Natural attenuation of chlorinated solvent ground-water plumes discharging into wetlands

Michelle M Lorah,Linda Jo Dyer,David R Burris

doi:10.3133/sir20045220

Michelle M Lorah, Linda Jo Dyer + Show 1 more

https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20045220

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Publication Date: Jan 1, 2005

Citations: 3

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Abstract : A substantial number of chlorinated solvent ground-water plumes at hazardous waste sites are currently discharging, or may potentially discharge, into ecologically sensitive wetland environments. Although chlorinated solvents tend to be relatively resistant to degradation within most aquifer systems, rapid and complete transformations can occur within the organic-rich reducing environment typical of wetland sediments, suggesting that monitored natural attenuation may be an effective remediation option for discharges into wetlands. A previous study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in a freshwater tidal wetland at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), Maryland, showed complete attenuation of chlorinated solvents before the wetland surface or creek was reached. A collaborative study by the USGS and the Air Force Research Laboratory under the Department of Defense Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) was conducted to determine if the natural attenuation of chlorinated solvents that occurs at the APG wetland site can occur at wetland sites located in different hydrogeologic environments and to assist in the transfer of this technology to other potential users. The objectives of this ESTCP demonstration projective were to (1) assess and compare the extent of natural attenuation of chlorinated solvents at three wetland sites in different hydrogeologic environments; (2) to demonstrate and compare different methods of sampling and analysis for collecting the site data needed to evaluate natural attenuation in wetlands; and (3) to develop a technical protocol for the assessment of natural attenuation of chlorinated solvent plumes discharging into wetlands. Results for two of the sites selected for the demonstration the freshwater wetland at APG and an inland forested bog in the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area (WMA) at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey are reported here.

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