Groundwater Geochemical Characterization of a Fuel-Contaminated Fractured Bedrock in a Permafrost Environment
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 138, Issue 9
Abstract
Remediation of a contaminated site to site-specific cleanup standard requires a good understanding of the geochemical characteristics of the site. In this study, the groundwater hydrochemical characteristics of a fuel-contaminated mine site in the Northwest Territories (Canada) was evaluated to understand the active geochemical processes and assess the groundwater quality in comparison to guidelines for the protection of freshwater aquatic life. Groundwater samples were taken from installed monitoring wells across the site and analyzed by field and laboratory methods for dissolved metals; ions; and benzene, toulene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) organic constituents. The results showed that the groundwater is type because of ubiquitous occurrence of gypsum dissolution and carbonate weathering. The last sampling at the site showed that the BTEX constituents of interest were above the guideline limits in some locations, but other geochemical indicators showed biodegradation is occurring at the site. The inorganic parameters of interest were generally less than the limits studied with few outliers except iron, aluminum, and nickel. Iron and aluminum have background concentrations above the studied limits. This study underscores the importance of mineralogical composition of the native bedrock on groundwater geochemical processes.
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Acknowledgements
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada, the Program for Energy Research and Development (PERD), Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and Environment Canada, provided funding for this study. Field assistance provided by John Voralek, Dale Van Stempvoort, and Greg Bickerton of Environment Canada is greatly appreciated. Additionally, Ron Breadmore of INAC offered logistic aid in working at the site. Jela Burkus of University of Alberta provided invaluable laboratory assistance.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 138 • Issue 9 • September 2012
Pages: 958 - 971
Copyright
© 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 18, 2010
Accepted: Jun 22, 2011
Published online: Feb 16, 2012
Published in print: Sep 1, 2012
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