Robert S. Kerr
Environmental Research Laboratory
Revised
April 1990
Compiled by
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agenoj
Region 5, Library (5PL-16) :
230 S. Dearborn Street, Room 1670
Chicago, IL 60604
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Ada, Oklahoma 74820
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Robert 5. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
C OntentS EPA-ORD Office of Environmental Processes and
Effects Research Laboratories v
RSKERL Organizational Chart vii
Background 1
Current Activities 1
Processes Research 2
Applied Research 5
Technical Assistance and Information Transfer 6
RSKERL-Ada Technology Support Center 7
List of Active Projects 9
Active Projects (by category)
Site Characterization 15
Transformation 18
Transport 22
Subsurface Exposure Assessment 29
Subsurface Reclamation 33
Underground Injection Control 37
Wellhead Protection 40
Drinking Water 41
Superfund 43
List of Publications (1988-1990) 45
ill
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
Assistant Administrator for Research
and Development
Office of Modeling
Monitoring Systems &
Quality Assurance
Office of Environmental
Processes & Effects Research
Office of Environmental
Engineering & Technology
Demonstration
Office of Health &
Environmental Assessment
Office of Health
Research
Athens Environmental
Research Laboratory
Duluth Environmental
Research Laboratory
Gulf Breeze Environmental
Research Laboratory
R.S. Kerr Environmental
Research Laboratory
Corvallis Environmental
Research Laboratory
Narragansett Environmental
Research Laboratory
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Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Organizational Chart
Office of the Director
Clinton W. Hall
Director
Administrative Support
Staff
Jimmie L. Kingery
Chief
Processes and Systems
Research Division
CarlG.Enfield
Director
Extramural Activities
and Assistance Division
Marion R. Scalf
Director
Subsurface
Processes
Branch
William J. Dunlap
Chief
Subsurface
Systems
Branch
Stephen G.Schmelling
Chief
Extramural Activities
and Evaluation
Branch
James F. McNabb
Chief
Applications and
Assistance
Branch
Vacant
va
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Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Background
Current
Activities
The Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory in Ada, Oklahoma, is one of 14
national research laboratories of U.S. EPA's Office of Research and Development. Dedicated in
1966, RSKERL began as a U.S. Public Health Service laboratory responsible for providing research,
technical assistance and training on water pollution problems to the south-central region of the U.S.,
including the states of Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma. By 1970, when
the U.S. EPA was established, the research programs at RSKERL were directed toward solving
environmental problems national in scope and importance.
Today, RSKERL serves as U.S. EPA's center for ground-water research, focusing its efforts on
studies of the transport and fate of contaminants in the subsurface, development of methodologies
for protection and restoration of ground-water quality, and evaluation of the applicability and
limitations of using natural soil and subsurface processes for the treatment of hazardous wastes.
The Laboratory has a long history of research responsibilities related to the use of soils and the sub-
surface for waste treatment and to the protection of the soil, ground water and surface water. These
responsibilities have, in the past, included the development and demonstration of cost-effective
methods for land treatment of municipal wastewaters, animal production wastes, and petroleum
refining and petrochemical wastes, as well as the development of technologies for the protection of
ground-water quality.
RSKERL carries out research through in-house projects and cooperative and interagency
agreements with universities, national laboratories, and other research centers. RSKERL currently
has over 50 ongoing or planned extramural projects at approximately 25 research institutions in 20
states.
An examination of the environmental legislation (including RCRA, SDWA, CERCLA, and
TOSCA) that relate to ground-water quality protection reveals four common regulatory and/or
management requirements:
1. Establishment of criteria for location, design, and operation of waste disposal activities to
prevent contamination of ground water or movement of contaminants to points of withdrawal
or discharge.
2. Assessment of the probable impact of existing pollution on ground water at points of
withdrawal or discharge.
3. Development of remediation technologies which are effective in protecting and restoring
ground-water quality without being unnecessarily complex or costly, and without unduly
restricting other land use activities.
4. Regulating the production, use, and/or disposal of specific chemicals possessing an
unacceptably high potential for contaminating ground water when released to the subsurface.
These requirements translate into a need by the Agency, other regulatory entities and industry,
for a definitive knowledge of the transport and fate characteristics of contaminants in subsurface
environments. Without sufficient knowledge of the behavior of contaminants in the subsurface,
there is a risk of (1) under-control. resulting in excessive ground-water contamination, or (2) over-
control, resulting in uneconomical under-utilization of the subsurface as a treatment media.
The mission of the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory is to develop that
knowledge base.
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Roberts S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Most of the research conducted at RSKERL is directed at the processes that control the transport
and fate of contaminants in the subsurface. For organizational purposes RSKERL divides this work
into the areas of hydrologic, abiotic, and biotic processes research. Hydrologic processes are those
processes that act to influence the movement of water, the primary vehicle for contaminant transport.
Abiotic processes are the chemical and physical interactions that cause contaminants to move at rates
different than those of the water or which change the concentrations of the contaminants. Biotic
processes refer to microbially-mediated transformations of contaminants in the subsurface to other
compounds. In the subsurface these three types of processes are inseparable and simultaneous, and
the ultimate goal of all research is to integrate the influence of these processes into a unified under-
standing of contaminant behavior in the subsurface.
The lack of understanding of how contaminants move in the subsurface severely restricts the
ability to protect ground-water quality or to design effective systems to "cleanup" contaminated
ground water. Although the physics of water flow in uncontaminated homogeneous media is
reasonably well understood, the processes involved in contaminant transport in heterogeneous media
is poorly understood. Hydrologic processes research at RSKERL is directed at three areas: (1)
expanding our understanding of the physics of fluid flow through porous media, (2) developing
methodology for evaluating the spatial variability of hydrologic processes in the subsurface, and (3)
advancing the mathematical techniques for predicting the spatial and temporal distribution of
contaminants.
Current RSKERL research aimed at understanding the physics of fluid flow through porous
media includes studies on how immiscible fluids move through porous media, the impact of the
immiscible fluids on the physical properties of porous medium, fluid movement in heterogeneous
formations, and delineation of the physical basis of dispersion.
RSKERL's efforts to develop methodology to evaluate the heterogeneity of the hydrologic
system include the evaluation of measurement methods to determine the variability in hydraulic
conductivity and the development of statistical techniques for sampling strategies and risk analysis.
RSKERL has an extensive program to develop, evaluate, and improve mathematical models for
use in predicting the transport and fate of contaminants in the subsurface. Model development
includes work on advective and dispersive models for contaminant transport in the vadose zone and
ground water. The principal avenue for model information transfer is the International Ground Water
Modeling Center (IGWMC) at Holcomb Research Institute in Indianapolis, Indiana. The IGWMC
maintains and evaluates mathematical models designed to simulate ground-water movement and
contaminant transport, maintains annotated data bases of these models, maintains data sets for model
evaluation, offers hands-on training courses, and conducts research to develop benchmark methods
for the intercomparison and validation of existing models.
Abiotic processes research at RSKERL is focused on five major areas of concern: (1) sorption
processes; (2) facilitated transport phenomena; (3) behavior of complex wastes; (4) abiotic transfor-
mations; and (5) spatial variability implications. The objectives of research projects in these areas
include defining and understanding the chemical and physical mechanisms responsible for the
observed phenomena and evaluating the implications of these processes. Laboratory and field work
on abiotic processes is coordinated with the refinement of mathematical models that simulate
processes affecting the mobility and fate of contaminants in ground water.
Sorption processes retard the movement of contaminants relative to the movement of the water
in which the contaminants are being transported. Understanding and quantitating these sorption
processes is important for risk assessment and for designing systems to remediate contaminated
ground water. An understanding of sorption of non-polar organic molecules in low-carbon subsurface
environments typical of many aquifers is emerging, although the capability to accurately forecast
Processes
Research
Hydrologic Processes
Abiotic Processes
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Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Biotic Processes
pollutant transport is still lacking. RSKERL work in the sorption area includes: (1) studies to
determine the environmental factors that control the sorption of polar and ionic organic contaminants
and the subsequent impact of these contaminants on the mobility of non-polar organic compounds;
(2) laboratory studies on sorption and retardation in the complex matrices typically present at
contaminated sites; (3) studies to determine the effects and importance of sorption kinetics for
pollutant transport; and (4) studies to determine the environmental factors controlling vapor phase
sorption in the vadose zone.
Facilitated transport is a generic term encompassing phenomena that enhance contaminant
mobility. Evidence of mobility enhancement has been observed at a number of contaminated sites,
but the processes responsible for this enhanced mobility have yet to be clearly identified. Facilitated
transport research conducted by RSKERL includes studies of: (1) enhanced transport of organic
compounds of low solubility by dissolved organic carbon; (2) paniculate transport; (3) enhancement
of metals transport by the formation of organo-metallic complexes; and (4) mixed-solvent transport
These research areas involve many different chemical and physical mechanisms, but are linked by
their common effect of enhancing the transport of pollutants in the subsurface.
The behavior of complex wastes is emerging as a focal point of abiotic processes research.
Complex wastes frequently contain separate immiscible phases in which organic compounds are
dissolved and behave differently than those dissolved in water. Research at RSKERL is investigat-
ing the movement of relatively insoluble organic compounds partitioned into the immiscible fluid
matrix and the chemical processes involved in the dissolution and weathering of the separate phase.
Both of these areas are closely related to questions about the efficacy and efficiency of pump-and-
treat technologies for remediation of aquifers contaminated by complex wastes.
The fourth area of abiotic processes research is the study of chemical transformations.
RSKERL research projects are investigating subsurface environmental factors which are expected to
change the importance of naturally occurring chemical transformations in ground water relative to
that observed in surface waters. These factors include the presence of abundant mineral surfaces,
the absence of oxygen, and the long residence times during which even slowly occurring reactions
may become important. Other RSKERL research projects are investigating the efficacy of inducing
abiotic chemical transformations as a remediation technique, particularly in the vadose zone.
The final area of abiotic processes research is on the spatial variability of those parameters that
affect abiotic processes. Most subsurface formations are heterogeneous, and the impact of this
variability, with respect to important subsurface parameters in the transport and fate of contami-
nants, is only beginning to be investigated. The fractured porous rock that underlies many
contaminated sites is an example of a situation where spatial heterogeneity plays an important role
in the rate at which abiotic processes take place. In unconsolidated media, the lack of complete
mixing may play a major role in the rate at which chemical and biological reactions take place and
may limit attempts to remediate contaminated ground water. RSKERL is pursuing research, in both
laboratory and modeling studies, in this area.
The biotic processes research effort was initiated on a very limited scale in the late 1960's
when RSKERL scientists postulated, on the basis of both field observations and environmental
considerations, that subsurface environments were likely to harbor significant populations of
microorganisms potentially capable of degrading pollutants. In the ensuing years this effort has
continued to grow in intensity as the result both of research findings and increasing recognition of
the magnitude of ground-water pollution problems. Considerable progress has been made by
RSKERL and its extramural associates in developing effective methods for obtaining uncontami-
nated samples of subsurface material for biological studies, in developing new techniques and
procedures for enumerating and characterizing subsurface biota, and in developing technology for
studying biological transformations of contaminants in the subsurface.
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Roberts S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Historically, the primary effort of the RSKERL biotic processes research program has been
directed toward the development of fundamental process information required for the development of
mathematical models for predicting the transport and fate of pollutants in subsurface environments.
However, in recent years the need for applications research pertaining to the development of
biologically based methodologies for the restoration of contaminated subsurface environments has
exerted an impact of increasing significance on the research effort. While the development of basic
process information remains a principal goal of the biotic processes research program, much of the
research directed toward this goal is currently conducted within the framework of bioremediation
technology development activities.
The current RSKERL biotic processes research program is comprised of three principal research
elements which represent the breadth of activities from fundamental subsurface biological process
delineation to applied bioremediation technology development.
1. Process discovery - initial discovery and definition (usually qualitative) of specific biological
processes which transform and/or degrade pollutants in subsurface environments. The develop-
ment of information concerning the occurrence and behavior of microorganisms responsible for
subsurface biological processes is included in this area.
2. Process evaluation - careful quantitative evaluation at laboratory scale of subsurface biological
processes.
3. Process Demonstration - evaluation of specific subsurface biological processes in pilot plant
or field-scale studies in relation to biorestoration technology development. The validation of
mathematical models of biotic processes is included in this element.
For naturally-occurring organic contaminants, such as petroleum hydrocarbons, the state-of-
knowledge is fairly advanced, and therefore, the work is mainly in the area of process application.
Computer models that predict the course of biorestoration of contaminated soils as well as contami-
nated aquifers are being developed and evaluated in the field. But for xenobiotic compounds such as
trichloroethylene and dioxin, most of the work is at the level of process definition. A field study is in
progress to determine the extent to which a novel biotechnology can remove trichloroethylene from
an aquifer. Parallel studies in the laboratory are adapting this biotechnology to treat water from con-
taminated wells. The microbial communities that degrade trichloroethylene are being characterized
biochemically to allow comparisons of their community structure and nutritional status. This should
allow a determination of whether the organisms in cultures, laboratory microcosms, and field studies
are similar and can be expected to behave the same way, or if they are significantly different.
The knowledge of anaerobic biotransformation of contaminants is expanding rapidly. Anaerobic
fate studies, with contaminated subsurface material have revealed a number of unsuspected biotrans-
formations. This work is now moving to the level of process definition, and these newly discovered
anaerobic processes may form the basis for restoration biotechnologies. Denitrification, a well
characterized anaerobic biotic process, is being applied to restoration of ground water contaminated
with nitrates. Hydrologic influences on the basic biotic process are being evaluated at pilot scale.
Human pathogens are important contaminants of ground water. RSKERL has focused its efforts
since 1976 on studying the transport and survival of viruses in the subsurface. Important data on the
fate and transport of important human pathogens, such as Rotavirus, Hepatitis A, poliovirus, and
other enteroviruses, has been collected and compared to the fate and transport of bacterial indicators.
Current work is focused on the development of a regional screening model of virus transport in soils
and ground water to be used in decisions related to disinfection variance and wellhead protection
zones.
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Roberts. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Applied
Research
Underground Injection
Control Program
Office of Solid Waste
Office of Ground-
Water Protection
In addition to processes research, the scientific foundation of all research and other activities
conducted by RSKERL, there is also considerable effort to support the immediate needs and activities
of EPA's operating programs.
Both the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 and the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of
1984 address the question of protection of ground-water quality as a result of injection of waste into
the subsurface by means of deep wells. EPA regulations in support of this legislation have been
based on assuring that the use of injection wells for the disposal of waste will not endanger the human
health or the environment.
Research in support of the underground injection control program is basically in three areas: (1)
mechanical integrity of the injection well -- methodologies for determining that waste injection is
into the intended zone and no others; (2) the injection zone and confining bed — methodologies for
determining that the waste will stay in the injection zone; and (3) the fate and transport of injected
waste in the injection zone. RSKERL supports research projects in each of these areas. RSKERL has
constructed research wells near Ada for the purpose of finding more effective ways of determining
the mechanical integrity of injection wells. The test facility, which consists of one injection well, two
cement evaluation wells, one fiberglass calibration well, three monitoring wells, and necessary
surface equipment, is designed to evaluate the integrity of cement behind both steel and fiberglass
casing; test a variety of methods for detecting leaks in tubing, casing and packers; evaluate the
capability for detecting fluid movement behind casing; and detect the movement of fluids in the
subsurface away from the injection well. This Mechanical Integrity Test Facility provides EPA with
a unique research facility unmatched in government, academia or industry.
RCRA mandated Land Treatment Regulations promulgated July 26,1982, require that all
hazardous waste land treatment facilities obtain a Part 264 Operating Permit. These permits are
intended to insure that land treatment units are designed, managed and closed in an environmentally
acceptable manner. RCRA Amendments of 1984 require a fixed schedule of decisions pertaining to
whether or not land treatment should be prohibited as a waste management alternative for specified
hazardous wastes. RSKERL is actively developing technical information and associated decision
models needed by regulatory authorities to make economically, technically and environmentally
acceptable decisions pertaining to land treatment prohibition determinations, permit responses/
issuances, site closure/post closure plans, no migration petitions, and corrective actions.
Section 1428 of the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986 calls for states to establish
wellhead protection (WHP) programs on a voluntary basis. The Amendments give EPA no regula-
tory authority to require states to implement WHP programs, but do charge EPA with providing
guidance and leadership to the states.
RSKERL supports the Office of Ground-Water Protection (OGWP) and the WHP program in
two areas: (1) the evaluation and refinement of methods for delineating WHP areas, and (2)
development of delineation methods to account for the ability of aquifers to dilute, retard, or
otherwise attenuate the concentrations of contaminants moving toward public drinking water wells.
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Roberts S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
The Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory has long been involved in technical
assistance and information transfer with EPA Regional Offices and state and other federal agencies.
The terms "technical assistance" and "information transfer" identify a multitude of activities. In
general, "technical assistance" is used to describe an activity initiated by a specific request that
requires significant RSKERL personnel resources. Information transfer activities may require
significant resources but are generally items that are initiated without a specific request.
The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) directs the EPA, as part
of the overall Superfund site clean-up program, to conduct a program of research, evaluation and
demonstration of alternative or innovative technologies for response actions that will achieve more
permanent solutions than in the past.
