Evaluating Transport and Attenuation of Inorganic Contaminants in the Vadose Zone for Aqueous Waste Disposal Sites

Evaluating Transport and Attenuation of Inorganic Contaminants in the Vadose Zone for Aqueous Waste Disposal Sites PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 100

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Book Description
An approach was developed for evaluating vadose zone transport and attenuation of aqueous wastes containing inorganic (non-volatile) contaminants that were disposed of at the land surface (i.e., directly to the ground in cribs, trenches, tile fields, etc.) and their effect on the underlying groundwater. The approach provides a structured method for estimating transport of contaminants through the vadose zone and the resulting temporal profile of groundwater contaminant concentrations. The intent of the approach is also to provide a means for presenting and explaining the results of the transport analysis in the context of the site-specific waste disposal conditions and site properties, including heterogeneities and other complexities. The document includes considerations related to identifying appropriate monitoring to verify the estimated contaminant transport and associated predictions of groundwater contaminant concentrations. While primarily intended for evaluating contaminant transport under natural attenuation conditions, the approach can also be applied to identify types of, and targets for, mitigation approaches in the vadose zone that would reduce the temporal profile of contaminant concentrations in groundwater, if needed.

Evaluating Transport and Attenuation of Inorganic Contaminants in the Vadose Zone for Aqueous Waste Disposal Sites

Evaluating Transport and Attenuation of Inorganic Contaminants in the Vadose Zone for Aqueous Waste Disposal Sites PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 100

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Book Description
An approach was developed for evaluating vadose zone transport and attenuation of aqueous wastes containing inorganic (non-volatile) contaminants that were disposed of at the land surface (i.e., directly to the ground in cribs, trenches, tile fields, etc.) and their effect on the underlying groundwater. The approach provides a structured method for estimating transport of contaminants through the vadose zone and the resulting temporal profile of groundwater contaminant concentrations. The intent of the approach is also to provide a means for presenting and explaining the results of the transport analysis in the context of the site-specific waste disposal conditions and site properties, including heterogeneities and other complexities. The document includes considerations related to identifying appropriate monitoring to verify the estimated contaminant transport and associated predictions of groundwater contaminant concentrations. While primarily intended for evaluating contaminant transport under natural attenuation conditions, the approach can also be applied to identify types of, and targets for, mitigation approaches in the vadose zone that would reduce the temporal profile of contaminant concentrations in groundwater, if needed.

Remedy Evaluation Framework for Inorganic, Non-Volatile Contaminants in the Vadose Zone

Remedy Evaluation Framework for Inorganic, Non-Volatile Contaminants in the Vadose Zone PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Contaminants in the vadose zone may act as a potential long-term source of groundwater contamination and need to be considered in remedy evaluations. In many cases, remediation decisions for the vadose zone will need to be made all or in part based on projected impacts to groundwater. Because there are significant natural attenuation processes inherent in vadose zone contaminant transport, remediation in the vadose zone to protect groundwater is functionally a combination of natural attenuation and use of other remediation techniques, as needed, to mitigate contaminant flux to groundwater. Attenuation processes include both hydrobiogeochemical processes that serve to retain contaminants within porous media and physical processes that mitigate the rate of water flux. In particular, the physical processes controlling fluid flow in the vadose zone are quite different and generally have a more significant attenuation impact on contaminant transport relative to those within the groundwater system. A remedy evaluation framework is presented herein that uses an adaptation of the established EPA Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) evaluation approach and a conceptual model based approach focused on identifying and quantifying features and processes that control contaminant flux through the vadose zone. A key concept for this framework is to recognize that MNA will comprise some portion of all remedies in the vadose zone. Thus, structuring evaluation of vadose zone waste sites to use an MNA-based approach provides information necessary to either select MNA as the remedy, if appropriate, or to quantify how much additional attenuation would need to be induced by a remedial action (e.g., technologies considered in a feasibility study) to augment the natural attenuation processes and meet groundwater protection goals.

Monitored Natural Attenuation of Inorganic Contaminants in Ground Water

Monitored Natural Attenuation of Inorganic Contaminants in Ground Water PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Arsenic
Languages : en
Pages : 124

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Book Description
V.3 ... consists of individual chapters that describe 1) the conceptual background for radionuclides, including tritium, radon, strontium, technetium, uranium, iodine, radium, thorium, cesium, plutonium-americium and 2) data requirements to be met during site characterization.

