situ Barrier System to Treat TCE in Groundwater," which was delivered at the Ninth International In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation Symposium in 2007. The paper is posted at http://www.adventusgroup.com/pdfs/presentations/Battelle%20CH2%20Tossel.
pdf
and the project is illustrated by 22 slides at www.arstechnologies.com/CAN003-presenation.pdf

Bricka, R.M. and A. Marwaha (Mississippi State Univ.); G.L. Fabian (U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center).
Report No: ATC-9137195, Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), Project ER-0111, 195 pp, May 2008

The treatability study described in this report was designed to develop the information necessary to support the immobilization of lead (Pb) contaminants in soil by in situ treatment with phosphate-based binders. The potential demonstration site for field treatment and the source of the field samples used in the feasibility study is a small-arms firing range impact area at Camp Withycombe, Oregon. The study consisted of laboratory monitoring of samples treated to immobilize Pb contamination using phosphate-based binders marketed by four vendors (Shaw International, Metals Treatment Technologies, Forrester Environmental Services, and RMT). Technology performance was evaluated based on evidence of reduced soluble lead mobility, reduced human health risk, impact on soil biota, change in soil physical properties, plant uptake, and mobility of other contaminants of concern associated with the proposed demonstration site. The study utilized leaching and vegetation monitoring methods to evaluate the stability of the treated soil by attempting to build a body of evidence that indicated the formation of stable Pb complexes. The results of the study were mixed in that variability in Pb stability was observed in soil treated by all vendors of in situ phosphate stabilization methods. The use of phosphate-based binders is a relatively new technology and long-term studies are lacking. This lack of long-term studies combined with the fact that the reagents used in the phosphate-based binding process vary with the vendor applying the technology has left a void in the understanding of the fate and environmental impact of the reagents used, as well as the effects on non-target species. Report at http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA482019

Saroff, S., CH2M HILL, Manlius, NY.
Abstracts: Subsurface Remediation Symposium, April 29, 2008.
Central New York Association of Professional Geologists, 2008

Laboratory microcosm testing was conducted to evaluate the potential for enhancing in situ biological reductive dechlorination of trichloroethene (TCE) and cis-1,2-dichloroethene (DCE) in ground water at an Air National Guard site in Burlington, Vermont. Microcosms constructed of soil and ground water from the site were amended with one of three different commercially available electron donor products—Hydrogen Release Compound (HRC®), Edible Oil Substrate (EOS®), and EHC®—and incubated in parallel with sterile and intrinsic controls. The first two products are organic substrates intended to stimulate biological treatment, whereas the last one combines chemical and biological treatment using a mixture of an organic substrate and zero-valent iron (ZVI). Midway through the study, a subsection of the substrate-amended systems was inoculated with Bio-Dechlor INOCULUM® (BDI), a commercially available enrichment culture containing Dehalococcoides. Through more than two months of the study, the HRC® and EOS® microcosms exhibited little or no reduction of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (cVOCs) compared to the controls. The EHC® microcosms showed slow but consistent reduction of cVOCs but no formation of dechlorination daughter products, suggesting that chemical reduction of cVOCs resulting from the ZVI was occurring but not biological reduction. Geochemical parameters measured in the microcosms—pH, oxidation-reduction potential, alternate electron acceptors, methane, and volatile fatty acids—indicated that physical/chemical conditions were favorable for biological reduction of cVOCs. After inoculation with BDI roughly four months into the study, rapid dechlorination of cVOCs occurred in all the substrate-amended systems. In most of the bioaugmented microcosms, trichloroethene (TCE), dichloroethene, and vinyl chloride (VC) concentrations were less than detection limits within one month after inoculation. cVOC biodegradation was evidenced by temporary VC accumulation and ethene production in the BDI-amended systems. Some interesting differences were noted between the different electron donor products. Although most of the microcosms showed essentially no evidence of cVOC biodegradation prior to inoculation, a few individual replicate bottles yielded anomalous results indicating bio-reduction. These results were interpreted to suggest that dechlorinating microorganisms may exist at the site but apparently are scarce and poorly distributed (TCE daughter products have been observed in some ground-water samples over the past 14 years). The lab study results led to the conclusion that the aquifer system likely is microbially limited for effective biodegradation of cVOCs, and that consideration of and provision for bioaugmentation should be included in any plan to implement enhanced bioremediation at the site.

Wang, Wenxi, Ph.D. dissertation, University of Waterloo, ON, Canada. 249 pp, Sep 2008

The central theme of this thesis addresses petroleum hydrocarbon pollutants, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and co-contaminating metals, with attention to their occurrence in the environment, mechanisms of toxicity, and remediation via biological processes. The first section (chapters 2, 3 and 4) examines the use of the bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri, a widely used bioindacator in environmental toxicology, to assess the individual and mixture toxicities of phenanthrenequinone (PHQ), an oxyPAH, combined with copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd). PHQ is a main photoproduct of phenanthrene (PHE), a dominant PAH in the environment. Results showed that PHQ is much more toxic than its parent PAH. PHQ, alone or as mixtures with Cu and Cd, damages bacterial cells by enhancing the production of reactive oxygen species. The mixture toxicity of Cu/PHQ was found to be dependent on the ratio of each chemical in the mixture. Two up-regulated genes, protein translocase subunit SecY gene and putative polysaccharide export protein YccZ precursor, were identified as potentially responsive to PHQ exposure. Both genes are related to the detoxification of reactive oxygen species. The second section of this thesis (chapters 5, 6, and 7) discusses the culture-dependent and -independent approaches employed to evaluate the roles of bacteria as biodegraders or/and plant growth promoters during phytoremediation at a petroleum land farm with a hydrocarbon concentration of ~130 g/Kg. A plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)-enhanced phytoremediation system was applied to remediate the land farm soil. The system promoted plant growth to establish dense vegetative cover. Results indicate that the introduced PGPR did not exert significant influence on the indigenous microbial ecosystem, although it dramatically improved plant growth and remediation of the petroleum hydrocarbons. Dissertation at http://uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/handle/10012/4068