Superfund site decision-makers must evaluate, approve, and plan an appropriate combination of
cost effective remediation activities that will protect human health and the environment. Selection
of appropriate ground-water remediation technology is dependent on an understanding of fate and
transport characteristics of hazardous chemicals in subsurface environments—a highly specialized,
rapidly developing scientific field. The Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER)
and the Office of Research and Development (ORD) have established a Subsurface Remediation
Technology Support Program under RSKERL that provides decision-makers with a source of
easily accessible, up-to-date subsurface fate and transport information and the associated expert
assistance required to effectively use this information. Components of the program include:
• Subsurface Remediation Technology Support Core Team — RSKERL scientists and engineers
provide a readily available source of technical support with assistance from an on-site
contractor and a cross-section of ground water scientific expertise available as consultants;
• RSKERL Research Program — expertise on subsurface processes and systems from more than
forty in-house scientists and thirty-five universities and research institutions provides the
scientific basis for the Technology Support Program;
• On-Site Contractor — provides support to Core Team in the form of on-site scientific staff, a
Subsurface Remediation Information Clearinghouse, subcontract to GeoTrans, Inc., and over
one hundred consultants from the ground-water research and consulting community;
• National Center for Ground Water Research — a consortium of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and
Rice universities charged with developing and conducting long-range exploratory research to
help anticipate and solve the Nation's emerging ground-water problems;
• International Center for Ground Water Modeling — Holcomb Research Center, Indianapolis,
clearinghouse for ground-water modeling software, providing research, short courses, seminars
and educational activities;
• National Ground Water Information Center — National Water Well Association, Dublin, Ohio,
repository of ground water quality information accessible to scientists, government agencies,
business and the public; and
• Center for Environmental Research Information (CERI-Cincinnati) — provides support to
Technology Support Program in the development of seminars, conferences, training,
publications, and other technology transfer materials.
Technical
Assistance &
Information
Transfer
Superfund Subsurface
Remediation Technology
Support Program
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RSKERL- ADA
Technology Support Center
In-House
Researchers
NCGWR
CERI
GeoTrans
CORE
TEAM
On-Site
Contractor
(DYNAMAC)
On-Site
Staff
Information
Center
Extramural
Researchers
Holcomb
NGWIC
Consultants
100+
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LIST OF ACTIVE PROJECTS
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Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Site Swelling Properties of Soil Organic Matter
Characterization NSI 15
Field Evaluation of the Conjunctive Use of Mathematical
Models and Laboratory Microcosms
U.S. Geological Survey - Reston 15
Methods for Estimating Spatial Variability of Subsurface Environments
U.S. Geological Survey - Boston 16
Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive X-Ray
Studies of Ground Water Colloids
U.S. Geological Survey - Denver 16
Vertical Profile Characterization of Microbiological Activity
in an Aviation Gasoline Plume
RSKERL 17
Chemical Relationship between Soil Gas, Core Material
and Water Quality at an Aviation Gasoline Plume Site
RSKERL 17
Transformation Anaerobic Metabolism of Organic Pollutants in Subsurface Environments
NCGWR/University of Oklahoma 18
Chemical Kinetics of Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Solution
Phase Decomposition of Haloaliphatic Compounds
Stanford University 18
Oxy-Radical Processes for Abiotic In Situ Destruction of
Organic Pollutants in Aquifers
Illinois State Water Survey/RSKERL 19
Biodegradation of Pesticides in Aquifers
RSKERL/NSI 19
Degradation of Monoaromatic Hydrocarbons by Aquifer-Derived
Microorganisms under Various Types of Anaerobic Conditions
Stanford University 20
Biodegradation of PCB's in Complex Oily Wastes
RSKERL/NSI 20
TCE Biotreatment Demonstration Project
RSKERL/NSI 21
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Robert 5. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Regional Screening Model of Virus Transport in
Soils and Ground Water
U.S. Department of Agriculture 22
Biological Colonization of Hazardous Waste Sites
Cornell University 22
Facilitated Transport of Hydrophobic Organic Pollutants by
Dissolved/Colloidal Organic Macromolecules
RSKERL 23
Partitioning of Hydrophobic Compounds between Soil and
Solutions. Effects of Dissolved Organic Carbon and Surfactants
RSKERL 23
Transport of Inorganic Colloids in ' 'Undisturbed''
Subsurface Systems
RSKERL 24
Survival and Transfer of Genetic Elements in the
Subsurface Environment
RSKERL 24
Movement and Transformation of Contaminants in
Soils and Ground Water
NCGWR 25
Sorption and Transport of Hydrophobic Organic Chemicals
in Complex Solvent Systems
University of Florida 25
Multiphase Chemical Transport in Porous Media
Virginia Polytechnic Institute 26
Multiphase Chemical Transport in Porous Media
Princeton University 26
Solute Transport in Structured Porous Media
RSKERL 27
Solute Transport under Time-Variant Mobile Phase Composition
RSKERL 27
Transport of Metal Contaminants in the Subsurface Sorption/
Desorption on Inorganic Colloids and Organic Acid Effects
RSKERL 28
Sorption/Desorption Kinetics
RSKERL 28
Transport
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Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Development of Qualitative and Quantitative Information Pertaining
ITvnncii r-n to Fate/Transport of Residual Matrix Constituents in Contaminated
exposure Soils at Closed Sites
Assessment University of Texas at Austin 29
Identification of Sources of Ground-Water Salinity
University of Texas 29
Performance Testing of Ground-Water Models
Oregon State University 30
Approximate Multiphase Flow Modeling by Characteristic Methods
RSKERL 30
Improved Methods for Estimating the Hydraulic Properties of
Unsaturated Soils
USDA/ARS 31
Evaluation of Denitrification for Biorestoration of JP-4 Contaminated
Aquifer
RSKERL 31
Modeling Organic Contaminant Transport
NSI 32
Development and Calibration of Computer Models Describing
Bioventing of Hydrocarbons from Unsaturated Subsurface Materials
University of Massachusetts at Amherst 32
Anaerobic Processes in the Subsurface Environment
Reclamation RSKERL 33
Optimization of In-Situ Biorestoration of Contaminated
Subsurface and Aquifer Materials
NCGWR 33
Forced Air-Ventilization for Remediation of Unsaturated Zone
Contaminated by VOC
RSKERL 34
In Situ Biorestoration of a Gasoline Spill (Nitrate)
U.S. Coast Guard/RSKERL 34
In Situ Biodegradation of Carbon Tetrachloride
under Denitrifying Conditions
Stanford University 35
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Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Field Evaluation of Bioventing of Hydrocarbons from
Unsaturated Subsurface Material
U.S. Coast Guard 35
Supplement to In Situ Biorestoration of a Jet-Fuel Spill
U.S. Coast Guard 36
Assessment of Various Class V Injection Well Practices
on Groundwater Quality
Dynamac Corporation 37
Effectiveness of Drilling Mud as a Plugging Agent in
Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells
Oklahoma State University 37
Methods of Determining Mechanical Integrity of Injection Wells
RSKERL/East Central University 38
Prioritizing Aquifer Protection
Oklahoma State University 38
Hydrologic Effects of an Agricultural Drainage Well —
Phase I
U.S. Geological Survey - Reston 39
Development of Methods to Identify Sources of Contamination
in a Wellhead Protection Area and Develop Relations
between Land Use and Regional Ground Water Quality
U.S. Geological Survey - Reston 40
Evaluation of the Influence of Human Activities on
Ground-Water Quality
U.S. Geological Survey - Reston 40
Underground
Injection
Control
Wellhead
Protection
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Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Drinking
Water
Ground Water Technology Transfer
RSKERL/CERI 41
China - U.S. Ground-Water Project
Sino-USA International Agreement 41
Expanding Knowledge Bases and Advancing Utility of Ground
Water Models for Management
Holcomb Research Institute - Butler University 42
National Center for Ground Water Research
NCGWR 42
Performance Evaluation of Ground-Water Remediations
at Superfund Sites
NCGWR/Peer Consultants 43
Operation of Subsurface Remediation Information Clearinghouse
Dynamac Corporation 43
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ACTIVE PROJECTS
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Active Projects Site Characterization
Swelling Properties of Soil Organic Matter
Institute: NSI (Carl Enfield/Roger Cosby, P.O.)
Task No: 1036
Project Period: 09/89 - 09/90
Principal Investigator BillLyon (FTS 743-2277) FredBusche (FTS 743-2302)
Abstract: This project is aimed at the development of methods for measuring the swelling properties of soil organic matter.
Three variations of the basic technique published by Green et.al., 1984, for measuring the swelling properties of powered coals
will be explored. These are:
1. Reduction of necessary sample size through the use of melting point capillaries for the swelling
measurements;
2. Direct use of the measurement technique on very organic rich, whole soil samples; and
3. Use of the technique on fractions of soil organic matter separated by means of ultra-sonification and
heavy liquids such as methylene chloride.
Status: A new ashing technique has been developed which allows for an accurate determination of soil organic matter and mineral
content Interference of wax and resin components to swelling determinations on Michigan peat samples has been overcome by
using the soxhlet extraction. Wax and resin tended to melt during the drying procedure thus interfering with swelling determina-
tions. A review of the microcalorimetric method for studying sorption of organic solvents by earth materials was completed.
This method appears to have many advantages over other methods currently in use to study sorption.
Field Evaluation of the Conjunctive Use of Mathematical Models and Laboratory Microcosms
Institute: U.S. Geological Survey - Reston (John Wilson, P.O.)
Task No: 1043
Project Period: 06/89 - 06/92
Principal Investigator Stephen Ragone (FTS 959-5720)
Abstract: The project will determine whether the distribution of reductive products of trichloroethylene in an actual plume of
contamination can be predicted by incorporating biodegradation rates of trichloroethylene and cis-dichloroethylene (determined in
anaerobic laboratory microcosms) into a solute transport model. Cores, used to construct laboratory microcosms, will be taken
from a flow path exhibiting reductive dechlorination at the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey. Rates of degradation will be
incorporated into a comprehensive solute transport model of the site and the predictions will be compared to the actual disposition
of daughter products along the flow line in the field.
Status: Microcosms to simulate DCE and TCE biotransformation have been constructed and rate determinations are underway.
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Active Projects Site Characterization
Methods for Estimating Spatial Variability of Subsurface Environments
Institute: U.S. Geological Survey - Boston (Robert Puls, P.O.)
Task No: 2005
Project Period: 04/88 -12/90
Principal Investigator: Stephen Garabedian (FTS 835-6861)
Abstract: The object of this project is to develop methods for dealing with the spatial variability of the properties of subsurface
environments and its impact on the prediction of contaminant transport and fate. Predicting the transport and transformation of
chemicals in the subsurface environment requires a knowledge of the spatial and temporal variability of parameters used as input
data to transport and transformation models. It is not economically feasible to measure each of the parameters for every element
in the problem domain. Also, methods are required to select the next most advantageous sample point and estimate the confidence
gained from this additional data. This project addresses methods of determining spatial variability, its impact on predictions of
contaminant distribution in the subsurface, and an evaluation of statistical techniques for determining how many samples are
required to adequately describe a hydrologic system.
Status: A paper titled "Evaluation of Hydraulic Conductivity Measurements from a Multiple Port Permeameter" is undergoing
final revision. It describes the permeameter method for measuring hydraulic conductivity and compares the results with other
techniques. Analysis continues on data collected during the summer of 1989, but it is still too early to assess if it will be sufficient
to resolve the three-dimensional structure of the hydraulic conductivity distribution. A two-dimensional analysis of permeameter
data and the first set of borehole flowmeter data has been completed. An article, "Macrodispersion Estimates from Hydraulic
Conductivity Measurements," is being written. It incorporates the two dimensional structure of the hydraulic conductivity
distribution into a stochastic theory to predict macrodispersion, and compares the results with natural-gradient tracer tests.
Another article, based on laboratory measurements associated with the project, suggests a significant adsorptive capacity of the
weathered feldspar minerals in the sediments at the Cape Cod site.
Scanning Electon Microscopy - Energy Dispersive X-Ray Studies of Ground Water Colloids
Institute: U.S. Geological Survey - Denver (Robert Puls, P.O.)
Task No: 2034
Project Period: 09/89 - 07/90
Principal Investigator: Terry Rees (303)236-4053
Abstract: The characterization of ground-water colloids at a Globe, Arizona, copper mine will contribute to an improved under-
standing of contaminant transport mechanisms for heavy metals in ground water. Colloidal material, collected on nucleopore
filters, will be analyzed for particle size and number distribution, mineral identification, and possible heavy metal sorption on
individual mineral particles. This will be accomplished using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray
analyses.
Status: A journal article has been prepared on colloid characterization at a site with heavy metal contamination. The techniques
are now being applied to other projects.
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Active Projects Site Characterization
Vertical Profile Characterization of Microbiological Activity in an Aviation Gasoline Plume
Institute: RSKERL
Task No: 3021
Project Period: 03/89 - 05/90
Principal Investigator: Don Kampbell (FTS 743-2358)
Guy Sewell (FTS 743-2232)
John Wilson (FTS 743-2259)
Abstract: This project is to provide a descriptive assessment of microbial activity in the remediation of gasoline contaminated
subsurface material at the Traverse City project site. The microbial activities associated with biodegradation of gasoline
components present in the profile of a plume will be identified and quantified. Characterization phenomena will be determined
on core material for fuel carbon, dehydrogenase activity, bacteria count, microcosm rate of degradation, and total biomass by
fatty acid profile.
Status: The field and microcosm work has been completed along with data analysis. The first draft of the report is being
reviewed.
Chemical Relationship between Soil, Gas, Core Material, and Water Quality at an Aviation
Gasoline Plume Site
Institute: RSKERL
Task No: 3022
Project Period: 09/89 - 06/90
Principal Investigator: Don Kampbell (FTS 743-2358)
David Ostendorf (FTS 743-2232)
John Wilson (FTS 743-2259)
Abstract: The project aim is to define the relative importance of soil gas measurements, core material analyses, and water quality
on the transport and transformation processes taking place in a specific contamination plume. Soil gas measurements and core
analyses have been obtained at different depths and locations in an aviation fuel plume at the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station in
Traverse City, Michigan. Analytical data from ground-water monitoring wells at the site are available. The chemical parameters
to be emphasized are aviation gasoline constituents, oxygen, methane, and carbon dioxide. The results of the investigation will aid
in corrective action decisions at other hazardous sites for the selection of methodology and the evaluation of remediation.
Status: The final report is nearing completion.
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Active Projects Transformation
Anaerobic Metabolism of Organic Pollutants in Subsurface Environments
Institute: NCGWR /University of Oklahoma (Guy Sewell/Dick Scalf, P.O.)
Task No: 1010
Project Period: 06/86 -10/90
Principal Investigator Herb Ward (713)527-4086 Joe Suflita (405) 325-5734
Abstract: The object of this project is to provide information on the biodegradation of selected classes of organic pollutants by
anaerobic microorganisms indigenous to the subsurface, including: the physical, chemical, and biological factors which limit or
stimulate biodegradation; the predominant pathways; and the microorganisms and associated degradative enzymes involved.
Indigenous microflora from anoxic subsurface environments will be biologically characterized. Classes of organic compounds
which are susceptible to anaerobic degradation in such environments will be identified and the environmental conditions which
control the rate and extent of such degradation will be elucidated. Biodegradation pathways for selected compounds will be
determined and the isolation of the responsible enzymes will be attempted. If possible, the appropriate-techniques to assess
anaerobic biodegradation in the field will be developed.
Status: The dehalogenating bacterium DCB-1 has been characterized phylogenetically through 16S ribosomal RNA analysis,
which indicates that the bacterium belongs to a new genus of sulfate reducing bacteria. Crude extracts of the dehalogenating
bacterium strain DCB-1 reductively dehalogenated contaminants with a preference for 3-iodobenzoate; 3,5 dichlorobenzoate;
and 3-chlorobenzoate. In resting cell experiments, aryl dehalogenation was stimulated in the presence of formate, pyruvate and
hydrogen. It was inhibited in the presence of sulfate, thiosulfate, molybdate, selenate, diphenylamine, and metrinidazole.
Hydrogen was evaluated as an electron donor to help clarify the relationship between dehalogenation and sulfate reduction.
The rate of hydrogen consumption was about four times faster during the reduction of sulfur oxyanions compared to reductive
dehalogenation. The dehalogenation of PCE by the same cell extracts was enhanced in the presence of methyl viologen and was
proportional to the amount of protein in the extract. The presence of 3-chlorobenzoate had no effect on the dehalogenation rates
of either PCE or 3-chlorobenzoate, suggesting that the two dehalogenation processes are unrelated.
Chemical Kinetics of Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Solution Phase Decomposition of
Haloaliphatic Compounds
Institute: Stanford University (Stephen Hutchins, P.O.)
Task No: 1019
Project Period: 04/88 - 09/90
Principal Investigator: Martin Reinhard (405)723-0308
Abstract: The goals of this project are to define the role of the geologic matrix (containing iron minerals), and the solution
chemistry (reduced sulfur species), on the abiotic transformation of halogenated aliphatic compounds. Fe(II) containing minerals,
such as magnetite and biotite, will be characterized with respect to surface area, bulk elemental composition, and other parameters
which are expected to affect reactivity. Sorption of haloaliphatics, such as hexachloroethane, on these materials will be measured
prior to transformation studies. Transformation studies will be conducted to determine reaction rates, stoichiometry, and
activation energies to allow for the development of a kinetic and mechanistic model for the reduction of haloaliphatics by Fe(II)
and the nucleophilic substitution reactions between sulfur compounds and haloaliphatics.
