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Optimization of the Hydraulic Design and Performance of Iron-Based Permeable Reactive Barriers.
EPA Grant Number: F6A20657Title: Optimization of the Hydraulic Design and Performance of Iron-Based Permeable Reactive Barriers.
Investigators: Henderson, Andrew D
Institution: University of Michigan
EPA Project Officer: Thompson, Delores
Project Period: September 1, 2006 through September 1, 2009
Project Amount: $111,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (2006)
Research Category: Academic Fellowships , Fellowship - Groundwater Geochemistry , Hazardous Waste/Remediation , Fellowship - Hydraulics , Fellowship - Groundwater Remediation
Description:
Objective:Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs) are a promising, though still relatively new approach to remediating groundwater contaminated with heavy metals or organics. However, there is still uncertainty about the longevity of these passive, in situ systems. This research aims to improve this technology by contributing to understanding of their geochemical performance and by extending their operational longevity.
To gain a fundamental understanding of the hydraulic changes in reduced metal media in the subsurface. Based on this mechanistic understanding, this research will aim to extend the longevity of PRBs by manipulating the particle size distribution of the reactive media, as well as the ratio of reactive to non-reactive media.
Approach:Task 1) Measurement of geochemical parameters in lab-scale PRB columns that accurately reflect field geochemical conditions.
Task 2) Analysis of the type and distribution of precipitated solids in the reactive media.
Task 3) Minimization of effects of precipitates via variation of a) the ratio of reactive to nonreactive media and b) particle size distribution.
Design guidance to extend the operational lifespan of PRBs, based on new insights into the interplay of geochemical and hydraulic changes that occur in PRBs.
Supplemental Keywords:groundwater remediation, Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs), reduced metal, precipitation, passivation, hydraulic conductivity, permeability, longevity, heavy metals, chlorinated organics,
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POLLUTANTS/TOXICS, Scientific Discipline, Waste, Remediation, Chemical Engineering, Chemicals, Environmental Chemistry, Groundwater remediation, heavy metals, biodegradation, waste mixtures, permeable reaction barriers, permeable barrier technology, treatment technologies, hazardous waste, bioremediation, hydraulic modeling, chlorinated organic compounds