Roberts, Jeffery D., Master's thesis, University of Waterloo, ON, Canada. 125 pp, May 2008

Prior to the implementation of an enhanced bioremediation pilot study for a trichloroethene (TCE) source area at an industrial site in the United Kingdom, laboratory microcosm and column studies were performed. The purpose of the column study was to determine if TCE removal rates could be increased with the addition of partitioning electron donors and bioaugmentation with KB-1® culture. Three 1-meter continuous flow columns were constructed using aquifer solids from the site and artificial ground water. A TCE dense nonaqueous-phase liquid (DNAPL) zone was emplaced in each column. SRS™, a commercially available emulsified vegetable oil product, and n-butyl acetate (nBA) were evaluated as partitioning electron donors, while the third column served as an unamended control. Both nBA and SRS™ had been used successfully in previous microcosm studies with high concentrations of TCE (400 and 800 mg/L) to promote the reductive dechlorination of TCE to ethene. Dechlorination of TCE to cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-DCE) with trace amounts of vinyl chloride (VC) and ethene, as well as sulfate reduction, were observed in the SRS™ column effluent while DNAPL was present. A dissolution enhancement factor of 2.1 was calculated. The TCE source zone was depleted after approximately 300 days of column operation. Following depletion of the TCE DNAPL, a high concentration (~400 mg/L) of TCE-amended artificial ground water was pumped through the column to simulate high TCE concentrations in a plume downgradient from a source zone. Dechlorination of TCE via cis-DCE and VC to ethene was observed in the column effluent, along with increases in Dehalococcoides (Dhc) counts. Sulfate concentrations increased during the plume phase while dechlorination to ethene was still taking place, indicating that complete dechlorination to ethene was possible in the presence of sulfate. Dechlorination of TCE to cis-DCE was observed, but neither VC nor ethene was detected in the nBA-amended column. The nBA was observed to degrade in the column to butyl alcohol and acetate, neither of which partition as strongly as nBA, and neither was retained in the column. A continuous addition of nBA promoted the highest amount of cis-DCE production, and sulfate reduction also was observed. Once continuous addition ceased, dechlorination and sulfate reduction ended, indicating that electron donor retention in the column was not achieved. Dhc concentrations did not increase in the effluent of this column. A dissolution enhancement factor of 1.2 was calculated for the nBA column. Thesis at http://uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/handle/10012/3645

Wang, Haitang Jay, Master's thesis, University of Waterloo, ON, Canada. 130 pp, May 2008

In this study, a three-year field trial was performed to investigate phytoremediation of DDT-contaminated soil. Millet, fall rye, sugar beet, potato, and pumpkin treated with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) were planted on two sites. Untreated plants were installed as a control. Plant growth, 4,4'-DDT, and 4,4'-DDE concentrations in plant tissues and soil were monitored regularly. PGPR was observed to promote the treated plants' growth significantly over that of the untreated plants. On site 1, the root length and root weight of fall rye treated with PGPR were 16 and 44% greater, respectively, compared to the untreated plants. The root and shoot dry weights of millet treated with PGPR were 38 and 47% greater than those untreated plants. Root dry weight of sugar beet treated with PGPR was increased by 74% compared to untreated sugar beet. A significant effect of growth promotion also was observed in treated pumpkin and potato. Following plant growth, DDT detection in plants showed the presence of 4,4'-DDT and 4,4'-DDE in plant tissues of fall rye, millet, sugar beet, and pumpkin. The concentrations of 4,4'-DDT and 4,4'-DDE in fall rye roots were 0.61 and 0.59 µg/g, respectively. In pumpkin tissues at harvest, 4,4'-DDT and 4,4'-DDE concentrations were 0.67 and 1.64 µg/g in roots, 1.06 and 2.05 µg/g in the lower stems, and 0.2 and 0.32 µg/g in the upper stems. The data indicate that it is feasible to phytoremediate DDT from contaminated soil. In addition, 4,4'-DDT concentrations in soils with different plant species were determined. In the millet plot on site 1, 4,4'-DDT concentration in rhizosphere soil dropped by 41% in 2006 compared to 4,4'-DDT concentration at t⁰. In the sugar beet plot on site 1, 28% of 4,4'-DDT dropped in rhizosphere soil in 2007. In the pumpkin plot on site 1, 4,4'-DDT in rhizosphere soil fell by 22% in 2007. The results show that 4,4'-DDT concentrations in rhizosphere soil were significantly lower than the initial level of DDT. Based on the 4,4'-DDT levels in soils and plant tissues, a mass balance was constructed and calculated. The preliminary mass balance shows that the total amount that DDT decreased in rhizosphere soil approximately equals the total amount of DDT accumulated in plant tissues, thus demonstrating that phytoextraction is the mechanism of DDT phytoremediation. PGPR successfully promoted plant growth and enhanced the phytoremediation efficiency of DDT. The results indicate that PGPR-assisted phytoremediation has a great potential for remediation of DDT and other chlorinated aromatics from contaminated soil. Thesis at http://uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/handle/10012/3721

Verplanck, Philip L., ed.
U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1328, 96 pp, 2008