Status: Experiments have been conducted to assess whether the abiotic transformation of carbon tetrachloride (CT) in the
presence of Cysteine (CS), sulfide (HS-), and Fe(H) was facilitated with and without a solid mineral phase, represented by zeolite.
Tests with low Fe concentrations demonstrated no enhancement in reaction rate with zeolite, probably due to sequestering of Fe
within the zeolite structure. At high Fe concentrations, iron oxyhydroxide precipitates occurred without zeolite present and led to
a high transformation rate; therefore, zeolite was not a good choice for this type of system. For CS and HS-, the presence of zeolite
clearly accelerated the abiotic transformation of CT, therefore it appears that mineral surfaces are necessary or advantageous for
promoting abiotic transformation rates of CT. Future work will focus on evaluating other model minerals such as aluminum
oxides and silica gels instead of zeolite, and including iron sulfide minerals such as pyrite and marcasite.
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Active Projects Transformation
Oxy-Radical Processes for Abiotic In Situ Destruction of Organic Pollutants in Aquifer
Institute: Illinois State Water Survey/RSKERL (Stephen Hutchins, P.O.)
Task No: 1023
Project Period: 09/88 - 03/90
Principal Investigator Gary Peyton (217)333-5905
Abstract: The goal of this research is to evaluate the feasibility of chemical in situ aquifer reclamation using free-radical abiotic
processes for the degradation of organic contaminants. The radical processor agents will be introduced into columns containing
aquifer materials and several organic contaminants. At the end of the experiments the aquifer material will be extracted to
determine residual contaminant concentrations. Free radical effects on the aquifer material will be evaluated through measurement
of aquifer material TOC before and at the end of the experiments. The data will be evaluated for feasibility of using free radicals
for in situ remediation.
Status: A series of four miscible displacement experiments have been performed and consistent results obtained by using azide to
suppress microbial activity. Naphthalene transformation and average persulfate residence time yielded a good correlation. An
extrapolation of these results indicates that about 17 hours of persulfate/napththalene contact would be required for complete
napththalene transformation.
Biodegradation of Pesticides in Aquifers
Institute: RSKERL/NSI (John Wilson/Roger Cosby, P.O.)
Task No: 1033
Project Period: 07/88 - 01/92
Principal Investigator Jim Sinclair (FTS 743-2302) Fred Busche (FTS 743-2302)
Abstract: The objective of this project is to develop methods to predict the biological degradation of pesticides in aquifers and to
correlate the hydrologic and geologic properties of aquifers to their capacity to degrade pesticides. More specifically, the object is
to determine if differences in subsurface sediment characteristics are related to differences in the biodegradation potential. Cores
having different textures will be obtained from drilling at a site having several desired characteristics. Some cores will be tested
for the ability of their microbial populations to degrade atrazine to CO2by adding 14C labeled atrazine and measuring the amount
of MCO2 released. Other portions will be tested by HPLC analysis for the degradation of atrazine even if it is partial degradation
not resulting in CO2 formation. Finally, bacteria from the samples will be characterized for metabolic capabilities and diversity in
an attempt to link microbial type to sediment type and biodegradation potential.
Status: Aseptic cores have been acquired from two sites in a water table aquifer in Oklahoma. Ground water at one of the sites
contains residues of atrazine, while the other site is uncontaminated. The cores have been used to construct microcosms. Some
of the microcosms were spiked with radio-labelled atrazine and are being monitored for the production of radio-labelled carbon
dioxide. Some were spiked with stable atrazine and are being monitored by HPLC for the removal of atrazine and appearance
of transformation products. Some of the microcosms were sterilized to separate the contribution of biological and abiotic
transformations.
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Active Projects
Transformation
Degradation of Monoaromatic Hydrocarbons by Aquifer-Derived Microorganisms under
Various Types of Anaerobic Conditions
Institute:
Task No:
Project Period:
Principal Investigator:
Stanford University (Stephen Hutchins, P.O.)
1034
05/89 - 08/91
Dunja Grbic-Galic (415)723-3668
Martin Reinhard (415) 723-0308
Abstract: This project has been established to determine the capacity of microorganisms in aquifers to transform monoaromatic
hydrocarbons, including BTX, in the absence of oxygen. This information will be used to predict the influence of the geochemical
environment on the biotransformation of hazardous organic compounds in subsurface materials. Microcosms will be constructed
from subsurface material contaminated with monoaromatic hydrocarbons. Enrichment cultures will also be derived from contami-
nated subsurface materials. The microcosms and cultures will be used to determine the potential for biotransformation of the
predominant aromatic hydrocarbon contaminants of the subsurface. In the first year of the project, emphasis will be placed on
methanogenic and sulfate-reducing conditions.
Status: Experiments are continuing with aquifer material from Seal Beach and Traverse City. Different activities are observed
in the two systems indicating heterogeneities in microbial populations from the two sites. Only toluene degradation has been
observed in Seal Beach microcosms and it occurs with and without Fe (HI). Activity ceases with time and efforts to renew
activity through vitamin, acetate/benzoate, or yeast extract addition have been unsuccessful. In the Traverse City material
toluene and ethylbenzene are degraded with preferential activity toward the latter. Traverse City material also shows activity
toward propylbenzene in methanogenic and sulfate reducing microcosms but only under conditions using media supplemented
with organics. In all cases co-metabolism may be the mechanism affecting the fate of the compounds. Some replicate micro-
cosms are inactive, indicating heterogeneity in subsurface populations. Future work will include the continuation of these tests
with a emphasis on maintaining activity and the initiation of tests using material from the Patuxent River.
Biodegradation of PCB's in Complex Oily Wastes
Institute:
Task No:
Project Period:
Principal Innvestigator:
RSKERUNSI (John Wilson/Roger Cosby, P.O.)
1035
07/88 - 09/90
Susan Gibson (FTS 743-2325) Fred Busche (FTS 743-2320)
Abstract: The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the effects of different treatment scenarios, including alternating
aerobic/anaerobic treatment, on PCS congeners in a mixed oily waste. Biodegradation of PCB congeners will be evaluated in a
mixed oily waste under a variety of conditions including: (1) aerobic; (2) aerobic with an initial biphenyl supplement; (3)
anaerobic; (4) anaerobic with a periodic butyrate supplement; (5) alternating aerobic/anaerobic; and (6) anaerobic with sulfate or
nitrate as alternate electron acceptors. If a suitable PCB contaminated waste cannot be obtained, an oily waste without PCB
contamination will be spiked and evaluated. In either case, some samples will be spiked with known congener mixtures or with
an Aroclor mixture.
Status: Microcosms have been constructed to simulate the fate of PCB during the land farming of a mixed oily waste. Other
microcosms simulate the degradation of PCB in an anaerobic compost supplemented with a fatty acid. A few microcosms also
simulate PCB degradation in an aerobic soil slurry reactor.
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Active Projects Transformation
TOE Biotreatment Demonstration Project
Institute: RSKERL/NSI (Dennis Miller/Roger Cosby, P.O.)
Task No: 3016
Project Period: 10/88 - 09/90
Principal Investigator: Randy Callaway (FTS 743-2319) FredBusche (FTS 743-2249)
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to design, construct, and demonstrate a mobile treatment system to remove chlorinated
solvents from contaminated ground water. The work will consist of three phases. The first will include literature reviews and
bench scale experiments to develop and confirm design parameters. Phase two will include the construction of the treatment
system and verification of its removal efficiency. Phase three will include transporting the system to a predetermined site and
demonstrating removal under field conditions.
Status: The evaluation of the bioreactors has been completed for three TCE loading rates. In addition, the unit design of the air
stripper is complete as is the redesign of second phase bioreactors. The design for the hydrocarbon concentration unit has been
initiated.
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Active Projects Transport
Regional Screening Model of Virus Transport in Soils and Ground Water
Institute: U.S. Department of Agriculture (Dave Walters, P.O.)
Task No: 1015
Project Period: 03/89 - 02/91
Principal Investigator Scott Yates (714) 787-5145
Abstract: The objective of this project is to improve an existing model of virus transport in soils and ground water. EPA's Office
of Drinking Water is required, by 1991, to promulgate regulations that would require the disinfection of all ground water used as
public water supplies. Variances may be granted if it can be shown that the water is likely to be free from viral contamination. A
regional model of virus transport in ground water has been developed incorporating geostatistical techniques which has the
potential for use as an aid in granting variances from the disinfection regulation. The model may also be used in the delineation of
wellhead protection zones that would minimize the contamination of drinking water by enteric viruses. It will not only calculate
wellhead protection zones, but will also provide an estimate of the probability that virus contamination will not occur in the well if
that zone distance is imposed. The model, as currently written, is very simple in that it only considers the horizontal movement of
viruses under regional ground-water flow conditions. In order for the model to be more realistic, and therefore more useful,
several improvements are necessary. These include the transport of viruses through the unsaturated zone and the influence of
pumping wells on the flow characteristics of the area. A screening model which could be used by regulators to help determine
areas with a higher probability of virus contamination of ground-water supplies will be developed. It will have the capability of
delineating protection zones within which sources of contamination should not be placed if contamination by viruses is to be
avoided. Every effort will be made to limit data input requirements to information available from local water utilities.
Status: Work is underway on the initial model format. A paper, "The Use of Models for Granting Variances from
Mandatory Disinfection of Ground Water Used as a Public Water Supply," has been completed.
Biological Colonization of Hazardous Waste Sites
Institute: Cornell University (John Wilson, P.O.)
Task No: 1016
Project Period: 10/87 - 02/91
Principal Investigator Martin Alexander (607)255-1717
Abstract: It has recently become apparent that certain classes of hazardous organic wastes are being treated in situ in aquifers and
in deeper regions of the unsaturated zone, through naturally-occurring biotransformations. Techniques are being developed that
evaluate the contribution of this natural biorestoration on a site-specific basis. These techniques presume that the contaminated
aquifer, or deeper unsaturated environment, already harbors organisms that are capable of biotransforming the contaminant. Site
specific information is needed that can be used to evaluate the prospects for colonization of a contaminated aquifer or the unsatu-
rated zone by these microorganisms. The object of this project is to develop an understanding of the properties of microorganisms
as well as the properties of the subsurface materials which determine whether a particular contaminated site will be colonized by
microorganisms capable of degrading wastes. The effort will emphasize laboratory and pilot scale field studies. Information
collected will be appropriate for incorporation into mathematical models describing the transport of microbes through geological
material.
Status: A number of bacterial strains have been isolated that are capable of degrading hazardous organic substances. These
strains have been screened for transportability through soil, and they fall into two classes. Some of the strains are easily trans-
ported while others are strongly retained in the soil. Work continues to build a larger collection of strains, and when the collection
is large enough to make statistically valid comparisons, the strains will be characterized to determine the physiological or chemical
basis for transportability. An internal report, "Biodegradation of Organic Wastes at Hazardous Waste Sites," has been forwarded to
the appropriate Program Office.
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Active Projects Transport
Facilitated Transport of Hydrophobic Organic Pollutants by Dissolved/Colloidal
Organic Macromolecules
Institute: RSKERL
Task No: 1020
Project Period: 02/88 - O4/90
Principal Investigator: Candida West FTS 743-2257
Abstract: This project has four main goals, which are to: (1) provide further evidence and understanding of size exclusion of
macromolecules as a mechanism of contaminant transport; (2) examine whether synthetic model macromolecules simulate
transport by naturally occurring macromolecules; (3) determine whether experimental breakthrough curves involving this
mechanism of facilitated transport may be adequately described by the mathematical expressions used in models; and (4) deter-
mine whether the level of significance played by size exclusion for any particular soil may be calculated using common soil
characteristics. Specifically this project will determine: (1) if there is a range of break through velocities for synthetic macro-
molecules which can be corrected by molecular weight; (2) if the velocities of different organic macromolecules of the same
"apparent" molecular weight are constant in a given soil column; (3) the range of pore sizes from which the macromolecules are
being excluded; and, (4) if given the empirically derived effective porosity for a macromolecule (relative to that of water) and the
partition coefficients of selected organic molecules, if the observed movement of the hydrophobic organics can be adequately
predicted by existing transport equations.
Status: Column studies of polyethylene oxides (PEO's) through a sand have been completed which indicated transport up to a
molecular weight of 900,000. There was no evidence of size exclusion, although this is not surprising since PEO's are linear
chains of small size in one direction. Experimental work is complete and data analysis is underway for column studies where
humate colloids were passed through the same sand. Concentrations as high as 300 ppm humate have broken through at 95-100
percent of the initial concentrations. Particle size analyses have indicated that these particles were stable throughout the
experiment and averaged approximately 300 nanometers in diameter. Work is now underway to determine the effect of
humates on contaminant transport.
Partitioning of Hydrophobic Compounds between Soils and Solutions Effects of Dissolved
Organic Carbon and Surfactants
Institute: RSKERL
Task No: 1022
Project Period: 06/87 - 04/90
Principal Investigator Fred Pfeffer FTS 743-2311
Abstract: The purpose of this project is to determine the effects of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and surfactants on the
distribution coefficients of two hydrophobic compounds between; (1) water and soil, (2) water and natural dissolved organic
carbon and surfactant, and (3) soil and water containing natural DOC and surfactant. Specific materials studied are two
hydrophobic compounds, hexachlorobenzene and benzo-a-pyrene, and three natural DOC sources: landfill leachate; nonionic
surfactant (Triton X-100) and a cationic surfactant (sodium lauryl sulfate). Studies consist of batch sorption isotherm and
equilibrium measurements conducted in a special apparatus where compounds partition to two aqueous reservoirs connected by
a head space.
Status: Distribution coefficients have been determined for surfactants and water. In addition, data from experiments using a
Danish leachate and Lula aquifer material were incorporated in a paper which was presented by Carl Enfield in Denmark in
August, 1988. All of the experiments using Danish leachate and Lula aquifer material are complete. A re-evaluation of all of the
soil and leachate equilibrium distribution coefficient study data is being made to describe partitioning between all of the possible
"sinks" for adsorption of the hydrophobic compounds being studied. These sinks in the experimental protocol are the aqueous,
soil, soluble organic and inert surface (glass and Teflon) phases. The results of these tests will be combined with findings by
researchers in Denmark for a final report.
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Active Projects Transport
Transport of Inorganic Colloids in "Undisturbed" Subsurface Systems
Institute: RSKERL
Task No: 1025
Project Period: 11/88-06/91
Principal Investigator Robert Puls FTS 743-2262
Abstract: The objective of this project is to use "undisturbed" soil blocks to quantify the mobility and reactivity of secondary clay
minerals and hydrous oxides by using laser light scattering techniques, or other acceptable methods, which quantify the amount of
colloids in aqueous suspension and also provide a distribution of size.
Status: The stability of previously synthesized radio-labelled Fe2O3 colloids (spherical, 150 nm) were investigated over the pH
range of 3-11 using various ionic strengths (0 to 0.05) and electrolyte compositions (NaClO4, CaSO4, and CaQ2). Non-radioactive
colloids were stable over the pH ranges 3-6 and 8-11, and generally less than 0.03 M ionic strength. The radioactive colloids
however were unstable at the higher pH range. Analyses are underway to determine the possibility and implications of radiolytic
induced instability. Column studies were performed at pH 3.6 and 10.4 using aquifer material recovered from a copper mining site
near Globe, AZ. There was no detectable breakthrough of the colloids at the low pH where the particles are oppositely charged to
the aquifer matrix. However, at high pH, where electrostatic repulsive effects are operative, there was breakthrough and it
occurred at the same time as the added tritium. The colloids only attained a quasi-stable condition at this higher pH with the
particle size ranging from 500-700 nm. Future work will focus on understanding and attempting to control radiocolloid stability.
If successful, additional column experiments at the higher pH range will be performed. The equal charged nature of the iron
colloids in this pH range is analogous to the behavior of clay particles in the less than 4 pH range.
Survival and Transfer of Genetic Elements in the Subsurface Environment
Institute: RSKERL
Task No: 1042
Project Period: 03/89 - 09/91
Principal Investigator: GuySewell (FTS 743-2232) Stephen Hutchins (FTS 743-2327)
Abstract: The purpose of this project is to define the environmental factors affecting the survival and transfer of recombinant
genetic elements in the subsurface environment and in using this information to develop methods for predicting the fate of
recombinant microorganisms and genetic elements for use with bioremediation techniques. Core samples from Traverse City
will be used to create simulated aquifer environments into which recombinant microorganisms or genetic elements will be
introduced. The survival, persistence, and propagation of these organisms or sequences will be determined under different
environmental conditions.
Status: Work continues on the isolation, screening, and characterization of bacteria from fuel contaminated cores. No success has
been obtained to date in the isolation of a nitrate reducing organism capable of degrading toluene, but efforts will continue. Two
bacterial isolates from the high peroxide region in the BioDeg I area at Traverse City are also being screened for plasmids and
novel degradative capabilities. The arrival of a DNA analysis system will facilitate the plasmid comparisons from environmental
isolates.
