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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. EPA Technology Innovation and Field Services Division

Technology Innovation News Survey

Entries for August 1-15, 2021

Market/Commercialization Information
IDIQ REMEDIAL ACTION OPERATION MULTIPLE AWARD CONTRACT (RAOMAC) FOR PROJECTS PRIMARILY IN HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA NAVFAC MIDLANT AOR
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid Atlantic, Norfolk, VA.
Contract Opportunities on SAM.gov, Solicitation N4008521R0149, 2021

When the RFP is released on or about November 15, 2021, it will be advertised as a small business set-aside under NAICS code 562910, size standard 750 employees. Approximately three to five contracts will be awarded as a result of this potential solicitation. Duration of the RAOMAC will be one year from date of award plus four one-year options under an estimated ceiling of $30M. The NAVFAC MIDLANT area of responsibility includes West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina as well as Navy and Marine Corps active duty and reserve facilities throughout the U.S. The focus of the work will be primarily on environmental studies and services, such as construction of environmental removal actions/remedies and field modification to treatment, but could involve other environmental work, such as compliance projects. https://sam.gov/opp/71406ba1f3e74647811010cb8e6c61f7/view


R -- RED CANYON LODGE UST SOIL INVESTIGATION-ASHLEY NF
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS), Salt Lake City, UT
Contract Opportunities at SAM.gov, Solicitation 240LS21Q0123, 2021

This is a full and open competition under NAICS code 541620. The USDA FS requires a Utah Certified Underground Storage Tank (UST) Consultant to prepare a Subsurface Investigation Report for a site at Red Canyon Lodge in Dutch John, UT, where two leaking underground storage tanks were removed in 1994. The historic documentation about the tanks removed in 1994 indicated soil contamination existed at that time and there was no information reported addressing any soil removal or soil disposal from the site. It is unknown if the contaminated soil was removed or if it remains in the tank basin. After review of the report by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality Division of Environmental Response and Remediation, a determination will be made if contamination exists that will require removal from this site. An option clause has been added to the contract for additional services by the contractor if necessary to return to the site for the removal of the contaminated soil, collection and analysis of post-removal confirmation soil samples, and the loading/transportation of the contaminated soils to an approved landfill for disposal. Offers are due by 1:00 PM MDT on September 23, 2021. https://sam.gov/opp/7f816ad66f7c4ba0b046743aad98d598/view


ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), Pacific Command, San Diego, CA.
Contract Opportunities on SAM.gov, Solicitation N6247321R0229, 2021

This is a full and open competition under NAICS code 562211 for a single-award, combination firm-fixed-price/IDIQ contract for environmental services. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command requires a variety of environmental services, including (1) operation and maintenance of Government-owned facilities for the processing and disposition of industrial and/or oily wastes at Naval Base San Diego, Naval Base Coronado, and Naval Base Point Loma; (2) hazardous material, hazardous waste, and containerized solid waste services, including associated oil and hazardous substance spill response; and (3) professional services for environmental compliance projects as ordered on an IDIQ basis. The performance period will be one base year plus seven one-year options. This procurement will replace the contract for similar services awarded in FY17, N62473-17-C-0001. Offers are due by 2:30 PM ET on September 28, 2021. https://sam.gov/opp/c3c8948714a843c4a488435d8a5566cc/view


FY22 BROWNFIELDS JOB TRAINING GRANTS
Environmental Protection Agency, Funding Opportunity EPA-OLEM-OBLR-21-03

EPA is soliciting proposals from eligible entities, including nonprofit organizations, to deliver Brownfields Job Training programs that recruit, train, and place local, unemployed and under-employed residents with the skills needed to secure full-time employment in the environmental field. While Brownfields Job Training Grants require training in brownfield assessment and/or cleanup activities, these grants also require that Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training be provided to all individuals being trained. EPA encourages applicants to develop their curricula based on local labor market assessments and employers' hiring needs, while also delivering comprehensive training that results in graduates securing multiple certifications. Entities that were awarded an FY21 Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grant (EPA-OLEM-OBLR-20-03) may not apply for a FY22 Brownfields Job Training Grant under this solicitation. The total funding available under this competitive opportunity for FY 22 is approximately $3,000,000, subject to availability of funds, quality of applications received, and other applicable considerations. EPA anticipates awarding approximately 15 Brownfields Job Training grants at amounts up to $200,000 per award. Please note, applicants cannot submit multiple applications under this solicitation. The closing date and time for receipt of applications is October 5, 2021, 11:59 p.m. ET. https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=335038


REGENESIS ANNOUNCES FULL-SUITE OF INNOVATIVE, CHEMICALLY RESISTANT VAPOR INTRUSION MITIGATION BARRIERS; RETIRING GEO-SEAL FROM ITS LINE
Licano, L. Business Wire, 22 September, 2020