Interdisciplinary studies by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have resulted in substantial progress in understanding the processes that control the release of metals and acidic water from inactive mines and mineralized areas, the transport of metals and acidic water to streams, and the fate and effect of metals and acidity on downstream ecosystems. The potential environmental effects associated with abandoned and inactive mines, resulting from the complex interaction of a variety of chemical and physical processes, is an area of study that is important to the USGS Mineral Resources Program. Understanding the processes contributing to the environmental effects of abandoned and inactive mines is also of interest to a wide range of stakeholders, including both those responsible for managing lands with historically mined areas and those responsible for anticipating environmental consequences of future mining operations. The recently completed (2007) USGS project entitled "Process Studies of Contaminants Associated with Mineral Deposits" focused on abandoned and inactive mines and mineralized areas in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona, where there are thousands of abandoned mines. Results from these studies provide new information that advances the understanding of the physical and biogeochemical processes causing the mobilization, transport, reaction, and fate of potentially toxic elements (e.g., aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, and zinc) in mineralized near-surface systems and their effects on aquatic and riparian habitat. The 15 papers collected in this report have been organized under the following headings: (1) laboratory- and site-scale studies of the sources and release of metals, (2) basin-scale studies of the sources and release of metals, and (3) post-remediation recovery of stream ecosystems. Available at http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1328/

McCauley, C.A. and A.D. O'Sullivan (Univ. of Canterbury, Christchurch, NZ); P.A. Weber (Solid Energy New Zealand Ltd.); D.A. Trumm (CRL Energy Ltd.).
Abstracts of the 2008 National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Richmond, VA: New Opportunities to Apply Our Science, 14-19 June 2008.
ASMR, Lexington, KY. p 46, 2008

Mesocosm studies were undertaken to measure the effectiveness of sulfate-reducing bioreactors (SRBRs) for generating alkalinity and sequestering metals in acid mine drainage (AMD) emanating from the Stockton Coal Mine within the Mangatini watershed in New Zealand. Alkaline materials utilized in the SRBRs consisted of industrial waste products, such as mussel shells, nodulated stack dust (NSD) derived from the cement industry, and limestone, in addition to organic substrate materials, such as post peel (a byproduct from fence-post manufacture), pine bark, and compost. Seven SRBRs comprising various mixes of substrate received aerated AMD for nearly four months. The SRBR containing NSD successfully removed all metals, but the effluent was caustic at a pH > 9. Bioreactors containing 20 to 30% mussel shells were most successful at immobilizing metals and generating circumneutral effluent. Systems containing mussel shells sequestered more than 0.8 moles of metals/m3 of substrate/day at stable operating conditions and yielded very high effluent removal efficiencies for iron (96.5 to 99.8%), aluminum (99.5 to 99.9%), copper (99.7 to 99.9%), nickel (99.3 to 99.7%), zinc (99.7 to 99.9%), cadmium (98.3 to 98.9%), and lead (99.5 to 99.7%). The system consisting of limestone as the only alkalinity generating material was less effective. Results from duplicate systems but different reactor shapes indicated that reactor dimensions can influence flow characteristics and treatment efficacy.

Kennel, Jonathan, Master's thesis, University of Waterloo, ON, Canada. 226 pp, May 2008

To address contamination at fractured rock sites, multiple methods focusing on different aspects of the hydrologic system are required, and particular emphasis needs to be placed on the rock matrix. This thesis shows the further development and utility of the decade-old CORE™ method for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in rock matrices when used in conjunction with multiple high-resolution datasets as it applies to a 100-m thick highly productive dolostone aquifer located in the northwestern quadrant of the municipality of Guelph, Ontario. The area surrounding the research site was a productive zone for water supply until the early 1990s, when the two closest municipal supply wells (Sacco, Smallfield) were shut down (in 1991 and 1993, respectively) due to VOCs in the ground water. Trichloroethene (TCE) was used as a degreaser at the Guelph site and likely entered the ground water more than 20 years ago. This thesis comprises four chapters. Chapter 1 provides a brief background to the rock-core VOC method and gives the conceptual framework for the investigation. Chapter 2 focuses on the further development of the rock-core VOC method by providing the field validation of a recently adapted extraction method for VOCs in rock cores using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), demonstrating the importance of rapid field preservation of samples, and comparing it to the industry standard purge and trap method for VOCs on solid matrices. Chapter 3 creates high-resolution porosity and bulk density logs by using selected geophysical logging tools in combination with core-derived physical properties for the purpose of calculating porewater concentrations from total contaminant mass concentrations obtained from the rock-core VOC method and sample specific rock properties relevant to the conversion. Chapter 4 is a demonstration of the discrete fracture network approach applied to the Guelph field site with emphasis on the insights gained through high-resolution contaminant profiles generated from cored holes in or near the source area and along a transect. Together, the four chapters present a framework for investigating VOC contamination in fractured sedimentary rocks with emphasis on evaluating recent advances in the rock-core VOC methodology in a field context. Thesis at http://uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/handle/10012/3666

Shapiro, A.M.
U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2007-1134, pp, 2007

A borehole testing apparatus has been designed to isolate discrete intervals of a bedrock borehole and conduct hydraulic tests or collect water samples for geochemical analyses. This borehole testing apparatus, referred to as the Multifunction Bedrock-Aquifer Transportable Testing Tool (BAT3), contains two borehole packers, which when inflated can form a pressure-tight seal against smooth borehole walls; a pump apparatus to withdraw water from between the two packers; a fluid-injection apparatus to inject water between the two packers; pressure transducers to monitor fluid pressure between the two packers, as well as above and below them; flowmeters to monitor rates of fluid withdrawal or fluid injection; and data-acquisition equipment to record and store digital records from the pressure transducers and flowmeters. The generic design of this apparatus originally was discussed in U.S. Patent 6,761,062 (Shapiro 2004). The prototype of the apparatus is designed for boreholes that are about 6 inches in diameter and can be used to depths of 300 feet below land surface. The apparatus is designed to fit in five hard plastic boxes for easy shipment. The equipment can be assembled rapidly, and the length of the test interval (the distance between the two packers) can be adjusted to account for different borehole conditions without reconfiguring the downhole components. The Multifunction BAT3 is configured to conduct both fluid-injection and fluid-withdrawal tests. Fluid-injection tests are used to estimate the hydraulic properties of low-permeability fractures intersecting the borehole. The lower limit of the transmissivity that can be estimated using the configuration of the present Multifunction BAT3 is approximately 10^-3 square ft per day. Fluid-withdrawal tests are used to collect water samples for geochemical analyses and estimate the hydraulic properties of high-permeability fractures intersecting the borehole. The Multifunction BAT3 is configured with a submersible pump that can support pumping rates ranging from approximately 0.05 to 2.5 gallons per minute. Report at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2007/1134/