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Active Projects Transport
Movement and Transformation of Contaminants in Soils and Ground Water
Institute: NCGWR (Dick Sealf, Carl Enfield, P.O.)
Task No: 1046
Project Period: 09/89 -12/90
Principal Investigator Herb Ward (713)5274086 Roland Lindquist (FTS 743-2231)
Abstract: This project is designed to support experimental studies on transport processes currently being recognized as central to
understanding the movement and transformation of contaminants in the subsurface. There is a pressing need to identify and
understand the transport processes discovered in recent field studies so that these can be incorporated in predictive models, the
use of which will result in a more effective and cost efficient approach to protecting and restoring the subsurface environment,
including ground water. The items of work to be addressed are: sorption of nonpolar organic contaminants to whole and amended
low-carbon sediments, including primarily aquifer materials; effects of naturally occurring or synthetic catalysts on the
degradation of organic contaminants in soil and ground water; and the mobility of hydrophobic contaminants in soils and ground
water that are associated with macromolecules such as natural humic and fulvic materials. The work will be carried out with the
facilities, equipment and staff at both the RSKERL and participating Center universities. As methods and technology are
developed, specific portions of the work will be carried out at the universities in cooperation with RSKERL scientists and
under the guidance of established peer review procedures.
Status: Dr. Lindquist, from the University of Lund in Sweden, has initiated laboratory studies at RSKERL. He is part of a visiting
scientist program set up between RSKERL, the NCGWR, and the University of Lund.
Sorption and Transport of Hydrophobic Organic Chemicals in Complex Solvent Systems
Institute: University of Florida (Lynn Wood, P.O.)
Task No: 2008
Project Period: 10/87 - 02/91
Principal Investigator: P.S.C. Rao (904) 392-1951
Abstract: Complex systems, those having multiple solutes and solvents, are found at many hazardous waste disposal sites.
Examining the chemodynamics of complex mixtures is, therefore, essential for predicting the environmental impact of hazardous
waste disposal. The primary objective of this project is to determine the effects of miscible and immiscible solvents on the
solubility, sorption, and transport of contaminants in soils and aquifers. Data collected in this project will be used to develop and
evaluate theoretical approaches for estimating solubility and sorption in complex wastes. The results of this project are expected
to be used by state regulatory agencies, industry, and EPA for developing simulation models and for educational and management
applications.
Status: The solubility and sorption of several organic solutions in a variety of complex solvents have been measured. Solutes
examined include anthracene, fluoranthene, napthalene, diuron, and pyrene. Solvents include methanol, acetonitrile, acetone,
nitrobenzene, n-octanol, DMSO, o-cresol, and TCE. Predictions of the effect of partially immiscible organic solvents (PMOS)
on the solubility of hydrophobic organic chemicals (HOC) by the log-linear approach and UNIFAC are in general agreement with
experimental data up to fc=0.5. Recent investigations have been focused on two major areas. The first concerns "negative
cosolvency" which has been reported for a few organic solvents. The second deals with a theoretical and experimental examina-
tion of solvent-solvent interactions which help explain the apparent differences in the cosolvencies of completely and partially
miscible organic solvents.
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Active Projects Transport
Multiphase Chemical Transport in Porous Media
Institute: Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Jong S. Cho, P.O.)
Task No: 2017
Project Period: 04/88 - 04/91
Principal Investigator. J.C.Parker (703)961-5775
Abstract: The three major goals of this research are to: (1) develop a mathematical model for multiphase organic chemical
transport with gas phase movement and biodegradation in a two dimensional computer code; (2) numerically verify the code and
perform experiments to obtain data demonstrating the influence of multiphase flow systems on the transport and fate of toxic
organic substances in the subsurface; and (3) develop a multiphase fate and transport model of toxic organic compounds in the
subsurface which will investigate alternative regulatory and management methods for waste disposal, monitoring system design,
and the development of remedial action plans.
Status: A simplified scheme has been adopted to save memory requirements and computational effort considering the minor
effects of hysteresis on flow. Refinements in the transport model have been implemented to obtain a better accuracy while
requiring minor additional storage and computational effort over the non-hysteresis model. The simulation results showed the
importance of oil phase entrapment. The density of the oil phase is also an important property that could influence the magnitude
of fluid entrapment. Work has continued on the development and testing of alternative and innovative numerical formulations to
improve solution accuracy and efficiency. Study has been centered on the use of a general adaptive solution technique which
automatically optimizes the information of local element equations. Some comparisons have been made of five different equation
formulations. The pressure-pressure form, with mass storage terms as saturation-time derivatives, provides the best performance.
Efforts continue to implement the interfacial mass transfer in the procedure to analyze gas flow and transport, and to develop a
three dimensional flow code. Construction of a prototype two dimensional flow and transport experimental cell is completed and
the first 2-D experiments are underway.
Multiphase Chemical Transport in Porous Media
Institute: Princeton University (James Weaver, P.O.)
Task No: 2022
Project Period: 10/88 - 02/92
Principal Investigator: George Finder (802) 656-8802
Mike Celia (609) 452^602
Peter Jaffee (609) 987-6744
Abstract: The purpose of this investigation is to develop and test in the laboratory, a numerical model of two-dimensional
multiphase, multicomponent flow that is capable of easily incorporating sharp fronts. Two methods will be investigated, including
the Optimal Test Function (OTF)/Alternating Direction Collocation (ADC) and Least Squares Collocation (LESCO). After
preliminary development, one of the methods will be selected for further development as the final simulator. Measurements of
the organic/water and organic/air partitioning coefficients will determine if equilibrium is achieved, as is commonly assumed in
simulation. Results of these experiments will be used in guiding the simulator development.
Status: Work continues in developing collocation-based solutions for both miscible and immiscible problems. The results have
been used to test linearization and iteration techniques, the incorporation of boundary conditions and source/sink terms, the
incorporation of spatial variation, and grid orientation effects. Work has also continued on the Eulerian-Lagrangian Localized
Adjoint Method for reactive transport. The single phase unsaturated flow code is currently being extended to the two-phase case.
This work has resulted in two journal articles and one conference presentation. The determination of primary drainage and
imbibition curves for water and air in sandy soil has been completed. Currently the water/TCE curve is being measured, but
several difficulties are being encountered. The design of the one and two dimensional flow experiments are beginning. An
analysis of the first experiment suggests that the effect of dispersion can be neglected. Changing the size of the REV was not able
to reduce the variance of the mass transfer coefficients for saturations above 5 percent. The column has been redesigned and a
new experiment is underway.
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Active Projects Transport
Solute Transport in Structured Porous Media
Institute: RSKERL
Task No: 2026
Project Period: 10/88 - 03/91
Principal Investigator Stephen Schmelling (FTS 743-2315) Thomas Short (FTS 743-2292)
Abstract: This investigation is directed at enhancing the quantitative and qualitative understanding of the processes involved in
solute transport through fractured porous systems. More specific objectives of the proposed work are to: (1) examine, both
mathematically and experimentally, the extent to which the modified one-dimensional advective-dispersion equation describes a
solute transport in a one-dimensional dual porosity system; (2) develop information and understanding of the roles of the
processes of diffusion, ion-exchange, and sorption in the transport of solutes through a fractured porous system. The transport
processes will be studied in the laboratory using systems that closely approximate the ideal systems used to form the conceptual
basis of recently published mathematical models. This project should provide a direct test of the assumptions in these models and
provide data on the basic processes such as diffusion, sorption, and ion-exchange, that control solute transport in macroporous
systems. Specific activities for the research are: (1) measure breakthrough curves for 3HOH, ^Caj, 36C1 and diuron in columns
filled with porous ceramic (alumina) spheres, and compare measured breakthrough curves with theoretical predictions; (2)
independently measure diffusion and partition coefficients that enter into the two-region advective-dispersion transport equation;
(3) determine the effect of matrix geometry including size, porosity, and surface area on transport processes; (4) adjust the
organic carbon content of the matrix and determine its effect on transport properties; and (5) compare the measured breakthrough
curves with model predictions.
Status: Data were collected for several additional breakthrough curves for 36C1 and 3H. Independent measurements of partition
coefficients were also made as a function of pH. Data are being fitted to test the spherical diffusion model.
Solute Transport under Time-Variant Mobile Phase Composition
Institute: RSKERL
Task No: 2029
Project Period: 10/88 - 03/90
Principal Investigator: Lynn Wood FTS 743-2420
Abstract: The objective of this project is to evaluate the impact of time variant solvent composition on the transport of hydro-
phobic organic solutes and to develop mathematical descriptions of the phenomena. The transport of selected organics through
soil columns under both isocratic and gradient elution systems is being examined. Isocratic elutions will be run at various
cosolvent fractions in order to determine the relationship between the fraction cosolvent and sorption coefficient and to provide
input parameters for predicting retention times under gradient elution. For gradient conditions, the influence of the following
parameters will be determined: (1) initial cosolvent factors; (2) slope of the solvent gradient; (3) the slope of the cosolvent
gradient; (4) the type of cosolvent; (5) nature of the solute; and (6) organic carbon content.
Status: A series of experiments were conducted which evaluated the validity of gradient elution techniques for several organics in
chromatographic sorbents. These experiments confirmed the appropriateness of the techniques and the experimental design being
used in the study.
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Active Projects Transport
Transport of Metal Contaminants in the Subsurface-Sorption/Desorption on Inorganic
Colloids and Organic Acid Effects
Institute: RSKERL
Task No: 2035
Project Period: 09/89 - 09/90
Principal Investigator: Robert Puls PTS 743-2262
Abstract: This research is being conducted to determine the effect organic acids have on metals transport in subsurface systems.
Complexometric titrations and batch equilibrium competition techniques will be used in the laboratory to quantify metal-mineral,
organic-mineral, metal-organic, and organometallic-mineral reactions.
Status: Laboratory work has been completed on organic-metal complexation using lead and cadmium with four organic acids,
lead and cadmium sorption on kaolinite, and organic-acid sorption on kaolinite and ferrihydrite. Competitive sorption studies
with lead, cadmium, and the organic acids were completed using ferrihydrite as the sorbent phase. Sorption of p-chloroaniline, an
additional organic contaminant selected for the study, on selected clay mineral was initiated, as were competitive sorption studies
between p-chloroaniline, lead, and cadmium on various clay minerals.
Sorption/Desorption Kinetics
Institute: RSKERL
Task No: 3017
Project Period: 11/88 - 09/90
Principal Investigator: Susan Mravik (FTS 743-2434) CarlEnfield (FTS 743-2410)
Abstract: The objective of the project is to develop and demonstrate methods for measuring sorption and desorption kinetics of
neutral hydrophobic contaminants in soils containing a water-immiscible, residually saturated fluid phase. In unconsolidated soils,
tests will compare static and dynamic sorption and desorption of contaminants to determine if physical agitation modifies the
equilibrium concentration. Flow velocities for the dynamic system will be as close to existing field velocities as reasonably
possible. The results will be compared to those obtained through empirical approximation. In consolidated porous cores, both
sorption and desorption will be measured as a function of the flow velocity.
Status: A proceedings manuscript entitled, "Measurement Techniques for Sorption of Organics to Residual Amounts of Fuel
Hydrocarbons," was submitted to NWWA. Batch column studies have been conducted with pristine but disturbed Traverse City
material. Column studies and post-column batch studies with atrazine have been conducted with a pristine and a contaminated
"intact" core from Traverse City. Additional partitioning studies using tetradecane and dried residual gasoline were conducted
for diuron, atrazine, naphthalene, and benzene.
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Active Projects Subsurface Exposure Assessment
Development of Qualitative and Quantitative Information Pertaining to Fate/Transport of
Residual Matrix Constituents in Contaminated Soils at Closed Sites
Institute: University of Texas at Austin (Scott Ruling, P.O.)
Task No: 255
Project Period: 10/87 - 04/90
Principal Investigator Raymond Loehr (512)471-4624
Abstract As part of the land disposal restrictions being developed by EPA in response to the Hazardous and Solid Waste
Amendments of 1984, land treatment of hazardous wastes will be limited to those wastes that either can be treated to performance
standards based on the best demonstrated achievable technology, or those that have undergone a successful petition process
demonstrating that there will be no migration of hazardous constituents from the soil treatment zone for as long as the waste
remains hazardous. The results will show: (1) whether soils at a hazardous waste land treatment site (HWLT) should be
considered a hazardous waste at closure, (2) the extent to which the organics remaining at closure will continue to degrade, (3)
migration potential of the organics and metals present in the soil-residual matrix when a HWLT site is closed, and (4) whether the
proposed scenarios for closure of HWLT sites are appropriate. The principal site selected for study is an oil refinery HWLT site in
Washington State. Other sites at which samples will be collected include: (1) wood preservative contaminated soil site in
Montana, (2) an oil refinery HWLT site in Alabama, and (3) a coal gasification waste contaminated soil site in New York. The
collected soils will be used to conduct extensive laboratory and bench scale studies designed to: (1) characterize the residual
matrix, (1) determine transport and transformation kinetics for residual organic and inorganic constituents, and (3) provide
information needed to model and predict the long-term transport and fate characteristics of such constituents. In addition, the sites
will be monitored over time to evaluate the validity of predictions based on laboratory studies.
Status: Field sampling has been completed at all sites and additional background information is being collected for each field
site. The soils have been characterized for; oil and gas, organic matter, microtox, TCLP, specific metals and organic analyses. In
addition, mobility and degradation studies are underway. Modeling has been completed which evaluates the persistence and
mobility of organics and metals under different closure options. Recent activities have centered on monitoring the degradation of
freon extractables and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in soil. Additionally, leaching experiments using the Toxicity
Characterization Leaching Procedure were completed. The final report is nearing completion.
Identification of Sources of Ground-Water Salinity
Institute: University of Texas (Bert Bledsoe, P.O.)
Task No: 1037
Project Period: 06/89 - 09/91
Principal Investigator Charles Kreitler (512)471-7721
Abstract: This ongoing investigation is an a attempt to develop methods for identifying the sources of salinity involved in
ground-water contamination. The literature will be reviewed for existing methods of identifying sources of salinity in ground
water such as fingerprinting techniques. These techniques will be tested using existing data, and the advantages and disadvan-
tages of each will be outlined. Both the ideal, or state-of-the-art, and the most practical techniques will be developed.
Status: A detailed literature search and review has been initiated and several hundred references have been identified.
Approximately 9,000 chemical analyses of saline water with TDS greater than 3,000 mg/1 are available from these publications.
Before compilation of these data, saline ground-water information from the USGS (WATSTORE) will be acquired.
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Active Projects Subsurface Exposure Assessment
Performance Testing of Ground-Water Models
Institute: Oregon State University (Thomas Short, P.O.)
Task No: 2003
Project Period: 10/87 - 02/91
Principal Investigator: Larry Boersma (503) 754-2441
Abstract: A major difficulty in developing strategies to protect ground water is the lack of efficient methods to synthesize
scientific information and predict the major physical, chemical, and biological factors affecting the transport and fate of contami-
nants in the subsurface. Current models which describe contaminant transport are largely empirical. Although many of these can
be useful in certain applications, there is a need for more fundamental scientific modeling. The object of this project is to provide
a technology to evaluate a model's performance by comparison to a physical model of the same system. This will be accomplished
with the use of two large physical aquifer models which have been constructed at RSKERL to simulate ground-water flow. These
models are instrumented to track the transport and fate of contaminants introduced to the systems and evaluate remediation
activities. All model inputs will be developed exclusive of the physical model so that only data normally available in the field can
be used for model input.
Status: A report on the modeling of the fate and transport when concerned with denitrification in non-homogenous aquifers
has been completed. The bromide tracer study has been completed and the data is being analyzed to determine the expected
dispersivity for the large physical model aquifers. The two-dimensional computer model has been revised to incorporate the
transport and fate of the four parameters involved in the denitrification process including substrate, nutrient, oxygen, and nitrate.
Approximate Multiphase Flow Modeling by Characteristic Methods
Institute: RSKERL
Task No: 2027
Project Period: 10/88 - 03/91
Principal Investigator James Weaver FTS: 743-2420
Abstract This investigation is intended to develop an approximate method for modeling pressure-dominated, one-dimensional,
three-phase flow of oily liquids (NAPLs), dissolved chemicals, water and air. When the imposed pressure gradients are important,
the system of governing equations is still hyperbolic, but more highly coupled than in the kinematic model: in fact the kinematic
model is a special case of the proposed model. By using the method of characteristics for the proposed model, the new work could
be incorporated directly into the existing code for the kinematic model, resulting in a code able to simulate both types of situ-
ations. Although the method of characteristics will be used extensively in the new model, there is an opportunity to use some
improved techniques. Under the influence of strong pressure gradients, some parts of the solution may display "coherent"
behavior. Usage of this method would simplify the calculations considerably. Part of the project, therefore, is to investigate the
application of this method to appropriate parts of the problem. Other specific areas which will be investigated include: (1) effect
of NAPL on the soil infiltration capacity; (2) selection of appropriate hysteretic relative permeability and capillary pressure
models; (3) investigate the incorporation of quasi-analytic or analytic models for diffusion of the sharp fronts, both liquid and
chemical; (4) comparison of results with an available full dynamic multiphase flow code and data available for either the VPI
(Task No. 2021) or Princeton (Task No. 2022) projects.
