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An Evaluation of Geochemical and Biological Factors Leading to the Persistence of the Leaded Gasoline Scavengers 1,2-Dibromoethane (EDB) 1,2-Dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) in Groundwater

EPA Grant Number: F6A20034
Title: An Evaluation of Geochemical and Biological Factors Leading to the Persistence of the Leaded Gasoline Scavengers 1,2-Dibromoethane (EDB) 1,2-Dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) in Groundwater
Investigators: Henderson, James K.
Institution: Clemson University
EPA Project Officer: Thompson, Delores
Project Period: September 1, 2006 through September 1, 2007
Project Amount: $111,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (2006)
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , Fellowship - Contaminant Investigation and Remediation , Academic Fellowships

Description:

Objective:

Available field evidence from underground storage tank (UST) sites where leaded gasoline leaked indicates that the lead scavengers 1,2-dibromoethane (EDB) and 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) persist in groundwater at levels posing an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment. These compounds are seldom tested for at UST sites, and their behavior in groundwater at these sites is poorly understood. This research will seek to develop an understanding of the biological and geochemical factors controlling the persistence of these compounds in the environment.

Identify key geochemical and biological components controlling the behavior of lead scavengers in the subsurface at sites where leaded gasoline was released.

Approach:

This research will seek to develop an understanding of the biological and geochemical factors controlling the persistence of ethylene dibromide and 1,2-dichloroethane through 1) evaluation of plume behavior at UST sites where EDB and/or 1,2-DCA are observed to persist or attenuate; 2) development of laboratory mesocosms from a UST site selected on the basis of plume behavior and subsurface characteristics, and 3) process based numerical modeling incorporating results from the laboratory work to obtain a fundamental understanding of the behavior of lead scavengers in the environment.

Expected Results:

This research will permit a fundamental understanding of the geochemical and biological conditions that allow EDB and 1,2-DCA to persist and be mobile in groundwater. This in turn will facilitate an assessment of 1) the likelihood of widespread contamination of the nation’s groundwater resources by lead scavengers, 2) the risk to human health and the environment posed by EDB and 1,2-DCA, and 3) strategies for controlling lead scavengers at UST sites.

Supplemental Keywords:

lead scavengers, leaded gasoline, underground storage tanks, ethylene dibromide, 1,2-dichloroethane, , Scientific Discipline, Health, Risk Assessments, Health Risk Assessment, Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, gasoline, biochemical research, lead, underground storage tanks, human health risk, contaminant transport, groundwater contamination, biogeochemistry, chemical exposure

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

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