Kueper, B.H. and K. Mundle, Queen's Univ., Kingston, ON, Canada.
Proceedings of OttawaGeo 2007: The 60th Diamond Jubilee. Canadian Geotechnical Conference and 8th Joint CGS/IAH-CNC Groundwater Conference, 21-24 October 2007, Ottawa, ON.
BiTech Publishers Ltd., Richmond, BC, Canada. ISBN: 0-920505-36-8, Vol 1, p 581-585, 2007

Several factors determine the time needed for a plume to respond to nonaqueous-phase liquid (NAPL) source zone remediation. Remediation of most spills of NAPLs (fuels, chlorinated solvents, PCB oils, creosote, and coal tar) requires aggressive mass removal via technologies such as chemical oxidation, thermal treatments, alcohol flushing, surfactant flushing, and hydraulic displacement. While much attention has been given to the development of these remediation technologies, little attention has been given to the response of the plume downstream of the treatment zone and the selection of an appropriate monitoring time scale to evaluate the impacts of remediation adequately. This study focused on the prevalence of diffusive sinks, contaminant mobility, and the hydraulic conductivity of subsurface materials. Typically, plumes in subsurface environments dominated by diffusive sinks or low-permeability materials need long periods of time to detach after source removal. This paper presents generic plume-response model simulations that illustrate concentration rebound following the use of in situ chemical oxidation in fractured clay containing trichloroethene. The investigators determined that approximately two years is needed to reach peak rebound concentration after cessation of remedial action. Downgradient monitoring well concentrations may be reduced considerably during remedial action due to the fact that oxidant occupies the fracture and because oxidant diffuses into the clay matrix, creating a short period of contaminant reduction in the area of flowing ground water.

Blumenstein, E.P., J. Volberding, and J.J. Gusek.
Abstracts of the 2008 National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Richmond, VA: New Opportunities to Apply Our Science, 14-19 June 2008.
ASMR, Lexington, KY. p 10, 2008

The biochemical reactor (BCR), also known as a sulfate-reducing bioreactor (SRBR), is a passive treatment technology that has been developed for application to acid mine drainage (AMD). A BCR uses a combination of organic substrate materials and microbial activity to remove heavy metals and other contaminants and stabilize pH in mine-influenced water. Additionally, a BCR adds hardness, alkalinity, and organic matter to the water, all of which are beneficial to overall water quality and aquatic life. A historic gold mine in Montana is using a BCR to remove selenium (Se), thallium (Tl), and nitrate from AMD. A three-month bench-scale study tested a variety of different organic substrate mixtures. After steady-state conditions were reached in the BCR, bench-scale testing demonstrated ≥ 99% removal of Tl, Se, and traditional heavy metals, such as zinc, copper, and iron. Average influent Tl concentrations of 1.40 mg/L were removed to an average concentration of 0.008 mg/L; concurrently, average influent Se concentrations of 0.011 mg/L were removed to below the detection limit at 0.0025 mg/L. Using the bench-scale testing results; design began on a demonstration-scale passive treatment system that is half the size of a full-scale system. The demonstration-scale passive treatment system was designed such that scaling up to a full-size system will be easy in the future.

Berney IV, E.S., W.D. Hodo, J.F. Peters, T.E. Myers, R.S. Olsen, and M.K. Sharp.
Report No: ERDC-TR-08-7, 109 pp, June 2008

Researchers investigated the nature of cracking behavior in compacted clay liners used for nuclear waste disposal facilities. A literature review revealed that in all documented in-place clay liner studies, cracking occurred in the clay liner within 10 years, leading to failure of the liner system. All moisture-flow models studied failed to capture clay cracking and the resultant high permeability associated with these failed liner systems. A laboratory investigation was undertaken to define the mechanics of the clay cracking process for a numerical model. Visual and numerical observations of cracking during drying of a highly expansive clay showed that crack formations are very diverse along the surface layer and as they migrate downward. Shapes of cracks are neither uniform nor symmetric, evolving from thin webs of microcracks to a select number of wide primary cracks that, in turn, can seal off existing microcracks. A finite element model of the soil shrinkage process was developed that included crack formation. Stresses within intact soil are caused by self weight (gravity stresses) and changes in water content, which induce shrinkage as a result of suction-induced tensile stresses. Two numerical simulations were run on a digital test bed similar to the laboratory study. The simulations agreed well with laboratory experimental observations, capturing all the relevant crack phenomena. The report concludes that a change in the current design criteria for clay liner systems is necessary to enable the clay to remain in a fixed, as-compacted state. Report at http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA484170&Location=U2&doc=GetTRD
oc.pdf

Ellis, T.W., W. Murray, J. Brophy, C. Williams, S. Maunder, and P. Hairsine.
Commonwealth of Australia, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. RIRDC Publication 08/041, 43 pp, 2008