Status: A presentation entitled, "Simplified Multiphase Flow Modeling via Method of Characteristics Solutions," was presented at
the fall meeting of the American Geophysical Union.Work has focused on constructing profiles from the coherent path grid for
various injection conditions. The most important of these is the injection of water only into a system containing a known amount
of oil (NAPL). A solution of this problem showed that there exists two different flow regimes. The first is characterized by
incomplete displacement of oil into an oil bank which moves ahead of the infiltrating water. This is the type of solution that has
previously been developed and does not appear to present any added difficulty. The second regime is characterized by complete
by-passing of the oil phase without the presence of the oil bank. This discovery is a major step forward in the project. Further
work remains on refining the solution methodology. In developing this solution, the two alternative formulations of the grid path
equations were created. All three give identical paths across the saturation space, further confirming the correctness of the path
grid solution.Although previously reporting that the coherent solution is relatively unimportant, later work makes it appear that the
method of coherence solution may be all that is needed to extend the kinematic wave theory of the KROPT model. Work is now
underway to determine the need, if any, of the more general method of characteristics solution.
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Active Projects
Subsurface Exposure Assessment
Improved Methods for Estimating the Hydraulic Properties of Unsaturated Soils
Institute:
Task No:
Project Period:
Principal Investigator:
USDA/ARS (Joe Williams, P.O.)
2033
10/89 - 05/91
Martin van Genuchten (714) 369^847
Abstract: This work is underway to establish a large computerized data base of the unsaturated hydraulic properties of a broad
spectrum of disturbed field cores. The data base will be used to calibrate and test statistical pore-size distribution models which
predict the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity from more easily measured soil water retention data. A user friendly computer
program will be developed for this purpose and made available to action and planning agencies as well as research organizations.
The project will also critically review past and current methods of predicting the soil hydraulic properties from cumulative
particle-size distributions and other more readily available soil survey data. As a initial step of the project, a soil data base will be
constructed to include the broadest possible range of hydraulic property information as possible. Testing and evaluation of the
data base will be conducted in-house and through outside specialists not directly involved with its development. A critical review
of all available models, which predict hydraulic conductivity from soil water retention data, will be conducted to identify the most
promising predictive equations. This work will be incorporated into a user friendly program for calculating hydraulic conductiv-
ity. A review of particle-size distribution theories will be performed to develop computerized methods for estimating soil water
retention curves and hence, indirectly, the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity.
Status: An "International Workshop on Indirect Methods for Estimating the Hydraulic Properties of Unsaturated Soils" was held
in Riverside, California, during October, 1989. It was attended by over 80 participants from 14 countries. The workshop was
divided into sessions covering: (1) pore-size distribution models; (2) particle-size distributions and other approaches; (3)
physico-empirical approaches and applications; (4) fractical-mathematical and other approaches; and (5) soil data bases. The
proceedings for this workshop are available in the form of a hard-cover book.
Evaluation of Denitrification for Biorestoration of JP-4 Contaminated Aquifer
Institute:
Task No:
Project Period:
Principal Investigator
RSKERL
3013
05/88 -12/90
Stephen Hutchins FTS: 743-2327
Robert Smith FTS: 743-2204
Wayne Downs FTS: 743-2272
Guy Sewell FTS: 743-2232
Garmon Smith FTS: 743-2306
John Wilson FTS: 743-2259
Abstract: The object of the project is to conduct laboratory studies of biorestoration supported by denitrification for the
remediation of aquifers contaminated by fuel spills. A series of experiments will be conducted to evaluate whether denitrification,
using either nitrate or nitrous oxide, can be used to remove residual BTX from an aquifer at Traverse City contaminated with JP-4
jet fuel. The process will be assessed for the optimum conditions and parameters required for effective biorestoration. In addition,
concomitant microbiological and biochemical analyses of the microcosms will be made in order to understand the specific role of
the microorganisms and determine whether that role can be enhanced.
Status: Core material has been acquired from the Traverse City site and used to construct batch and column microcosms to test
the removal of BTX under denitrifying conditions. An initial test was made to determine base line removal of BTX from contami-
nated Traverse City core material. A lag time of 30 days was noted for each of the compounds with the exception of toluene.
Benzene was not degraded under these test conditions. Toluene, m-xylene, p-xylene, and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzenes were removed
(0.025 mg/1 detection limit) within the following 26 days. Alkanes and cycloalkanes were not affected. Results thus far have
been presented to the SET AC Conference in Toronto in October and the NWWA Conference in Houston in November. A journal
article, "Biodegradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons by Aquifer Microorganisms Under Denitrifying Conditions," has been
submitted to ES&T.
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Active Projects Subsurface Exposure Assessment
Modeling Organic Contaminant Transport
Institute: NSI (Susan Mravik/Roger Cosby, P.O.)
Task No: 3023
Project Period: 05/89 - 09/90
Principal Investigator: Ko-Hui Liu FTS 743-2322 FredBusche FTS 743-2235
Abstract: The project was established to develop and demonstrate methods for modeling sorption and desorption kinetics of
neutral hydrophobic contaminants in soils containing a water-immiscible, residually saturated fluid phase. The work will involve
a number of phases, including:
1. Conduct numerical modeling for organic contaminant transport with an equilibrium model;
2. Employ numerical modeling for organic contaminant transport with a combined equilibrium and first
order kinetic reaction;
3. Develop a numerical model to better describeorganic contaminant transport in field
situations; and
4. Validate the numerical models by comparison of the simulated results with experimental data
obtained from column studies.
Status: A numerical method of solutions for organic contaminant transport with a linear (equilibrium) sorption term and one with
a non-linear (Freundlich) sorption term has been coded. Both constant and flux type boundaries were provided with these models.
Simulations were made using data from breakthrough curves for naphthalene for Lincoln and Eustis soils. Work has begun on the
development of the mathematical formulations and coding for a two-site, two-region model which includes both an equilibrium
and a first order kinetic term. A literature review concerning residual saturation in porous media was conducted, resulting in the
addition of a residual oil phase to the model. An article describing this work is completed.
Development and Calibration of Computer Models Describing Bioventing of Hydrocarbons
from Unsaturated Subsurface Materials
Institute: University of Massachusetts at Amherst (Jong Cho, P.O.)
Task No: 3025
Project Period: 09/90 - 09/92
Principal Investigator: David Ostendorf (413) 545-0685
Abstract: Soil venting has proved to be an effective technique for remediation of oily contaminants in the unsaturated zone.
As practiced, the fumes in the vent gas are: (1) released to the atmosphere, (2) destroyed in an internal combustion engine, (3)
captured on activated carbon, or (4) destroyed by catalytic combustion. These treatment processes can add significantly to the cost
of remediation. This project is aimed at investigating the feasibility of in-situ treatability of these volatiles in order to reduce
remediation costs. The planning and installation of a field demonstration requires a design model to guide in the positioning and
installation of wells, to determine the capacity of the air handling system, and to determine the size of the injection zone required
for an efficient system. Cores will be obtained from a fuel contaminated site at the Traverse City Coast Guard Ah- Station.
Laboratory studies will be performed to assess mass-transfer coefficients for alkylbenzenes from water and oil to air. This
information will be used to determine the rate of restoration and the volume of air required to sweep a given volume of a
contaminated aquifer. Column and batch microcosm studies will determine the kinetics of fume degradation in the unsaturated
zone. This information will be incorporated into a comprehensive mathematical model that will define well spacing, air flow
velocities, and size of the plume injection zone required to treat a predetermined volume of subsurface material.
Status: The project is scheduled to begin in September.
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Active Projects
Subsurface Reclamation
Anaerobic Processes in the Subsurface Environment
Institute:
Task No:
Project Period:
Principal Investigator.
RSKERL
1041
03/89 -10/91
Guy Sewell
Garmon Smith
Robert Smith
FTS 743-2232
FTS 743-2316
FTS 743-2352
Susan Gibson FTS 743-2309
Stephen Hutchins FTS 743-2327
John Wilson FTS 743-2259
Abstract: Anaerobic conditions predominate in contaminated aquifers and are common in uncontaminated areas. Comparatively
little is known about degradative processes and nutrient cycling under anaerobic conditions. However, it is apparent that these
processes are fundamentally different and more complex than aerobic processes. The objective of this research is to define and
study anaerobic microbial metabolic processes which occur in the subsurface environment to further understand the fate of
contaminants in that environment Three areas will be investigated using microbiological, biochemical, and molecular biological
techniques, with emphasis in three major areas:
1. Metabolism of aromatic compounds under sulfate reducing conditions. In this study the breakdown
and metabolism of fuel aromatics (primarily benzene.toluene, and xylenes) by sulfate-reducing isolates
and consortia will be examined.
2. Metabolic processes at the aerobic/anaerobic interface. The role of mixed aerobic/anaerobic conditions on the
metabolism of organic compounds is unclear. An attempt will be made to identify and spatially locate the
processes and microbes which exist at and near the interface.
3. Effects of altered oxidation/reduction balance on anaerobic metabolism. Anaerobic chemoheterotrophs
generate useable metabolic energy (ATP or electro-chemical gradients) from oxidizable substrates via
fermentation or anaerobic respiration. Alterations in the O/R balance of these organisms may broaden
the range of electron donors and acceptors.
Status: Work continues with the toluene degrading consortia. Laboratory and field studies have linked reductive dechlorination of
PCE and TCE with toluene degradation. This is the first conclusive evidence showing alkylbenzenes can serve as a source of
reducing power for reductive dechlorination. It is not clear at this time which pathway of toluene degradation is being utilized by
the consortia, but phenol and cresol have been detected in field samples, with acetate the only intermediate definitely shown in the
microcosm tests. In the microcosm system, the initiation of reductive dechlorination (16 weeks) appears linked to the appearance
of measurable levels of acetate (16 weeks), rather than the onset of toluene degradation (8 weeks).
Optimization of In-Situ Biorestoration of Contaminated Subsurface and Aquifer Materials
Institute:
Task No:
Project Period:
Principal Investigator
NCGWR (Dick Scalf/William Dunlap, P.O.)
1047
09/89-12/90
Herb Ward (713)527-4086
Abstract: This research addresses four major areas, including: (1) investigate microbial transport through subsurface materials
with different hydraulic conductivities and organic matter contents, (2) determine the effects of hydrogen peroxide on microbial
populations in the subsurface and on the mechanisms by which they adapt to high concentrations of the oxidant, (3) participate in a
quantitative demonstration of in situ biorestoration of subsurface materials contaminated with aviation fuel, (4) and determine the
significance of bioemulsifiers and surfactants reduced by subsurface microorganisms during the biodegradation of contaminants in
the subsurface. The primary goal of this research is to evaluate the use of microcosms to predict the rate and extent of TCE
dechlorination in subsurface material. A secondary goal is to evaluate the influence of various electron donors, including natural
materials such as peat and co-occurring contaminants such as alkylbenzenes, phenols, and benzole acids. The microcosms will be
constructed from material acquired from a plume of TCE contamination at the US Army Arsenal at Picatinny, NJ.
Status: Samples for the construction of the microcosms have been obtained and the microcosms are nearing completion.
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Active Projects Subsurface Reclamation
Forced Air-Ventilization for Remediation of Unsaturated Zone Contaminated by VOC
Institute: RSKERL
Task No: 2028
Project Period: 10/88 - 12/90
Principal Investigator: Jong Soo Cho FTS: 743-2292
Abstract: The objective of this project is to investigate the movement of the air-ventilation process. Several mechanisms control
gas movement through unsaturated soils including diffusive and convective transport. The physical properties of soil such as;
porosity, pore size distribution, and water content, are the primary physical limits to the movement of VOCs in gas phase.
Therefore, the ultimate goal of this project is to investigate the relationships among these properties as they impact gas phase
movement of contaminants, and to develop a computer code for the design of remediation processes. The project consists of two
parts. The first is the development of a numerical model of gas phase movement in soil; and the second is the experimental
verification of the model with emphasis on an understanding of the physical and chemical properties which effect vapor phase
contaminant transport.
Status: Nine soil columns, built in a constant temperature room, have been used for preliminary experiments. The apparatus and
equipment for continuation of the project is in place. The development of a three-dimensional model has been initiated. A finite
difference algorithm will be used to solve the three dimensional gas flow and transport equation. New computer hardware,
suitable for the development of large computational programs, has been received and is being used. A ground-water flow model,
with slight modification, has been used and the results compared with a simple, approximated, analytical model. The comparison
showed compatibility when a small vacuum was applied. A journal article is nearing completion which will discuss the compari-
son results.
In Situ Biorestoration of a Gasoline Spill (Nitrate)
Institute: U.S. Coast Guard/RSKERL (John Wilson, P.O.)
Task No: 3012
Project Period: 08/88 - 09/90
Principal Investigator Linda Lefkovitz FTS: 942-3934
Abstract: An existing model, BIOPLUME U, can easily be modified to describe nitrate supported degradation of BTX. Work at
RSKERL will develop the site-specific process information needed to run the model on a spill of JP-4 jet fuel at the U.S. Coast
Guard Air Station at Traverse City. The model will be used to make projections for use in the design of an in situ perfusion cell
that bathes the contaminated region of the aquifer with nitrate-amended water. Recovery wells will reclaim any nitrate that is not
consumed by the bacteria to prevent regional contamination of the aquifer. The progress of biorestoration will be followed with
monitoring wells, and at the end of the demonstration, the contaminated area will be cored and analyzed for the concentration of
remaining BTX. The objectives of the project are: (1) to modify BIOPLUME JJ to describe the degradation of BTX by nitrate-
respiring bacteria in aquifers contaminated with oily materials; (2) use the model to design a biosystem field demonstration for in
situ restoration of oily wastes; (3) carry out the demonstration; and (4) evaluate the model by comparing the actual progress of the
restoration to that projected by the model.
Status: Within six months the concentrations of benzene and toluene in ground water were reduced to below 0.1 jig/1. Other
alkylbenzenes were brought below 5 \ig/l. Approximately 120 core extracts are being analyzed by GC/MS to confirm the removal
of BTX in the aquifer matrix material. An internal report, "Field Evaluation of Biorestoration of a Fuel Contaminated Aquifer
Using Nitrate," has been forwarded to the appropriate Program Office.
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Active Projects Subsurface Reclamation
In Situ Biodegradation of Carbon Tetrachioride under Denitrifying Conditions
Institute: Stanford University (Wayne Downs, P.O.)
Task No: 3020
Project Period: 08/89 - 09/90
Principal Investigator: Paul Roberts (415)723-1073
Abstract: The project is designed to quantitatively assess the biodegradation of carbon tetraehloride in a field demonstration under
denitrifying conditions. Acetate, as a carbon source and electron acceptor, will be used to simulate the growth of indigenous
microorganisms which are expected to transform carbon tetraehloride.
Status: Field studies were initiated with the addition of carbon tetraehloride (CT) to the test zone, prior to biostimulation, to study
its transport and observe whether transformation losses occurred in the absence of active biostimulation. The test zone was
biostimulated with the addition of acetate and the resulting biotransformation of CT and the production of intermediate products
was monitored. Laboratory studies have focused on batch soil column studies.
Field Evaluation of Bioventing of Hydrocarbons from Unsaturated Subsurface Material
Institute: U.S. Coast Guard (Don Kampbell, P.O.)
Task No: 3024
Project Period: 09/90 - 09/92
Principal Investigator: Linda Lefkovitz (216) 522-3934
Abstract: Soil venting is a widely popular technique for remediation of oily contaminants in the saturated zone. As practiced,
biological activity in the unsaturated zone often results in the depletion of oxygen and enrichment in carbon dioxide, and
contributes to the removal of contaminants. This natural activity could be incorporated into the design of a project aimed at the
in-situ biological treatment of vent gases. Cores will be obtained from a fuel-contaminated area at the U.S. Coast Guard Air
Station at Traverse City, Michigan, to determine the three-dimensional distribution of the contaminant. The model described in
project Task Number 3025 will be used to design the demonstration. After the demonstration, the site will be cored again to
determine the actual performance of the degradation process.
Status: Planning of the project is underway with the various participating research groups.
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Active Projects
Subsurface Reclamation
Supplement to In Situ Biorestoration of a Jet-Fuel Spill
Institute:
Task No:
Project Period:
Principal Investigator
U.S. Coast Guard (John Wilson, P.O.)
3026
09/89 - 09/91
Linda Lefkovitz (216)522-3934
Abstract: As of September, 1989, benzene and toluene have disappeared in water beneath the infiltration gallery, at the Traverse
City site, and the concentration of the xylenes is below 20 fig/liter. Contrary to expectations, benzene and toluene disappeared
before any nitrate was added. Further work is needed to confirm the mechanisms of biodegradation of benzene and toluene under
these circumstances. The section of the gallery should be able to bring the section of aquifer in the demonstration area to closure,
but this is to some extent fortuitous. During the design of the demonstration the effect of denitrification on the pH of the
recirculated water was not considered. During the course of the demonstration, the pH of the recirculated water increased from
6.5 to 8.0, resulting in a slow carbonate plugging of the infiltration gallery. A nutrient mix should be formulated that will protect
infiltration galleries from plugging. A second infiltration gallery will be installed at the Biosystems Demonstration Project at
Traverse City. Equipment will be installed in the existing manifold and monitoring building to restore the pH of the recirculated
water to the original pH of 6.5. The gallery will be installed, as soon as funds are available, and operated for a 6 to 9 month
period.
