Field Demonstration of Biologically Active Zone Enhancement Using Acetate as a Sole Carbon Source for In Situ Reductive Transformation of RDX in Groundwater
Publication: Practice Periodical of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste Management
Volume 11, Issue 2
Abstract
A field demonstration of acetate mediated biologically active zone enhancement (BAZE) for in situ reductive transformation of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in groundwater was conducted at the former Nebraska Ordnance Plant (NOP). The primary objectives of the field demonstration were to assess the potential of the BAZE process to remediate the RDX-contaminated groundwater, and to quantify the capital and operation/maintenance costs associated with the use of the BAZE process for in situ treatment of RDX contamination in groundwater. The study also delineated the effects of the BAZE process on subsurface biomass, and water quality parameters (metals mobilization, total organic compound, etc.). The results of this 20-month field study demonstrated that acetate is an excellent source of carbon capable of creating reduced conditions conducive for reductive transformation of RDX in groundwater. Over the period of demonstration, the background RDX concentration of about was reduced to below the U.S. EPA’s health advisory level of . Besides significant reduction in RDX background concentrations, other chemical (low and nitrate denitrification) and biological (biomass buildup and enrichment) changes in the subsurface validated the development of a biologically active zone after the amendment addition. A total of runway deicer ( acetate) was injected into the subsurface over the period of the demonstration, which translates to a stoichiometric consumption of approximately acetate/g RDX. Approximately of groundwater ( RDX) were treated during the course of study at a unit cost of about groundwater treated ($73.70/g RDX destroyed).
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Acknowledgments
The financial support for this research work was provided by the Department of Defense’s Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) under Project No. ESTCP CU-0110. The writers are grateful to Jeff Breckenridge, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Center of Expertise, for his help and assistance in the collection of site data nationwide. Technical assistance of URS Greiner Woodward Clyde personnel—Terry Thonen, Lisa Travelin, Luca DeAngelis, Mark Orr, and Jesse Kaldig in aquifer material and groundwater sampling, and well field installation is highly appreciated. They are thankful to Environmental Chemistry Branch-Omaha, ERDC personnel for their assistance during the field demonstration.
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© 2007 ASCE.
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Received: Oct 12, 2006
Accepted: Dec 4, 2006
Published online: Apr 1, 2007
Published in print: Apr 2007
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