The measurement of plant root systems by conventional methods is a slow and laborious procedure, particularly under field conditions. This report describes pot and field experiments conducted to asses the use of electricity as a rapid, non-destructive method for the measurement of the spatial distribution of roots of trees and smaller plants. The researchers found that conventional capacitance techniques can be used on trees and applied a new technique to increase the accuracy and repeatability of the measurements. The new technique also eliminated most of the error associated with electrical resistance between the tree stem and the electric probes. By altering the conceptual model of roots as electrical components within a soil medium, and undertaking measurements at high frequency, the presence of shallow individual tree roots was detected successfully via remote methods under laboratory and field conditions. This technique was adapted for use with a ground probe and used to measure the electric field associated with the roots of different plants in pots. The electric field measurements varied according to root mass density and root length density in both vertical and horizontal directions, and were able to detect fine roots (< 1 mm diameter) with relatively low root length densities. If an electrical technique can be developed into a reliable method for field conditions, it would have immediate and widespread applications for agronomy, forestry, plant breeding, and hydrology, as well as for estimating the zone of influence of plants used in phytoremediation. The preliminary work undertaken in this study justifies a structured and detailed appraisal of these techniques to determine their potential for rapid root investigations under field conditions. Report at http://www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/AFT/08-041sum.html

Ellis, T.W., K. Feher, W. Murray, K. Paul, J. Brophy, K. Jacobsen, V. Koul, P. Leppert, and J. Smith.
Commonwealth of Australia, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. RIRDC Publication 08/042, 32 pp, 2008

Two electrical methods for the measurement of roots have previously shown promise for the development of rapid non-destructive techniques for measurement of root mass and root location. This report describes additional research conducted to (1) evaluate the low-frequency (kHz range) electrical capacitance method for the measurement of tree root mass and root length, and (2) determine the governing principles and limits for the transmission of electromagnetic signals through a root system. The results provide evidence that low-frequency capacitance C measurements can be related to root mass and possibly to root length of plantation eucalypts. Trees at three mature plantation sites produced similar relationships between C and root mass. The one younger site showed a different relationship between C and root mass, but the results from the four sites produced a relatively unified relationship between C and root length, although the latter was inferred and not measured directly. This finding is consistent with root capacitance theory. The younger site likely had a greater proportion of fine (< 2mm diameter) roots and therefore a greater total root length. In the high-frequency measurement of root location, signals could be transmitted from plant stems to roots, which tended to act as underground antennas, emitting electromagnetic fields that can be detected remotely; however, it appears that the relative dielectric properties of roots and soils are such that signals will travel only relatively short distances (2 to 3 m) along large-diameter (10 to 20 mm) roots before becoming too small to detect. The methods tested will require additional work to develop them to the point where they are likely to be directly useful for determining the zone of influence of root systems. Report at http://www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/EFM/08-042sum.html

Rosenberry, D.O. and J.W. LaBaugh, eds.
U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods 4-D2, 135 pp, 2008

This report focuses on measuring the flow of water across the interface between surface water and ground water, rather than on the hydrogeological or geochemical processes that occur at or near this interface. To make the reader aware of the breadth of approaches available for the study of the exchange between surface and ground water, the report is divided into four chapters. Chapter 1 describes many well-documented approaches for defining the flow between surface and ground waters. Subsequent chapters provide an in-depth presentation of particular methods. Chapter 2 focuses on three of the most commonly used methods either to calculate or directly measure the flow of water between surface-water bodies and the ground-water domain: (1) measurement of water levels in well networks in combination with measurement of water level in nearby surface water to determine water-level gradients and flow; (2) use of portable piezometers (wells) or hydraulic potentiomanometers to measure hydraulic gradients; and (3) use of seepage meters to measure flow directly. Chapter 3 focuses on describing the techniques involved in conducting water-tracer tests using fluorescent dyes, a method commonly used in the hydrogeologic investigation and characterization of karst aquifers, and in the study of water fluxes in karst terranes. Chapter 4 focuses on heat as a tracer in hydrological investigations of the near-surface environment. Report at http://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/04d02/

Focht, R., D. Cooper, D. Velicogna, and M. Punt (SAIC Canada); C.E Brown (Environment Canada).
2008 RPIC Federal Contaminated Sites National Workshop, 28 April - May 1, Vancouver, BC. Real Property Institute of Canada, poster presentation, 2008

Biologically based fuels offer many advantages over petroleum-derived fuels—life-cycle reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and a sustainable energy supply. To promote their use, targets have been set for adding biofuels, such as biodiesel, to traditional petroleum fuels. As an unfortunate but inevitable consequence, spills of pure and blended biofuels will increase along with demand. Well-developed spill response and remediation technologies for biofuels will be critical to support the development, promotion, and uptake of biofuels. Although biodiesel is widely considered to be readily biodegradable and non-toxic, anecdotal field evidence for vegetable oil indicates that vegetable oil, and perhaps biodiesel, can persist in the subsurface for decades; hence, conventional spill response and remediation technologies may not be as effective on biodiesel and biodiesel/petrodiesel blends due to the differences in physical, chemical, and toxicological properties of biodiesel in comparison to petrodiesel. Testing of existing mechanical containment and recovery techniques currently is underway to determine their effectiveness for cleanup of a biodiesel spill. Bench-scale testing is also being conducted to assess biodegradation of biodiesel under subsurface conditions and the effectiveness of in situ chemical oxidation of biodiesel for soil remediation.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, DC.
Report No: EM 1110-1-4005, 192 pp, 2008

Air sparging is the process of injecting air into the saturated subsurface to treat contaminated soil and ground water. Air sparging mechanisms include partitioning of volatile contaminants from the aqueous phase to the vapor phase (stripping), for their subsequent transfer to and removal from the unsaturated zone, and transfer of oxygen from the injected air to the aqueous phase to enhance aerobic microbial degradation of contaminants in the saturated zone (biosparging). Injecting air directly into the saturated zone, termed in situ air sparging (IAS), is emphasized in this manual. Soil vapor extraction (SVE) often accompanies IAS to control emissions of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are carried to the unsaturated zone by IAS. For IAS systems not matched with SVE, waste streams are not generated and therefore do not need to be treated. IAS is considered to be a mature technology. It is relatively easy to implement; it is well known to regulatory agencies; and the equipment necessary for IAS is generally inexpensive and easily obtained. Critical aspects likely to govern the effectiveness of an IAS system continue to be researched and reported in conference proceedings and technical journals. While IAS primarily has been used to remove VOCs from the saturated subsurface through stripping, the technology can be effective in removing volatile and non-volatile contaminants through other, primarily biological, processes enhanced during its implementation. This manual provides guidance for evaluation of the feasibility and applicability of IAS for remediation of contaminated ground water and soil and, as a secondary objective, describes design and operational considerations for IAS systems. The document is intended primarily to set U.S. Army Corps of Engineers technical policy on the use of the technology and to prevent its application in inappropriate settings. This new edition of the sparging manual updates and expands upon the version issued in 1997. Available at http://www.usace.army.mil/publications/eng-manuals/em1110-1-4005/toc.htm