Status: The design and scheduling of the project are underway.
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Active Projects Underground Injection Control
Assessment of Various Class V Injection Well Practices on Groundwater Quality
Institute: Dynamac Corp (John Matthews/ James McNabb, P.O.)
Task No: 194
Project Period: 05/89 - 02/90
Principal Investigator Ron Drake FTS 743-2276
Abstract: This project is being undertaken to determine the impact of various Class V injection wells practices on ground water
quality. Through literature searches a determination will be made as to which Class V injection well practices will most
significantly impact ground water quality. The search will focus on the types of contaminants identified by the Office of Ground-
Water Protection. Information will be gathered on the transport and fate of these contaminants, after being injected directly into
aquifers, and recommendations will be developed and suggested for regulating the use of Class V wells.
Status: The final report is nearing completion.
Effectiveness of Drilling Mud as a Plugging Agent in Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells
Institute: Oklahoma State University (Don Draper, P.O.)
Task No: 1009
Project Period: 10/87 - 04/90
Principal Investigator M. D. Smith (405) 624-5711
Abstract: Current methods of plugging dry and abandoned wells in many states call for placing cement plugs through selected
zones and drilling mud through the intervening zones. In some states only drilling mud is used as a plugging agent, a method that
has been used for many years. In the vicinity of injection wells used for disposal or for secondary recovery of petroleum,
numerous plugged and abandoned wells may exist. The environmental concern is the potential for the injected fluids to migrate
through these abandoned bore holes and enter fresh water. The objectives of this research project are to: (1) determine if drilling
mud is an adequate plugging material when abandoning wells; (2) develop techniques and associated instrumentation for entering
previously plugged wells; and (3) to determine the efficiency of the plugging material used. To accomplish these objectives, a
2000-foot well drilled on the property of Oklahoma State University, at the Petroleum Outdoor Laboratory will be used. The well,
with extensive surface and subsurface monitoring equipment, has a simulated reservoir at the surface. Simulation of field
conditions can be made with respect to depth, fluid pressure, injection fluids, and pressure and plugging agent properties.
Status: The 2000 foot well has been drilled and cased and the site work completed, including; concrete placement, dirt work,
access roads, and test equipment. All test facilities have been completed including those for flow as well as temperature and
pressure measurements. All testing equipment is operational and tests are well underway.
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Active Projects Underground Injection Control
Methods of Determining Mechanical Integrity of Injection Wells
Institute: RSKERL/East Central University (Jerry Thornhill, P.O.)
Task No: 1026
Project Period: 10/88 - 02/92
Principal Investigator: Bobby Benefield (405) 332-8000
Abstract: This project has been designed to investigate, develop, and improve methods for evaluating the mechanical integrity
of injection wells to assure that the use of such wells will not endanger underground sources of drinking water, public health, or
the environment. Selected procedures and tools will be evaluated in existing test wells to determine their effectiveness for
determining the mechanical integrity of injection wells, simulate specific well conditions for reviewing alternative mechanical
integrity tests, and perform tests for developing a tool for evaluating water-quality chances in underground sources of drinking
water.
Status: Forty-one logs have been run in the two logging wells to determine the capability of evaluating cement behind steel and
fiberglass casing. Final agreement has been reached with API for joint testing of noise, temperature, and oxygen activation logs
for detecting flow behind the pipe. Meetings were held with the technical review panel on three occasions to develop procedures
for selecting candidate wells for testing. As a result, two wells are being evaluated. Schlumberger tested their new "oxygen
activation tool" for detecting flow behind pipe. The tool worked well, but the data had to be telemetered to their Houston offices
for analysis. The toll will be retested after software has been developed for on site data analysis.
Prioritizing Aquifer Protection
Institute: Oklahoma State University (Jerry Thornhill, P.O.)
Task No: 1039
Project Period: 04/89 - 09/91
Principal Investigator: Wayne Pettyjohn (405)744-6358
Abstract: The project is designed to develop and test methods for prioritizing regions so the most sensitive and productive ground-
water areas receive maximum attention with respect to the impact of Class V wells. It will also address the existing and potential
impact of Class V wells on the quality of ground water in the U.S. A literature search will be performed for hydrogeologic data
from each state which will be evaluated and transferred to base maps after developing a scheme of prioritization. A sensitivity to
Class V wells map will be prepared for each state.
Status: The first draft of sensitivity maps have been developed for 17 states. Population density maps have been generated for
10 states and a hydrogeological data base is being collected.
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Active Projects Underground Injection Control
Hydrologic Effects of an Agricultural Drainage Well - Phase I
Institute: U.S. Geological Survey - Reston (James McNabb, P.O.)
Task No: 1045
Project Period: 09/89 - 01/91
Principal Investigator Stephen Ragone FTS 959-5720
Abstract: The purpose of Phase I of this project is to; (1) develop a scope of work for a Phase n research study designed to
characterize the hydrologic setting of an agricultural drainage well and determine the existence and fate of atrazine in the aquifer
receiving drainage well discharges, and (2) select an existing agricultural drainage well that will be representative of similar
conditions in other areas of north-central Iowa which will serve as the focal point of this study. It is anticipated that Phase n of
this study will be a three year cooperative project between the U.S. Geological Survey and EPA. The USGS will be responsible
for describing the hydrology of the site and for providing field assistance. EPA will be responsible for the analysis of atrazine
degradation products and the interpretation of the results.
Status: The IAG was initiated 09/01/89. Activities are underway to complete Phase I and to coordinate the work with the other
involved federal agencies.
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Active Projects
Wellhead Protection
Development of Methods to Identify Sources of Contamination in a Wellhead Protection Area
and Develop Relations Between Land Use and Regional Ground Water Quality
Institute:
Task No:
Project Period:
Principal Investigator
U.S. Geological Survey - Reston (James McNabb & Wayne Downs, P.O.)
1028
08/88 - 03/90
Stephen Ragone FTS: 959-5720
Abstract: The object of this project is to develop information for identifying sources of contamination in a wellhead protection
area. The study will focus on developing, calibrating, and verifying statistical relations between land use utilizing existing ground-
water quality data. Statistical evaluations to determine the significance of hydrogeological factors will be made with methods that
would have a bearing on the definition of a zone of contribution. Specific activities include:
1. Development and verification of methods to conduct regional ground-water appraisals.
2. Studying the scale dependencies of these methods.
3. Determination of critical data needed to make effective appraisals.
4. Evaluation of methods to determine contributing areas to the quality of water at wells.
5. Evaluation of the mass-balance approach as a means of conducting regional ground-water quality appraisals.
The study will focus on developing, calibrating, and verifying statistical relations between land use with existing ground water
quality data. This existing data will be collected within defined study areas to create a data base for the development of models
relating sources of contaminants, as defined by land use or other measures of human activities, to observed ground-water quality.
Stochastic ground-water quality models have recently been verified that relate population density and land use with the occurrence
of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As part of this study, additional models will be developed to relate ground-water quality
with such factors as road network density, vehicular traffic volumes, and power consumption. Furthermore, in association with
EPA's Wellhead Protection Plan, statistical evaluations will be made to determine the significance of hydrogeologic factors (depth
to ground water, surficial geology, ground-water flow direction) with methods that would have a bearing on the definition of a
zone of contribution.
Status: A draft report is being reviewed internally. The Project Officers met with project personnel at the USGS offices in
Trenton to discuss the project and long-term deliverables. An on-site review of the project was held in conjunction with the
Office of Ground Water Protection.
Evaluation of the Influence of Human Activities on Ground-Water Quality
Institute:
Task No:
Project Period:
Principal Investigator:
U.S. Geological Survey-Reston (Wayne Downs, P.O.)
1044
10/89 -10/90
Stephen Ragone FTS 959-5720
Abstract: The project, which compliments Task 1028, will evaluate the influence of human activities on ground-water quality in
the Atlantic Coastal Plain physiographic province in New York and New Jersey. Methods to statistically quantify the influence of
human activities on ground-water quality will be developed, tested, and verified. Sources of contamination will be identified and
methods to estimate contributing areas to wells will be compared.
Status: Extensive reviews and revisions of the work plan have been conducted by all participating organizations.
40
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Active Projects Drinking Water
Ground Water Technology Transfer
Institute: RSKERL/CERI (Dick Scalf, P.O.)
Task No: 121
Project Period: Continuing
Abstract: Agency and State personnel responsible for carrying out the mandates of RCRA, SDWA, CERCLA, and other
environmental legislation directed at ground-water protection and restoration must have an understanding of the subsurface
environment and the factors involved in protection and remedial actions. Ground-water protection and restoration is based on a
relatively new and rapidly developing science. Although most of the people working in the ground-water area have a technical
background. They may not be trained in ground-water science or may find it difficult to keep abreast of developing findings and
technologies. The objectives of this project are: to develop a series of technology transfer materials that can be used as self
training aids; to provide training to Regional, State, and Headquarters personnel; and to provide technical publications on
developing science and technology to the ground-water community.
Status: A series of 20-30 minute narrated-slide presentations are under development and are in various stages of completion.
Those which are complete include:
Basic Geology Fundamental Hydrogeology
Monitoring Well Installation Ground-Water Models
Ground-Water Sampling
Those nearing completion include: Ground-Water Contamination, Ground-Water Investigations, Ground-Water Tracers, and
Ground-Water Restoration. In addition, a companion document entitled Ground Water Handbook (EPA/625/6-87-016) with
chapters corresponding to the narrated-slide presentations has been published by the Center for Environmental Research
Information in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is in the process of being updated. In the area of training, two-day seminars titled, "Site
Characterization for Subsurface Remediations," have been presented in all ten Regions. RSKERL technical publications are
distributed to the ground-water community on a continuing basis.
China - U.S. Ground-Water Project
Institute: Sino-USA International Agreement (Lowell Leach, P.O.)
Task No: 175
Project Period: 03/85 -10/90
Principal Investigator Duan Zhenbo, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Environmental Protection, China
Abstract EPA's Office of Research and Development has entered into an agreement under a normal protocol (Item IIB, Annex 3,
US-PRC) to conduct cooperative research with the People's Republic of China (PRC) on municipal wastewater land treatment
systems. The Chinese selected land treatment technology because of high pollutant removal efficiency, low construction and
energy costs, and simplicity in operation and management. Under this agreement the research will be conducted on rapid
infiltration systems (RIS) and overland flow systems (OFS). The RIS study will focus on optimizing denitrification techniques as
a method to treat municipal sewage. The treated water will then replenish ground water containing high concentrations of nitrate.
Concurrently, the scientists will evaluate the removal potential for volatile organic compounds and pathogenic bacteria from the
RIS, which complements RSKERL's research program. These studies will provide design information for the evaluation of eight
sites selected as key pilot projects as specified in China's 7th 5-year plan. The potential of using an overland flow system to treat
wastewaters containing high concentrations of BOD and COD and the resulting impact of this treatment process on ground water
will be investigated. Upon completion of these studies, as outlined in the March 1985 workplan, the EPA and Chinese staffs will
jointly author a report which will be published in an international peer reviewed journal.
Status: A journal article entitled, "China-United States EPA's Bilateral Land Treatment Research," was selected for presentation at
the WPCF National Symposium in San Francisco; however, the conference was cancelled due to a catastrophic earthquake. The
article has been submitted to ORD, the Office of International Activities, and for publication in the Journal of the Water Pollution
Control Federation. Phase two of the project (overland flow research of brewery wastewater treatment) in underway near Beijing.
Data from the project for the period 7/16/88 through 11/18/89 has been received and indicates that the operation is successful.
PRC internal turmoil results in project uncertainty.
41
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Active Projects Drinking Water
Expanding Knowledge Bases and Advancing Utility of Ground Water Models for
Management
Institute: Holcomb Research Institute - Butler University (Joe Williams, P.O.)
Task No: 1017 & 2023
Project Period: 10/88 -12/90
Principal Investigator Paul KM. van der Heijde (317)283-9458
Abstract: The goals of this project are to develop an extensive, generally accepted model testing and evaluation methodology,
and to improve the access to and utility of quality-assured models. Models will be subjected to careful scrutiny for quality in
development and efficiency in their application. The models and the evaluation methodology will then be made available to the
user community along with the results of the evaluations and other information developed during the project.
Status: The MARS data base has been reviewed by the advisory committee, comments returned to IGWMC, and implemented
into the current version. The inventory of models for flow and transport in fractured rock has been received as well as another
document dealing with quality assurance and quality control in ground-water modeling. A inventory of flow models for
immiscible liquids has also been completed.
National Center for Ground Water Research
Institute: NCGWR (Dick Scalf, P.O.)
Project Period: 09/79 - Continuing
Principal Investigator Herb Ward (Rice) (713)527^086
Norm Durham (OSU) (405)824-8388
Larry Canter (OU) (405) 325-5202
Abstract: EPA established the National Center for Ground Water Research (NCGWR) in September, 1979, as a consortium of
Rice University, the University of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State University. As part of EPA's Centers of Excellence program,
the NCGWR was charged with developing and conducting a long range exploratory research program to help anticipate and solve
the nation's emerging ground-water problems. Base funding is provided by EPA's Office of Exploratory Research in Washington,
DC. Center Co-Directors and investigators work with the management and technical staff of the R.S. Kerr Environmental
Research Laboratory as well as other EPA laboratories to insure that the exploratory research program is cooperatively planned,
responsive to national needs, and appropriately linked to the Agency's more applied, mission-oriented research efforts. Technical
oversight is provided by an eight-member panel of external scientific peers. The four major areas of responsibility for the Center's
research are: (1) development of methodologies for ground-water quality investigations; (2) transport and fate of pollutants in the
subsurface; (3) characterization of the subsurface environment with respect to pollutant transport; and (4) information transfer.
Status: Research Projects currently funded by the Center include:
1. Factors Influencing the Slow Release of Hydrocarbons from Aquifer Materials
2. Effects of Various Pumping and Injection Schemes and Variable Source Loading on Biorestoration
3. Optimization of In Situ Biorestoration of Contaminated Subsurface and Aquifer Material
4. Microbial Metabolism of Xenobiotic Chemicals in Anoxic Aquifers
5. A Recombinant Approach to the Isolation and Characterization of a Primary Degrader of Trichloroethylene
42
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Active Projects Superfund
Performance Evaluation of Ground-Water Remediations at Superfund Sites
Institute: NCGWR/Peer Consultants (Randall Ross/Dick Scalf, P.O.)
Task No: 3003
Project Period: 08/87 - 04/90
Principal Investigator Joseph Keely (503) 645-7556
Abstract: Ground-water remediation activities at several Superfund sites are currently underway but there are presently no
established protocols for evaluating the effectiveness of the various remediation technologies. This project will survey RI/FS and
compliance monitoring documents from several sites to determine types of chemical and hydrogeological data typically acquired,
the uses to which the data are applied, and the need for additional transport process parameter data. The project will evaluate the
state-of-the-art and state-of-the-science of data acquisition in terms of procedures involved, resources required, and benefits
obtainable and their relation to the use of mathematical models in remediation performance evaluation.
Status: Phase I of the project, which involves the adequacy of monitoring networks and compliance criteria in use at Superfund
sites, is complete. The document, "Protocol for Evaluating Effectiveness of Groundwater Remediation Activities at SF Sites," is
nearing completion.
Operation of Subsurface Remediation Information Clearinghouse
Institute: Dynamac Corporation (John Matthews, P.O.)
Task No: 3009
Project Period: 09/88 - Continuing
Contact: Ron Drake FTS: 743-2252
Abstract: This program is designed to operate the Subsurface Remediation Information Clearinghouse within RSKERL to provide
services to Regional and state Superfund personnel, in terms of scientific information related to the reclamation of contaminated
soils and ground water. Both information sources and information transfer activities are provided. This involves maintaining
an awareness of current sources of scientific information on the reclamation of contaminated soils and ground water. These
activities include locating, assessing, and documenting pertinent information sources on both active and completed remediation
activities. The information transfer services involve transferring current information from the research community to the user
community. These support activities include the preparation and dissemination of the most current research findings pertaining to
the fate, transport, and treatability of contaminants in both the saturated and unsaturated subsurface. Both the Information
Sources and Information Transfer services are intended for use by the Technical Support Team, Technical Review Group,
RSKERL researchers, and Regional and state remediation decision makers.
Status: The functional responsibilities of the Clearinghouse have been established and services provided as requested. A
Manual of Practice describing the Clearinghouse services and the proper mechanisms for making use of those services is
nearing completion.
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PUBLICATIONS
During RSKERL's tenure of operations, a large number of reports and other types of
documents dealing with environmental problems have been published. A list of those
publications for the period 1988 to the present is presented in this section. These
publications can be obtained as described below:
Publications containing an NTIS number should be obtained from:
National Technical Information Service
U.S. Department of Commerce
Springfield, VA 22161
(703)557-4560
Other publications can be requested from:
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
P.O. Box 1198
Ada, OK 74820
(405)332-8800
A full list of publications (1967 -1990) is available upon request.