The Scenarios Approach to Attenuation-Based Remedies for Inorganic and Radionuclide Contaminants

The Scenarios Approach to Attenuation-Based Remedies for Inorganic and Radionuclide Contaminants PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Guidance materials based on use of conceptual model scenarios were developed to assist evaluation and implementation of attenuation-based remedies for groundwater and vadose zones contaminated with inorganic and radionuclide contaminants. The Scenarios approach is intended to complement the comprehensive information provided in the US EPA's Technical Protocol for Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) of Inorganic Contaminants by providing additional information on site conceptual models and extending the evaluation to consideration of Enhanced Attenuation approaches. The conceptual models incorporate the notion of reactive facies, defined as units with hydrogeochemical properties that are different from surrounding units and that react with contaminants in distinct ways. The conceptual models also incorporate consideration of biogeochemical gradients, defined as boundaries between different geochemical conditions that have been induced by waste disposal or other natural phenomena. Gradients can change over time when geochemical conditions from one area migrate into another, potentially affecting contaminant mobility. A recognition of gradients allows the attenuation-affecting conditions of a site to be projected into the future. The Scenarios approach provides a stepwise process to identify an appropriate category of conceptual model and refine it for a specific site. Scenario materials provide links to pertinent sections in the EPA technical protocol and present information about contaminant mobility and important controlling mechanism for attenuation-based remedies based on the categories of conceptual models.

Monitored Natural Attenuation of Ino9rganic Contaminants Treatability Study Final Report

Monitored Natural Attenuation of Ino9rganic Contaminants Treatability Study Final Report PDF Author: K. Crapse
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
The identification and quantification of key natural attenuation processes for inorganic contaminants at D-Area is detailed herein. Two overarching goals of this evaluation of monitored natural attenuation (MNA) as a remediation strategy were (1) to better define the availability of inorganic contaminants as potential sources for transport to groundwater and uptake by environmental receptors and (2) to understand the site-specific mechanisms controlling attenuation of these inorganic contaminants through tandem geochemical and biological characterization. Data collected in this study provides input for more appropriate site groundwater transport models. Significant natural attenuation is occurring at D-Area as evidenced by relatively low aqueous concentrations of constituents of concern (COCs) (Be, Ni, U, and As) at all locations characterized and the decrease in groundwater concentrations with increasing distance from the source. The observed magnitude of decrease in groundwater concentrations of COCs with distance from the D-Area Coal Pile Runoff Basin (DCPRB) could not be accounted for by the modeled physical attenuation processes of dilution/dispersion. This additional attenuation, i.e., the observed difference between the groundwater concentrations of COCs and the modeled physical attenuation, is due to biogeochemical processes occurring at the D-Area. In tandem geochemical and microbiological characterization studies designed to evaluate the mechanisms contributing to natural attenuation, pH was the single parameter found to be most predictive of contaminant attenuation. The increasing pH with distance from the source is likely responsible for increased sorption of COCs to soil surfaces within the aquifer at D-Area. Importantly, because the sediments appear to have a high buffering capacity, the acid emanating from the DCPRB has been neutralized by the soil, and these conditions have led to large Kd values at the site. Two major types of soils are present at D-Area and were evaluated in this study: upland subsurface soils associated with a low pH/high sulfate/metals plume down-gradient of the D-Area Coal Pile Runoff Basin (DCPRB) and surface ash material discharged to the wetland from the D-Area Ash Basin (488-D). Sequential extraction studies were carried out to better define the availability of inorganic contaminant sources at D-Area.

Accounting for Time-varying Vadose-zone Water Fluxes Caused by Infiltration Caps Using the MEPAS Transport, Exposure, and Risk Assessment Model

Accounting for Time-varying Vadose-zone Water Fluxes Caused by Infiltration Caps Using the MEPAS Transport, Exposure, and Risk Assessment Model PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 14