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Public Works Technical Bulletin, PWTB 200-1-61, 36 pp, Oct 2008

This Public Works Technical Bulletin identifies field test kits available on the market and discusses their effectiveness in identifying environmental contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals, explosives, petroleum, oils, and lubricants. Quick decisions are often necessary in scoping an environmental emergency and determining an appropriate response. In addition, screening a large area (or large number of items) requires efficient tools. Commercially available field test technologies may offer the best alternative for spill response, screening of recycling scrap or waste building materials, compliance, long-term monitoring and pre-screening of contaminated areas to determine future actions. Modern technical approaches, such as EPA's Triad for characterization and remediation of hazardous waste sites, encourage the use of real-time measurement technologies, including field analytical instrumentation. Some of the benefits of this modern approach are accelerated project schedules, cost reduction and improvement of project results. This bulletin describes the most commonly used field testing technologies and the instruments based on these technologies and includes Army examples where implementation of field testing technologies has saved operational costs and project time. Report at http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/ARMYCOE/PWTB/pwtb_200_1_61.pdf

U.S. General Accountability Office (GAO), Washington, DC.
Report No: GAO-08-841R, 31 pp, 18 July 2008

Congress asked GAO to examine the sources of funding for the Superfund trust fund and allocation of these resources to Superfund program activities, particularly enforcement and administration. The Superfund trust fund has received revenue from four major sources: taxes on crude oil and certain chemicals, as well as an environmental tax assessed on corporations based upon their taxable income; appropriations from the general fund; fines, penalties, and recoveries from responsible parties; and interest accrued on the balance of the fund. The contribution of each of these sources changes from year to year, although trends are evident when comparing the composition of trust fund revenue during the periods before and after the expiration of Superfund's taxes. For fiscal years 1981 through 1995, after which Superfund-related taxing authority expired, taxes accounted for about 68% of trust fund revenues; appropriations from the general fund for 17%; interest for 9%; and fines, penalties, and recoveries for 6%. In contrast, from fiscal years 1996 through 2007, taxes accounted for about 6% of trust fund revenues; appropriations from the general fund for about 59%; interest for about 16%; and fines, penalties, and recoveries for about 19%. Each year, appropriations laws stipulate the level of the annual EPA Superfund program appropriation from the trust fund, and regardless of the balance of the fund, EPA can expend only what is appropriated. For fiscal years 1981 through 2007, Congress appropriated an annual average of $1.2 billion in nominal terms to EPA's Superfund program, although the annual level of appropriated funds has declined in recent years when adjusted for inflation. The balance of the trust fund also declined from $4.7 billion at the start of fiscal year 1997 to $173 million at the start of fiscal year 2007. In addition to setting an overall level of funds available for EPA's Superfund program, Congress has transferred portions of EPA's Superfund appropriation to other agencies or programs that support site cleanup. For fiscal years 1999 through 2007, EPA spent 77% of its Superfund monies on remedial and removal activities and almost all of the rest on enforcement and administration activities. During this period, overall program expenditures declined nearly 30% in constant dollars, from $1.8 billion in fiscal year 1999 to $1.3 billion in fiscal year 2007, mostly due to a decline in expenditures for remedial activities. Enforcement expenditures made up the largest portion of expenditures after site cleanup activities for fiscal years 1999 through 2007. EPA's annual enforcement expenditures fell from $243 million to $187 million over this period, but they consistently accounted for between 13 and 15% of total Superfund expenditures. Superfund program administration costs also declined from fiscal year 1999 through fiscal year 2007, from $143 million to $132 million. Although declining in constant dollars, these costs increased from 8 to 10% of total Superfund expenditures during this period. Report at http://gao.gov/products/GAO-08-841R

U.S. General Accountability Office (GAO), Washington, DC.
Report No: GAO-08-1111R, 20 pp, 18 Sep 2008

As part of its mission to protect human health and the environment, U.S. EPA's enforcement office maintains civil and criminal enforcement programs to help enforce the requirements of major federal environmental laws, such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. EPA's civil and criminal enforcement programs work with the Department of Justice, and in some cases states, to take legal actions to bring polluters into compliance with federal laws. While civil enforcement actions require polluters to pay penalties and take other corrective actions, criminal enforcement actions also may include imprisonment. Total penalties assessed by EPA, when adjusted for inflation, declined from $240.6 million to $137.7 million between fiscal years 1998 and 2007. The General Accountability Office agreed to report on (1) amounts of civil and criminal penalties assessed in recent years and how EPA calculates and reports on these outcomes, (2) the value of injunctive relief and amounts of pollution reduction and how EPA calculates and reports on these outcomes, and (3) factors that influence EPA's process in achieving enforcement outcomes. This report recommends steps that EPA should take to improve the transparency and accuracy of its reports to Congress and the public when reporting on the effectiveness of its enforcement programs. Available at http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-08-1111R

U.S. General Accountability Office (GAO), Washington, DC.
Report No: GAO-08-864R, 81 pp, 22 Aug 2008