44
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Publications - 1988
1988 Aerobic Blodegradation of Natural and Xenobiotic Organic Compounds by Subsurface
Microbial Communities
CM. Swindell, CM. Aelion, D.C. Dobbins, et al.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 7(4):291-299, April 1988
EPA-600/J-88-067, NTIS PB 89-103204
Anaerobic Blotransformatlons of Pollutant Chemicals In Aquifers
J.M. Suflita, S.A. Gibson and R.E. Beeman
Journal of Industrial Microbiology, 3(3):179-194, May 1988
EPA-600/J-88-142, NTIS PB 89-119341
Analysis of Volatile Organic Chemicals in Aqueous Samples by Purge/GC with Selective
Water Removal
J.W. Cochran and J.M. Henson
Journal of High Resolution Chromatography and Chromatography Communications,
ll(12):869-873, December 1988
EPA-600\J-88\366, NTIS PB 89-103204
Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds in Water by Dynamic Stripping, Thermal
Desorption, Cryofocusing and Capillary Gas Chromatography
S.A. Vandegrift
Journal of Chromatographic Science, 26(10):513-516, October 1988
EPA-600/J-88-200, NTIS PB 89-138796
An Analytical Solution to Saturated Flow In a Finite Stratified Aquifer
S.R. Yates
Ground Water, 26(2): 199-206, March-April 1988
EPA-600/J-88-030, NTIS PB 88-224944
Aseptic Subsurface Sampling Techniques for Hollow-Stem Auger Drilling
L.E. Leach, P.P. Beck, J.T. Wilson, and D.H. Kampbell
In: Proceedings of the Second National Outdoor Action Conference on Aquifer
Restoration, Ground Water Monitoring and Geophysical Methods, Las
Vegas, Nevada, May 23-26,1988
ATHIAS - An Information System for Abiotic Transformations of Halogenated Hydrocar-
bons in Aqueous Solution
W. Ellenrieder and M. Reinhard
Chemosphere, 17(2):331-344, February 1988
EPA-600/J-88-026, NTIS PB 88-224357
Biochemical Markers for Measurement of Predation Effects on the Biomass Community
Structure, Nutritional Status, and Metabolic Activity of Microbial Blofllms
D.C. White and R.H. Findlay
Hydrobiologia 159, Vol. 1, pp. 119-132. March 1988
Biodegradation and Sorption of Organic Solvents and Hydrocarbon Fuel Constituents in
Subsurface Environments
J.T. Wilson, J.M. Henson, M.D. Piwoni, B.H. Wilson, and P. Banerjee
Engineering & Services Laboratory, Air Force Engineering & Services Center,
Tyndall Air Force Base, FL 32403, ESL-TR-87-52, March 1988
Biodegradation Modeling at a Jet Fuel Spill Site
H.S. Rifai, P£. Bedient, J.T. Wilson, K.M. Miller, and J.M. Armstrong
American Society of Civil Engineers: Journal of Environmental Engineering,
114(5): 1007-1029, Oct. 1988
EPA-600/J-88-385, NTIS PB 88-103045
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Publications - 1988
Biorestoration of Aquifers Contaminated with Organic Compounds 1988
M.D. Lee, J.M. Thomas, R.C. Borden, P.B. Bedient, C.H. Ward, and J.T. Wilson
CRC Critical Reviews in Environmental Control, 18(l):29-89,1988
EPA-600/J-88-078
Biotransformation of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons and Alkylbenzenes in Aquifer Material from
the Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey
B.H. Wilson
IQ: Proceedings, U.S. Geological Survey, 4th Toxic Substance and Hydro. Meeting,
Sept., 1988, pp. 389-394
CapiUary Column GC Method for Water Pollution (PE) Volatiles Samples
J.W. Cochran
EPA Quality Assurance Newsletter, 10(2):8-9, July 1988
Characterization and Laboratory Soil Treatability Studies for Creosote and Pentachloro-
phenol Sludges and Contaminated Soil
G.D. McGinnis, H. Borazjani, L.K. McFarland, D.F. Pope and D.A. Strobel
EPA-600/2-88-055, NTIS PB 89-109920
Chemical Transport Facilitated by Colloidal-Sized Molecules
C.E. Enfield
In: Mobility of Colloidal Particles in the Subsurface: Chemistry and
Hydrology of Colloid-Aquifer Interactions., Oct. 1988.
DOE/ER-0425, 69-71
Comparison of Methods to Determine Oxygen Demand for Bioremediation of a Fuel
Contaminated Aquifer
R.M. Powell, R.W. Callaway, J.T. Michaloski, et al.
Journal of Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 34, pp. 253-263,1988
EPA/600/J-88/322, NTIS PB 89-207351
Decay of Dissolved Substances by Second-Order Reaction. Problem Description and
Batch-Reactor Solutions
S.R. Yates and C.G. Enfield
Journal of Environmental Science and Health, A23(l):59-84, January 1988
EPA-600/J-88-016, NTIS PB 88-219787
Disjunctive Kriging as an Approach to Management Decision Making
S.R. Yates and M.V. Yates
Soil Science Society of America Journal, 52(6)1554-1558, November-December 1988
EPA/600/J-88/431, NTIS PB 90 113473
Distribution and Activity of Microorganisms hi Subsurface Sediments of a Pristine Study
Site in Oklahoma
R.M. Beloin, J.L. Sinclair, and W.C. Ghiorse
Microbial Ecology, 16(l):85-97, July 1988
EPA-600/J-88-199, NTIS PB 89-138812
The Effect of Soil Properties and a Synthetic Municipal Landfill Leachate on the
Retention of Cd, Ni, Pb, and Zn in Soil and Sediment Materials
J.M LeBauve, J. Kotuby-Amacher, and R.P. Gambrell
Journal Water Pollution Control Federation, 60(3):379-385, March 1988
EPA-600/J-88-027, NTIS PB 88-224340
46
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Publications - 1988
Publications - 1988
1988
Effect of a Subsurface Sediment on Hydrolysis of Haloalkanes and Epoxides
W.R. Haag and T. Mill
Environmental Science and Technology, 22(6):658-663, June 1988
EPA-600/J-88-079
Effects of Physical, Chemical, and Biological Variability in Modeling Organic Contaminant
Migration through Soil
D.C. DiGiulio and I.H. Suffet
Proceedings of the 9th National Superfund Conference
November 28-30,1988, Washington, D.C.
Equivalence of Microbial Biomass Measures Based on Membrane Lipid and Cell Wall
Components, Adenosine Trlphosphate, and Direct Counts in Subsurface Aquifer Sediments
D.L. Balkwill, F.R. Leach, J.T. Wilson, J.F. McNabb, and D.C. White
Microbial Ecology, 16(l):73-84, July 1988
EPA-600/J-88-131, NTIS PB 89-119853
Evaluation of Mobility of Pesticides in Soil Using U.S. EPA Methodology
J.E. McLean, R.C. Sims, W.J. Doucette, C.R. Caupp and W.J. Grenney
Journal of Environmental Engineering, 114(3):689-703, June 1988
EPA-600/J-88-143, NTIS PB 89-119358
Factors Affecting Trace Metal Mobility in Subsurface Soils
J. Kotuby Amacher and R.P. Gambrell
June 1988,156 pp.
EPA-600/2-88-036, NTIS PB 88-224829
Forced-Gradient Tracer Tests and Inferred Hydraulic Conductivity Distributions at the
Mobile Site
F.J. Molz, O. Guven, J.G. Melville, J.S. Nohrstedt, and J.K. Overholtzer
Ground Water, 26(5):570-579, September 1988
EPA-600/J-88-255, NTIS PB 89-181382
Gas Chromatographlc Determination of Aviation Gasoline and JP-4 Jet Fuel In Subsurface
Core Samples
S.A. Vandegrift and D.H. Kampbell
Journal of Chromatographic Science, 26(ll):566-569, November 1988
EPA-600/J-88-271, NTIS PB 89-181309
A Groundwater Research Data Center for Model Validation
R.E. Miller and P.K.M. van der Heijde
International Ground Water Modeling Center
GWMI88-08, June 1988
Hydrologic-Hydrochemical Characterization of Texas Gulf Coast Saline Formations Used
for Deep-Well Injection of Chemical Wastes
C.W. Kreitler, M.S. Akhter and C.A. Donnelly
EPA-600/2-88-046.NTIS PB 88-242573
Influence of Inorganic and Organic Nutrients on Aerobic Biodegradation and on the
Adaptation Response of Subsurface Microbial Communities
C.M. Swindoll, C.M. Aelion, and F.K. Pfaender
Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 54(1):212-217, January 1988
EPA-600/J-88-036, NTIS PB 88-225743
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Publications - 1988
Interactive Simulation of the Fate of Hazardous Chemicals During Land Treatment of Oily 1988
Wastes: RITZ User's Guide
D. Nofziger, J. Williams, and T. Short
January 1988.61 pp.
EPA-600/8-88-001.NTIS PB 88-195532
Laboratory Protocol for Determining Fate of Waste Disposed in Deep Wells
A. Collins and M. Crocker
National Institute for Petroleum and Energy Research, February 1988,63 pp.
EPA-600/8-88-008, NT1S PB 88-166061
Macromolecular Transport of Hydrophobic Contaminants Inaqueous Environments
C. Enfield and G. Bengtsson
Ground Water, 26(1):64-70, January-February 1988
EPA-600/J-88-044, NTIS PB 88-219191
Metal Complexation by Natural Organic Matter in Ground Waters
T.R. Holm and M.J. Barcelona
Jji: Proceedings of the Ground Water Geochemistry Conference, Denver, Colorado,
February 16-18,1988, pp. 245-267
Methodology for Assessing Respiration and Cellular Incorporation of Radlolabeled
Substrates by Soil Microbial Communities
D.C. Dobbins and F.K. Pfaender
Microbial Ecology, 15(3):257-273, May 1988
EPA-600/J-88-065
Metabolism of the "O-Methoxy Substitute of 3-Methoxybenzoic Acid and Other Unlabeled
Methoxybenzoic Acids by Anaerobic Bacteria
K.A. DeWeerd, A. Saxena, D.P. Nagle, Jr., and J.M. Suflita
Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 54(5):1237-1242, May 1988
Microbial Ecology of the Terrestrial Subsurface
W.C. Ghiorse and J.T. Wilson
Advances in Applied Microbiology, Vol. 33, pp. 107-172,1988
Published by Academic Press Inc., EPA-600/D-88-196
Microbial Removal of Halogenated Methanes, Ethanes, and Ethylenes in an Aerobic Soil
Exposed to Methane
J.M. Henson, M.V. Yates, J.W. Cochran, and D.L. Shackleford
FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 53(3-4): 193-201, May-June 1988
EPA-600/J-88-066, NTIS PB 89-103196
A Model of Carbon Substrate Injection to Enhance Denitrification in Aquifers
S.W. Childs, F.T. Lindstrom. L Boersma, and D.D. Myrold
IQ: Proceedings of the Agricultural Impacts on Ground Water—A Conference,
Des Moines, Iowa, March 21-23,1988, pp. 547-559
Models Related to Heat Transport In the Subsurface
A.I. El-Kadi, P.K.M. van der Heijde and M. Stibitz
International Ground Water Modeling Center
GWMI 88-09
48
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Publications - 1988
1988 A Modified Purge-and-Trap/Gas Chromatography Method for Analysis of Volatile
Halocarbons in Microbiological Degradation Studies
J.W. Cochran, M.V. Yates, and J. Michael Henson
Journal of Microbiological Methods, 8(6):347-354, November 1988
EPA-600/J-88-276, NTIS PB 89-181325
Morphological and Cultural Comparison of Microorganisms in Surface Soil and
Subsurface Sediments at a Pristine Study Site in Oklahoma
T.L. Bone and D.L. Balkwill
Microbial Ecology, 16(l):49-64, July 1988
EPA-600/J-88-198, NTIS PB 89-138820
Movement of Contaminants from Oily Wastes During Land Treatment
T. E. Short
IQ: Soils Contaminated by Petroleum: Environmental & Public Health Effects.
E.J. Calabrese and P.T. Kostecki, Eds. New York. John Wiley & Sons,
pp. 317-330,1988
Organic Cation Effects on the Sorption of Metals and Neutral Organic Compounds on
Aquifer Material
D.C. Bouchard, R.M. Powell, and D.C. Clark
Journal of Environmental Science and Health, A23(6):585-601, August 1988
EPA-600/J-88-188, NTIS PB 89-119770
Outline for Paper on Toxicity Based Approach to Evaluating Aquatic Toxicity from
Ground Water and Soil Contaminants
D. DiGiulio
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory, Ada, Oklahoma
Oxygen Transfer through Flexible Tubing and Its Effects on Ground Water Sampling
Results
T.R. Holm, O.K. George, and M.J. Barcelona
Ground Water Monitoring Review, 8(3):83-89, Summer 1988
EPA-600/J-88-145, NTIS PB 89-119374
Pesticide Sorption on Geologic Material of Varying Organic Carbon Content
D.C. Bouchard and A.L. Wood
Toxicology and Industrial Health, 4(3)341-349, May-June 1988
EPA-600/J-88-144, NTIS PB 89-119366
Proceedings of the International Symposium on Biofouled Aquifers: Prevention and
Restoration
American Water Resources Association
Proceedings of Symposium held November 9-14,1986, Atlanta, GA
EPA-600/9-88-007
Rapid, Sensitive Method for the Analysis of Halogenated Gases in Water
J.W. Cochran
Journal of High Resolution Chromatography & Chromatography
Communications, ll(9):663-665, September 1988
EPA-600/J-88-187, NTIS PB 89-118798
49
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Publications - 1988
Seepage in a Saturated-Stratified Aquifer with Recharge 1988
S.R. Yates
Soil Science Society of America Journal, 52(2):356-363, March-April 1988
EPA-600/J-88-130, NTIS PB 89-120091
Solubility of Aromatic Pollutants in Mixed Solvents
K.R. Morris, R. Abramowitz, R. Final, P. Davis, and S.H. Yalkowsky
Chemosphere, 17(2):285-298, February 1988
EPA-600/J-88-037.NTIS PB 88-225750
Some Reactions of Naturally Occurring Nucleophiles with Haloalkanes in Water
W.R. Haag and T. Mill
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 7(ll):917-924, November 1988
EPA-600/J-88-386, NTIS PB 90-103052/AS
Sorption Nonequilibrium During Solute Transport
D.C. Bouchard, A.L. Wood, M.L. Campbell, et al.
Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, 2:209-223, July 1988
EPA-600/J-88-132.NTJ.S PB 89-119861
Sorption of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin to Soils from Water/Methanol Mixtures
R.W. Walters and A. Guiseppi-Elie
Environmental Science & Technology, Volume 22, pp. 819-825, July 1988
EPA-600/J-88-321, NTIS PB 89-207344
Sorption of Cadmium, Nickel, and Zinc by Kaolinite and Montmorillonlte Suspensions
R.W. Puls and H.L. Bonn
Soil Science Society of America Journal, 52(5):1289-1292, October 1988
EPA-600/J-88-270, NTIS PB 89-181333
Spatial Variability of Remotely-Sensed Surface Temperatures at Field Scale
S.R. Yates, A.W. Warrick, A.D. Matthias, and S. Musil
Soil Science Society of America Journal, 52(l):40-45, January-February 1988
EPA-600/J-88-031, NTIS PB 88-224936
Summary of "Workshop on the Establishment of a Groundwater Research Data Center
for Validation of Groundwater Models"
P.K.M. van der Heijde, W. Elderhorst, and R. Miller
International Ground Water Modeling Center
October 1988
Testing and Validation of Models for Simulating Solute Transport in Groundwater
M.S. Beljin
International Ground Water Modeling Center
GWMI88-11,1989
Treatment Potential for 56 EPA Listed Hazardous Chemicals in Soil
R.C. Sims, WJ. Doucette, J.E. McLean, W.J. Greeney and R.R. Dupont
EPA-600/6-88-001,105 pp., February 1988
NTIS PB 88-174446
50
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Publications - 198811989
1988 Virus Survival and Transport in Ground Water
M.V. Yates and S.R. Yates
IQ: Proceedings International Conference on Water and Wastewater Microbiology,
Newport Beach, California, February 8-11,1988, Volume 2, pp. 49-1 through 49-7
1989 Abiotic Dehalogenation Reactions of Haloaliphatic Compounds in Aqueous Solution
M. Reinhard, J.E. Barbash, J.M. Kunzle
In: Proceedings of Intern. Conf. on Physiochemical & Biological Detoxification of
Hazardous Wastes, pp. 722-741, May 1988
Accumulation of Poly-b-hydroxybutyrate in a Methane-Enriched, Halogenated,
Hydrocarbon-Degrading Soil Column: Implications for Microbial Community Structure
and Nutritional Status
P.O. Nichols, D.C. White
Hydrobiologia, 177/177, pp. 369-377, June 1989
EPA-600/J-89-256, NTIS PB 90-135260
Accuracy of Depth to Water Measurement
J.T. Thornhill
EPA-540/4-89-002, NTIS PB 90-149840
Adaptation of Aquifer Microbial Communities to the Biodegradation of Xenobiotic
Compounds: Influence of Substrate Concentration and Preexposure
C.M. Aelion, D.C. Dobbins and F.K. Pfaender
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 8(l):75-86, January 1989
Anaerobic Biodegradation of Nitrogen-Substituted and Sulfonated Benzene Aquifer
Contaminants
J.M. Sulfita
Hazardous Wastes & Hazardous Materials, 6 (2): 121-133, Spring 89
EPA-600/J-89-190, NTIS PB 90-140708
The Anaerobic Biodegradation of o-, m- and p-Cresol by Sulfate-Reducing Bacterial
Enrichment Cultures Obtained from a Shallow Anoxic Aquifer
J.M. Suflita, L. Liang, A. Saxena
Journal of Industrial Microbiology, 4 (4):255-266, July 1989
EPA-600/J-89-187, NTIS PB 90-140674
Approximate and Analytical Solutions for Solute Transport from an Injection Well into a
Single Fracture
C. Chen, S.R. Yates
Ground Water 27 (l):77-86, Jan-Feb 1989
EPA-600/J-89-189, NTIS PB 90-740690
Assessment of the Potential for Transport of Dloxlns and Codisposed Materials to
Groundwater
R.W. Walters, Z. Yousefi, A.L. Tarleton, S. A. Ostazeski, and D.C. Barry
EPA-600/6-89-002,113 pp., March 1989
NTIS PB 89-166607
Bacteriophage Transport in Sandy Soil and Fractured Tuff
R.C. Bales, C.P. Gerba, G.H. Grondin, and S. L. Jensen
Applied and Enviromental Microbiology, 55(8):2061-2067, August 1989
51
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Publications - 1989
BIOPLUME n - Computer Model of Two-Dimensional Contaminant Transport Under 1989
the Influence of Oxygen Limited Biodegradation in Ground Water
H. Rifai, P. Bedient, J. Haasbeek, and R. Borden
EPA-SW/DK-89-015, NTIS PB 89-151112
BIOPLUME Model for Contaminant Transport Affected by Oxygen Limited
Biodegradation
H. Rifai, P. Bedient and J. Wilson
EPA-600/M-89-019, 9 pp., August 1989
NTIS PB 90-145798
Bioremediation of Contaminated Surface Soil
J.L. Sims, R.C. Sims, and I.E. Matthews
EPA-600/9-89-073
Chemical Transport Faciltated by Colloidal-Sized Molecules
C.G. Enfield
JQ: Mobility of Colloidal Particles in the Subsurface, pp. 69-71
CHEMFLO: One-Dimensional Water and Chemical Movement in Unsaturated Soils
D.L. Nofziger, K. Rajender, and S.K. Nayudu
EPA-600/8-89-076, NTIS PB 90-126020
Comparison of Sorption Energetics for Hydrophobic Organic Solutes on RPLC Sorbents
and Soils in a Binary Mixed-Solvent System
K.B. Woodburn, J.J. Delfino, P.S.C. Rao and L.S. Lee
Environ. Sci. Technol., 23(4):407-413, April 1989
EPA-600/J-89-081. NTIS PB 90-103649
Contaminant Transport in Fractured Media: Models for Decision Makers
S.G. Schmelling and R.R. Ross
Ground Water Issue Paper, EPA/540/4-89-004
Current State-of-the-Art Techniques for Mechanical Integrity Testing of Underground
Injection Wells
J.T. Thomhill
IB: Proceedings of Conference on Prevention & Treatment of Groundwater &
Soil Contamination in Petroleum Exploration & Production, Calgary, Alberta,
Canada, May 9-11,1989. pp. 8.0-8.22
Dehalogenation of Pesticides by Anaerobic Microorganisms hi Soils and Ground Waters--
A Review
E.P. Kuhn and J.M. Suflita
In: Reaction and Movement of Organic Chemicals in Soils, B.L. Sawhney and K.
Brown, Eds., Madison, WI, American Society of Agronomy, SSSA, Special
Publication No. 22, Chap. 6, pp. 110-180
Design of a Physical Model of a Water Table Aquifer
P.P. Beck, D.M. Walters and T.E. Short
Jn: Proceedings of the Third National Outdoor Action Conference on Aquifer
Restoration, Ground Water Monitoring and Geophysical Methods, Orlando,
FL, May 22-25,1989, pp. 689-703
52
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Publications - 1989
1989 Determination of Optimal Toxicant Loading for Biological Closure of a Hazardous
Waste Site
M. Bianchini, R. Portier, J. Matthews, et al.
Aquatic Toxicology and Hazard Assessment: 10th Volume, ASTM STP 971,
pp. 503-516, EPA-600/D-89-163, NTIS PB 90-116641
Development of a Methodology for Regional Evaluation of Confirming Bed Integrity
G. Stewart and W. Pettyjohn
EPA-600/2-89-038, July 1989,131 pp.
Dissolved Oxygen and Methane in Water by a Headspace Equilbration Technique
D.K. Kampbell, J.T. Wilson and S.A. Vandegrift
Intl. J. Environ. Anal. Chem, 36:249-257, March 1989
EPA-600/J-89-186, NTIS PB 90-138454
Dynamic Studies of Naphthalene Sorption from Aqueous Solution
R.T Podoll, K.C. Irwin, and H.M. Jaber
Chemosphere, 18 (11/12):2399-2412, Aug. 1989
EPA-600/J-89-184, NTIS PB 90-14-864
The Establishment of a Groundwater Research Data Center for Validation of Subsurface
Flow and Transport Models
P.K.M. van der Heijde, WJ.M. Elderhorst, R.A. Miller and M.F. Trehan
EPA-600/2-89/40, NTIS PB 89-224455, July 1989, pp. 1-227
Filtration of Ground Water Samples for Metal Analysis
R.W. Puls and M.J. Barcelona
Hazardous Wastes and Hazardous Materials, 6 (4):385-393, Nov. 1989
Groundwater Modeling: An Overview and Status Report
P.K.M. van der Heijde, A.I. El-Kadi and S.A. Williams
EPA-600/2-89-028, December 1988
Ground Water Sampling for Metals Analyses
R.W. Puls and M.J. Barcelona
EPA-540/4-89-001, March 1989
The Influence of Alternate Electron Acceptors on the Metabolic Fate of Hydroxybenzoate
Isomers in Anoxic Aquifer Slurries
E.P. Kuhn, J.M. Suflita, M.D. Rivera, and L.Y. Young
Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 55(3):590-598, March 1989
EPA-600/J-89-125, NTIS PB 90-113259
Influence of Macromolecules on Chemical Transport
C. Enfield
Env. Science Technol. 23 (10): 1278-1286 1989
In Situ Aquifer Restoration of Chlorinated Aliphatics by Methanotrophic Bacteria
P. Roberts, L. Simprini, G. Hopkins, et al.
EPA-600/2-89-033, NTIS PB 89-219992, July 1989
In Situ Bioremediation of Spills from Underground Storage Tanks
J.T. Wilson and L.E. Leach
EPA-600/2-89-042, pp. 1-56
53
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Publications - 1989
In Situ Bioremediation of Subsurface Material and Groundwater Contaminated with Aviation
Fuel: Traverse City, Michigan
C.Ward, J. Thomas, S Fiorenza, et al.
In: Proceedings of the 1989 A&WMA/EPA International Symposium on Hazardous
Waste Treatment: Biosystems for Pollution Control, Cincinnati, Ohio,
February 1989, * Not available from NTIS
Intel-laboratory Methods Comparison for the Total Organic Carbon Analysis of Aquifer
Material
R.M. Powell, B.E. Bledsoe, G.P. Curtis
Environ. Sci. & Technol. 23 (10):1246-1249, Oct. 1989
Kinematic Modeling of Multiphase Solute Transport in the Vadose Zone
R.J. Charbeneau, J.W. Weaver and V. Smith
Environmental & Water Resources Engineering
EPA/600/2-89-/035, June 1989, NTIS PB 89-207948
Large Laboratory Column Study of the Transport and Degradation of Atrazine, Carbofuran,
and Diuron in Soils
T.E. Short and C.G. Enfield
In: Proceedings of INRA Workshop on ' 'Methodological Aspects of the Study of
Pesticide Behavior in Soil," Versailles, France, June 16-17,1988 (published 04/89)
EPA-600/D-89-162, NTIS PB90-116757
Mechanisms of Microbial Movements in Subsurface Materials
P. Reynolds, P. Sharma, G. Jenneman, and M. Mclnemey
Applied & Environ. Microbiology, 55(9): 2280-2286, Sept. 1989
EPA/600/J-89-188, NTIS PB90-140682
Metabolism of Chlorinated Methanes, Ethanes & Ethylenes by a Mixed Bacterial Culture
Growing on Methane
J. Henson, M. Yates, J. Cochran
Journal of Indust. Microbiol. 4:29-35,1989
Microbial Ecology of the Subsurface at an Abandoned Creosote Waste Site
J.M. Thomas, M.D. Lee, M.J. Scott, and C.H. Ward
Journal of Industrial Microbiology, 4(2): 109-120, March 1989
Nonequilibrium Sorption During Displacement of Hydrophobic Organic Chemical and 45Ca
Through Soil Columns with Aqueous and Mixed Solvents
P. Nkedi-Kizza, M.L. Brusseau, P. Rao and A.G. Hornsby
Environ. Sci. Tech. 23 (7):814-820, July 1989
EPA-600/J-89-183, NTIS PB 90-140906
Performance Evaluations of Pump-and-Treat Remediations
J.F. Keely
EPA-540/4-89-005, October 1989
Physicochemical Properties as Predictors of Organic Chemical Effects on Soil Microbial
Respiration
B.T. Walton, T.A. Anderson, M.S. Hendricks and S.S. Talmage
Environ. Toxicol. Chem., 8(l):53-63, January 1989
EPA-600/J-89-100, NTIS PB 90-117185
1989
54
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Publications - 1989
1989
Pilot Project on Biroestoration of Fuel-Contaminated Aquifer Using Nitrate
Part I-FIeld Design and Groundwater Modeling
W.C. Downs, S.R. Hutchins, J.T. Wilson
In: Proceedings of Conference on Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Organic
Chemicals in Groundwater, Nov. 1989, pp. 219-231
* Not available from NITS
Practical Limits to Pump & Treat Technology for Aquifer Remediation
C.Hall
IQ: Proceedings of Conference on Prevention & Treatment of Groundwater,
May 1989
Predicting Subsurface Contaminant Transport and Transformation: Consideration for Model and
Field Validation
J. Weaver, C.Enfield, S. Yates, et al.
EPA-600/2-89-045, August 1989 , 67 pp.
NTIS PB 90-155615
The Reactivity of Sulphur Nucleophiles Toward Halogenated Organic Compounds in
Natural Waters
I. Barbash and M. Reinhard
IQ: Biogenic Sulfur in the Environment, ACS Symposium Series 393:101-138,1989
Sensitive Parameter Evaluation for a Vadose Zone Fate and Transport Model
D.K. Stevens, W.J. Grenney, Z. Yan, R.C. Sims
EPA-600/2-89-039, NTIS PB 89-213987
Septic Tank Setback Distances: A Way to Minimize Virus Contamination of Drinking Water
M.V. Yates and S.R. Yates
Ground Water, 27(2):202-208, March-April 1989
Sequential Reductive Dehalogenation of Chloroanilines by Microorganisms from a
Methanogenic Aquifer
E.P. Kuhn and J.M. Suflita
Environ. Sci. Technol., 23(7):848-852, July 1989
EPA-600/J-89-103, NTIS PB 90-117219
A Single Well Electrical Tracer Test for the Determination of Hydraulic Conductivity and
Porosity as a Function of Depth
K. Taylor, F. Molz, and J. Hay worth
IQ: Proceedings of the Second National Outdoor Action Conference on Aquifer
Restoration, Ground Water Monitoring and Geophysical Methods, Las Vegas,
NE, May 23-26,1988, pp. 925-938
Solutions Approximating Solute Transport in a Leaky Aquifer Receiving Wastewater
Injection
C.S. Chen
Water Resources Research, 25(l):61-72, January 1989
EPA-600/J-89-102, NTIS PB 90-117201
Sorption of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxln from Water by Surface Soils
R.W. Walters and S.A. Ostazeski
Environ. Sci. Technol., 23(4):480-484, April 1989
EPA-600/J-89-099, NTIS PB 90-116169
55
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Publications - 1989
Sorption of Volatile Organic Solvents from Aqueous Solution onto Subsurface Solids 1989
M.D. Piwoni and P. Banerjee
Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, 4(2): 163-179, April 1989
EPA-600/J-89-127 PB 90-113275
Spatial and Temporal Gradients in Aquifer Oxidation-Reduction Conditions
M.J. Barcelona, T.R. Holms, M.R. Schock and O.K. George
Water Resources Research, 25(5):991-1003, May 1989
EPA-600/J-89-082, PB 90-103656
Structural Properties of Organic Chemicals as Predictors of Biodegradation and Microbial
Toxicity in Soil
B.T. Walton and T.A. Anderson
Chemosphere 17(8): 1501-1507, August 1989
EPA-600/J-88-413, NTIS PB 90-117078
Towards a Standard Method for the Measurement of Organic Carbon in Sediments
C.M. Lee and D. Macalady
International Journal of Environmental and Analytical Chemistry,
35(4):219-225, April 1989
EPA-600/J-89-101.NTIS PB 90-117193
Transport and Fate of Water and Chemicals in Laboratory Scale, Single Layer Aquifers:
Volume 1 (Mathematical Model), Volume 2 (User's Manual for Program LTRSKAQ2)
F.T. Lindstrom, L. Boersma, M.A. Barlaz and F. Beck
Special Report 845, Published by Agricultural Experiment Station, Oregon State Univ.
Transport of Dissolved Substances with Second-Order Reaction
S.R. Yates and C.G. Enfield
Water Resources Research, 25(7):1757-1762, July 1989
EPA-600/J-89-185, NTIS PB 90-138447
Transport Processes Involving Organic Chemicals
D.C. Bouchard, C.G. Enfield, and M.D. Piwoni
Reactions and Movement of Organic Chemicals in Soils, SSS A Special
Publication No. 22, Chapter 14), pp. 349-371, SSA and ASA, Madison, WI
EPA-600/D-89-161, NTIS PB 90-116765/AS
Treatability of Hazardous Chemicals in Soils: Volatile and Semivolatile Organics
Oak Ridge Laboratories
* Available from NTIS
Treatability Potential for EPA Listed Hazardous Wastes in Soil
Raymond C. Loehr
EPA-600/2-89-011, NTIS PB 89-166581
The Use of Batch Tests as a Screening Tool for Radionuclide Sorption Characterization
Studies, Hanford, Washington, U.S.A.
R.W. Puls, L.L. Ames and J.E. McGarrah
Applied Geochemistry, 4(l):63-77, January-February 1989
EPA-600/J-89-018, *NTIS PB 89-236285
56
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Publications - 198911990
1989
1990
Use of a Borehole Flowmeter to Determine Spatial Heterogeneity of Hydraulic Conductivity
and Macrodisperslon in a Sand and Gravel Aquifer, Cape Cod Massachusetts
K. Hess
in: Proceedings of Conference on New Field Techniques for Quantifying the
Physical and Chemical Properties of Heterogeneous Aquifers, pp. 497-508,
March 1989
Validation of Signature Polarlipid Fatty Acid Biomarkers for Alkane-Utilizing Bacteria in
Soils and Subsurface Aquifer Materials
D.B. Ringelberg, J.D. Davis, G.A. Smith, et al.
FEMS Microbiology Ecology Journal, 62:39-50, January 1989
Vertical Profiles and Near Surface Traps for Field Measurement of Volatile Pollution in the
Subsurface Environment
D. Ostendorf and D. Kampbell
Jjj: Proceedings of Conference on New Field Techniques for Quantifying the
Physical and Chemical Properties of Heterogeneous Aquifers, March 1989,
pp. 829-841
Adsorption of Organic Cations to Soils and Subsurface Materials
J.C. Westall, B.J. Brownawell, H. Chen, J. Collier, and J.Hatfield
(In Press)
Basics of Pump-and-Treat Ground-Water Remediation Technology
J.W. Mercer, D.C. Skipp and D. Giffin
(In Press)
Enhanced Bloremediation Utilizing Hydrogen Peroxide as a Supplemental Source of Oxygen
S. Hilling and B. Bledsoe
(In Press)
Geostatistics for Waste Management: A User's Manual for the GEOPACK (Version 110)
Geostatistical Software System
S.R. Yates and M.V. Yates
(In Press)
Laboratory Investigation of Residual Liquid Organics from Spills, Leaks, and the Disposal
of Hazardous Wastes in Groundwater
J.L. Wilson, S.H. Conrad, W. Mason, W. Peplinski, and E. Hagan
(In Press)
A New Approach and Methodologies for Characterizing the Hydrogeologic Properties of
Aquifers
F.J. Molz, O. Guven, J.G. Melville
(In Press)
OASIS: Parameter Estimation System for Aquifer Restoration Models, User's Manual
Version 2.0
C.J. Newell, J.F. Haasbeek, L.P. Hopkins.et al.
(In Press)
The Use of Models for Granting Variances from Mandatory Disinfection of Ground Water
Used as a Public Water Supply
M.V. Yates
(In Press)
57
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