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Fate & Transport

    A clear understanding of the fate and transport of chemicals in environmental media such as air, water, and soil is critical for understanding potential impacts of the contaminant and for developing management strategies. Factors that are critical for understanding fate and transport of chemicals include:
    • Prediction of contaminant releases from sources and environmental pathways
    • Accurate measurement of contaminant sources and distribution
    • Abiotic and biotic degradation pathways
    • Movement of contaminants between environmental compartments including diffusion, dissolution, desorption, and volatilization
    • Bioavailability of contaminants and uptake in human and ecological receptors

    ERDC is currently engaged in research and development to study the basic processes that control variables in the fate and transport of contaminants. Models that predict the environmental compartments, chemical speciation and persistence, and transport and exposure pathways are developed using fundamental information obtained from laboratory studies. Models and supporting data are used for site characterization, risk assessment, contaminant remediation strategies, contaminant management, and decision-making.

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