The principal role of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is to investigate accidental releases of regulated or extremely hazardous substances to determine the conditions and circumstances that led to the accident and to identify the cause or causes so that similar accidents can be prevented. Accidental releases of toxic and hazardous chemicals occur frequently and often have serious consequences. CSB reported to Congress that the agency received notification of approximately 900 chemical accidents in calendar year 2007, and that 31 of these accidents were serious or even fatal events that warranted the commitment of CSB investigators. CSB began operating in 1998 as an independent agency created under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. The Act directs CSB to (1) investigate and report on the cause or probable cause of any accidental chemical releases from stationary sources resulting in a fatality, serious injury, or substantial property damages; (2) make recommendations to reduce the likelihood or consequences of accidental chemical releases and propose corrective measures; and (3) establish regulations for reporting accidental releases. The agency publishes investigative reports and issues safety studies and videos to help prevent future accidents. CSB has no enforcement authority and a limited regulatory role. As outlined in the authorizing statute, CSB is to be managed by a five-member board. Currently the board has one vacancy. CSB received an appropriation of $9.4 million for fiscal year 2008 and had 39 staff as of January 30, 2008. CSB has implemented some GAO and Inspector General (IG) recommendations related to improving its operating policies and procedures since the last report in July 2000; however, GAO found that CSB has not addressed several critical recommendations, and problems in governance, management, and oversight persist. Specifically, CSB has not fully responded to key recommendations related to investigating more accidents that meet statutory requirements triggering CSB's responsibility to investigate, improving the quality of its accident data, resolving human capital problems, and ensuring accountability and continuity of management. GAO recommends independent oversight from an existing IG as the most effective way to help CSB address its continuing problems, provided that the arrangement is made permanent and funding is provided to the IG for the function. Report at http://www.gao.gov/products/A83716

U.S. General Accountability Office (GAO), Washington, DC.
Report No: GAO-08-1177T, 21 pp, 24 Sep 2008

Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) are large livestock and poultry operations that raise animals in a confined situation. CAFOs can improve the efficiency of animal production, but if improperly managed, the large amounts of manure they produce can degrade air and water quality. U.S. EPA regulates CAFOs and requires CAFOs that discharge certain pollutants to obtain a permit. This testimony summarizes the findings of a September 4, 2008, GAO report (GAO-08-944) on (1) trends in CAFOs, (2) amounts of waste they generate, (3) findings of key research on CAFOs' health and environmental impacts, (4) progress made in developing CAFO air emissions protocols, and (5) the effect of recent court decisions on EPA's regulation of CAFO water pollutants. GAO analyzed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data from 1982 through 2002 for large farms as a proxy for CAFOs; reviewed studies, EPA documents, laws, and regulations; and obtained the views of federal and state officials. Because no federal agency collects accurate and consistent data on the number, size, and location of CAFOs, GAO could not determine the exact trends for these operations; however, using USDA data for large farms that raise animals as a proxy for CAFOs, it appears that the number of these operations increased by 230%, from about 3,600 in 1982 to almost 12,000 in 2002. EPA lacks comprehensive, accurate data on the number of permitted CAFOs nationwide. As a result, the agency does not have the information that it needs to regulate these CAFOs effectively. EPA is currently working with the states to establish a new national data base. The amount of manure generated by large farms that raise animals depends on the type and number of animals raised, but these operations can produce from 2,800 tons to 1.6 million tons of manure per year. Since 2002, at least 68 government-sponsored or peer-reviewed studies have been completed that examined air and water quality issues associated with animal feeding operations and 15 have directly linked air and water pollutants from animal waste to specific health or environmental impacts. EPA has not yet assessed the extent to which pollutants from animal feeding operations may be impairing human health and the environment because it lacks key data on the amount of pollutants discharged by these operations. Considered a first step in developing air emission protocols for animal feeding operations, a 2-year nationwide air emission monitoring study, largely funded by the industry, was initiated in 2007; however, as currently structured, the study may not provide the scientific and statistically valid data it was intended to provide—EPA needs to develop these protocols. Report at http://gao.gov/products/GAO-08-1177T

ASTM International News Release #7917, 2008

Vapor intrusion from contaminated soil and ground water into structures potentially can create significant liability and have a material impact on property value; hence, accurately determining whether a property has vapor intrusion issues is a concern for property owners, prospective purchasers, and environmental professionals conducting due diligence. ASTM International Committee E50 on Environmental Assessment has approved a new standard, E 2600, Practice for Assessment of Vapor Intrusion into Structures on Property Involved in Real Estate Transactions, which will provide guidance for vapor intrusion testing. The standard is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee E50.02 on Real Estate Assessment and Management. The specific intent of E 2600 was to establish a methodology to determine whether or not there is a reasonable probability that vapor intrusion could present an environmental risk and liability. For commercial real estate transactions, the vapor intrusion investigation as defined by E 2600 could be used independently of, or as a supplement to, E 1527, Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process. The evaluation process described in E 2600 consists of four tiers. The first two screening tiers are used to assess the potential for a vapor intrusion issue to exist, so that properties with a low risk can be screened out quickly and inexpensively. The third tier provides for more site-specific and comprehensive investigations if the potential for vapor intrusion cannot reasonably be eliminated at the Tier 1 or 2 levels. Tier 4 addresses mitigation alternatives. ASTM International standards can be purchased from Customer Service: 610/832-9585, service@astm.org, or at www.astm.org
For technical information on this new standard, contact Anthony J. Buonicore, Milford, CT at 800-238-1841 or ajb@edrnet.com.