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Book Description
The Multimedia Environmental Pollutant Assessment System (MEPAS) is an objective, scientific methodology to assess and prioritize hazardous chemical and radionuclide waste disposal sites based on a limited amount of site information. The vadose zone/groundwater transport module (RADCON) of MEPAS was enhanced to simulate scenarios where water-infiltration barriers (caps) have been emplaced over contaminated sites. The computer code was modified to accommodate three periods of constant water flux through the vadose zone (i.e., flux with no cap, fully functioning cap, and partially failed cap). The simulation results from test problems where the cap should have no effect essentially duplicated the simulation results from the same test problems evaluated with the earlier (baseline) version of RADCON (which requires a single constant value of water flux). Therefore, MEPAS assessments of baseline (no-cap) scenarios should be the same as they were when the baseline RADCON code was used as the vadose zone/groundwater transport module. As expected, simulations of preliminary test problems where the cap should have an effect showed that peak concentrations arrived at the receptor later and were reduced in magnitude compared to the no-cap case. Simple criteria were derived to indicate the degree to which results could be affected by violation of the assumptions of the conceptual model. However, even when assumptions are violated, errors on the nonconservative side that could occur as the cap fails should be offset by errors on the conservative side that would have already occurred as the cap was emplaced, resulting in simulations that are conservative overall.

Handbook of Vadose Zone Characterization & Monitoring

Handbook of Vadose Zone Characterization & Monitoring PDF Author: L. Gray Wilson
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351441949
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 786

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Book Description
This book is written in a simple, straightforward manner without complicated mathematical derivatives. Compiled by experienced practitioners, this guide covers topics such as basic principles of vadose zone hydrology and prevalent monitoring techniques. Case studies present actual field experiences for the benefit of the reader. The Handbook provides practitioners with the information they need to fully understand the principles, advantages, and limitations of the monitoring techniques that are available. The Handbook of Vadose Zone Characterization & Monitoring expands and consolidates the useful and succint information contained in various ASTM documents, EPA manuals, and other similar texts on the subject, making it an invaluable aid to new practioners and a useful reference for seasoned veterans in the field.

Understanding Fluid and Contaminant Movement in the Unsaturated Zone Using the INEEL Vadose Zone Monitoring System

Understanding Fluid and Contaminant Movement in the Unsaturated Zone Using the INEEL Vadose Zone Monitoring System PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 13

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Book Description
DOE has hundreds of contaminated facilities and waste sites requiring cleanup and/or long-term monitoring. These contaminated sites reside in unsaturated soils (i.e. the vadose zone) above the water table. Some of these sites will require active remediation activities or removal while other sites will be placed under institutional controls. In either case, evaluating the effectiveness of the remediation strategy or institutional controls will require monitoring. Classical monitoring strategies implemented at RCRA/CERCLA sites require ground water sampling for 30 years following closure. The overall effectiveness of ground water sampling is diminished due to the fact that by the time you detect chemical transport from a waste site, a major contamination plume likely exists in the vadose zone and the aquifer. This paper suggests a more effective monitoring strategy through monitoring near the contaminant sites within the vadose zone. Vadose zone monitoring allows for quicker detection of potential contaminant transport. The INEEL Vadose Zone Monitoring System (VZMS) is becoming an accepted, cost effective monitoring technology for assessing contaminant transport at DOE facilities. This paper describes the technologies employed in the VZMS and describes how it was used at several DOE facilities. The INEEL VZMS has provided the information in developing and validating both conceptual and risk assessment models of contaminant transport at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Savannah River Site (SRS) and the Hanford site. These DOE sites exhibit a broad range of meteorologic, hydrologic and geologic conditions representative of various common geologic environments. The VZMS is comprised of advanced tensiometers, water content sensors, temperature sensors and soil and gas samplers. These instruments are placed at multiple depths in boreholes and allows for the detection of water movement in the unsaturated zone and the sampling of the liquid and gas for subsequent chemical analysis.

An Experimental Evaluation of Two Sharp Front Models for Vadose Zone Non-aqueous Phase Liquid Transport

An Experimental Evaluation of Two Sharp Front Models for Vadose Zone Non-aqueous Phase Liquid Transport PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Groundwater
Languages : en
Pages : 185

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Book Description


Vadose Zone Processes

Vadose Zone Processes PDF Author: John S. Selker
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9780873719537
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 356

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Book Description
Vadose Zone Processes provides a unified, up-to-date treatment on the movement of water through unsaturated media. In addition to covering the basic equations governing the flow and fate of water in unsaturated media, the text covers the biogeochemistry of vadose environments and the statistical description of vadose processes. The authors emphasize maintaining an intuitive understanding of how the results are derived and how they are appropriately applied. This comprehensive and important book will be useful not only to those in traditional fields such as civil engineering, geology, crop science, chemical engineering, agricultural engineering, and hydrology but also in the newer environmental engineering fields including containment transport, pollution remediation, and waste disposal.