ASTM International News Release #7987, 2008

A proposed new practice being developed by ASTM Subcommittee D18.21 on Ground Water and Vadose Zone Investigations will cover techniques for actively collecting soil gas samples from the vadose zone beneath buildings. WK18835, Practice for Active Soil Gas Sampling in the Vadose Zone for Vapor Intrusion Evaluations, is under the jurisdiction of ASTM International Committee D18 on Soil and Rock. The proposed practice will provide a greater level of applied detail than exists in current guides. Subcommittee D18.21.02 on Vadose Zone Monitoring has completed a series of over 10 ASTM standard guides that cover technologies such as pore-liquid sampling, soil sampling, water content measurements, unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, matrix potential determination, and horizontal application of neutron probes that currently are used in vadose zone work. As each of the guides is approved, corresponding practices and test methods are being developed. WK18835 is one such proposed standard, having been developed to correspond with D5314, Guide for Soil Gas Monitoring in the Vadose Zone. Use of the proposed standard will ensure that soil gas sampling is being done correctly to identify potential vapor intrusion hazards that are addressed in the widely used new ASTM standard E2600, Practice for Assessment of Vapor Intrusion into Structures on Property Involved in Real Estate Transactions. In addition to work on WK18835, the subcommittee plans to develop other standards associated with passive soil gas sampling technologies. For technical information on this proposed standard, contact Dr. Lorne Everett, Haley & Aldrich, Santa Barbara, CA, 805-563-8007 or leverett@haleyaldrich.com

McCurdy, D.E., J.R. Garbarino, and A.H. Mullin.
U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, Book 5, Chap. B6, 39 pp, 2008

This document provides information to USGS Science Centers on interpreting and reporting radiological results for samples of environmental matrices, with emphasis on water. The information provided is intended to be broadly useful throughout the United States, but scientists who work at sites containing radioactive hazardous wastes are recommended to consult additional sources for more detailed information. This document is based largely on recognized national standards and guidance documents for radioanalytical sample processing, most notably the Multi-Agency Radiological Laboratory Analytical Protocols Manual (MARLAP), and on documents published by U.S. EPA and the American National Standards Institute. It does not include discussion of standard USGS practices, such as field quality-control sample analysis, interpretive report policies, and related issues. Available at http://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/05b06/

U.S. General Accountability Office (GAO), Washington, DC.
Report No: GAO-08-1168T, 32 pp, 18 Sep 2008

U.S. EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) contains EPA's scientific position on the potential human health effects of exposure to more than 540 chemicals. Toxicity assessments in the IRIS database constitute the first two critical steps of the risk assessment process, which in turn provides the foundation for risk management decisions. IRIS thus is a critical component of EPA's capacity to support scientifically sound environmental decisions, policies, and regulations. In March 2008, GAO concluded that the IRIS database was at serious risk of becoming obsolete because EPA had not been able to complete timely, credible assessments or decrease its backlog of 70 ongoing assessments: only four were completed in fiscal years 2006 and 2007. In addition, assessment process changes had been made that would further reduce the credibility and timeliness of IRIS assessments. This testimony discusses (1) highlights of GAO's March 2008 report entitled Chemical Assessments: Low Productivity and New Interagency Review Process Limit the Usefulness and Credibility of EPA's Integrated Risk Information System; (2) key aspects of EPA's revised IRIS assessment process, released on April 10, 2008; and (3) progress EPA has made in completing assessments in fiscal year 2008. For the March 2008 report, GAO reviewed and analyzed EPA data and interviewed officials at relevant agencies, including the Office of Management and Budget. For this testimony, GAO supplemented the prior audit work with a review of EPA's revised IRIS assessment process announced on April 10, 2008, and updated the information on EPA's assessment productivity through September 12, 2008. EPA's progress in completing assessments continues to be slow: only four assessments have been completed in fiscal year 2008. Further, these assessments cover a group of four related chemicals processed and peer reviewed together but finalized individually. Little or no progress has been made on assessments of highlighted chemicals, including naphthalene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethene. Report at http://gao.gov/products/GAO-08-1168T

Kalin, M. and W.N. Wheeler, Boojum Research Ltd.
2008 RPIC Federal Contaminated Sites National Workshop, 28 April - May 1, Vancouver, BC. Real Property Institute of Canada, 17 slides, 2008

Ecological engineering principles can be applied to the remediation of mining waste ecosystems. Native biota can be encouraged to remove metals, acidity, alkalinity, and hardness, thereby stimulating biogeochemical precipitation processes. Periphyton and phytoplankton adsorb metals and, as particulate matter settles to the sediment, provide the carbon needed to support bio-mineralization. These supportive measures gradually lead to the reduction of contaminants in extremely degraded environments. This presentation outlines ongoing research on bio-mineralizing ecosystems. Field demonstrations applying the principles of ecological engineering to 30 projects implemented over 20 years in Canada and abroad have been documented with 620 entries in the Mining Environment Research Literature Information Network (MERLIN) and are accessible through the J.N. Desmarais Library at Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, via the Boojum Web site at http://biblio.laurentian.ca/boojum
This database contains over 24,000 citations on the reclamation of mined lands. The presentation slides are available through the meeting program at http://www.rpic-ibic.ca/en/activities/2008_FCS/paper_presentations/steam
_a.shtml

Hester, R.E. and R.M. Harrison (eds.).
Springer, New York. Issues in Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 26, ISBN: 978-0-85404-957-8, 192 pp, 2008

The science of environmental forensics involves field analytical studies, data interpretation, and modeling connected with the attribution of pollution events to their causes. In addition to an overview of environmental forensics, this book contains authoritative articles by leading practitioners across the globe in the field and covers some of the main techniques and areas to which environmental forensics are being applied. The content is comprehensive and describes key areas within environmental forensics. Topics covered include source identification issues, microbial techniques, molecular biological methods, metal contamination and methods of assigning liability, the use of isotopes to determine sources and their applications, hydrocarbon fingerprinting techniques, oil chemistry and key compound identification, and the emerging role of environmental forensics in ground-water pollution. Additionally, the volume considers specific pollutants and long-lived pollutants of ground water, such as halocarbons, which have presented particular problems and are described in some depth. Also discussed is the way in which chemical degradation processes can lead to compositional changes that provide valuable information.