Land Science, a division of REGENESIS, has removed the Geo-Seal® vapor barrier system from its line of vapor intrusion mitigation systems in favor of its TerraShield®, MonoShield®, and Nitra-Seal™ advanced technologies. The barrier systems incorporate Nitra-Core™, a nitrile-advanced asphalt latex. In lab test results, the new nitrile-advanced asphalt latex was shown to reduce volatile organic contaminant diffusion by up to 10 times compared to traditional styrene-butadiene asphalt latex. The TerraShield and MonoShield products incorporate a metalized film, resulting in greater vapor barrier performance compared with other products on the market today. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200921005890/en/ More information on the new technologies: https://landsciencetech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Land-Science-Corporate-Brochure-2021-02-13-01.pdf



Cleanup News
SITE CHARACTERIZATION AND ERH REMEDIATION OF VOCS IN SOIL, GROUNDWATER, LNAPL AND DNAPL (PART 2): A DIGITAL IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
Fewless, T. ǀ American Institute of Professional Geologists Michigan Section Workshop, 15-17 June, virtual, 32 minutes, 2021

Emerging and established digital technologies were used to characterize, design, implement, and monitor remediation at a former manufacturing facility impacted with CVOCs. The initial conceptual site model was developed using soil, groundwater, laser-induced fluorescence, and membrane interface probe data plotted in 3D visualization and projection software Earth Volumetric Studio. A remediation strategy using targeted in situ electrical resistance heating was formulated with 574 electrodes, 50 temperature-monitoring points, and 80 multi-phase extraction points. Electronic field forms were developed to collect information on installation of electrodes, TMPs, MPEs, site conditions, and health and safety reporting, which was uploaded to a cloud storage database immediately available for review by the project team. A project dashboard instantly displayed pertinent information. Automated daily reporting and progress metrics were also available for review. Comprehensive 3D visualization tools were used to demonstrate completeness of remediation goals. Unmanned aircraft footage was collected for both the visible spectral light range and a thermal camera to track warming of the site. The mixture of technologies resulted in cost-effective and accurate site characterization. The deployment of electronic data capture techniques during remediation allowed for more accurate information to be immediately conveyed to decision-makers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtI8Eraqtqo

EFFECTIVE BIOTREATMENT OF SOILS CONTAINING TNT, DNT, ANT, RDX, HMX, AND TETRYL WITH DARAMEND® REAGENT
Seech, A. Peroxychem webinar, 21 April, 46 minutes, 2021

This presentation explains how Daramend reagent controls soil chemistry to promote chemical and microbiological processes that enhance anaerobic destruction of the major organic explosive compounds, as well as their breakdown products. It also discusses performance data from bench-scale, pilot-scale, and full-scale applications. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v1sU9sfEKY
Slides only: https://www.peroxychem.com/media/351488/2021-4-21-daramend-oe-webinar-final.pdf

CHLORINATED ETHENE PLUME BEHAVIOR AFTER SOURCE AREA BIOREMEDIATION
Mysona, E. Parsons Virtual Environmental Conference, 6 May, 19 minutes, 2020

Full-scale enhanced in situ bioremediation was implemented at several PCE source areas at an industrial laundry facility to significantly reduce contaminant concentrations. The combination of soluble electron donor (whey) and an insoluble electron donor (EVO) successfully reduced PCE and its degradation products to below-drinking water standards (with minimal rebound) across most of the project site with significant reductions in the plume downgradient. See times 26:00-45:00: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFa5az-gILw&t=5s

DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF EISB SYSTEMS FOR CHLORINATED COMPOUND REMEDIATION
Harkness, M. ǀ Remediation Seminar Part 1: Effective Bioremediation of Chlorinated Solvent Sites - Avoiding Pitfalls and Maximizing Performance, 28 April, Virtual, 56 slides, 2021

This presentation provides a high-level approach to choosing and designing enhanced in situ bioremediation (EISB) systems to remediate chlorinated compound in soil and groundwater. Topics covered include when to consider EISB, types of EISB systems, selection of electron donors and injection methods, and the role of laboratory treatability and pilot studies in informing full-scale designs. Use of bioaugmentation and buffer addition and the applicability of EISB to DNAPL source areas also are addressed. https://www.remediationseminar.com/images/presentations/Online/2104/210428_Harkness.pdf

EFFECTIVE BIOREMEDIATION OF CHLORINATED SOLVENT SITES - AVOIDING PITFALLS AND MAXIMIZING PERFORMANCE
Birk, G.M. ǀ Remediation Seminar Part 1: Effective Bioremediation of Chlorinated Solvent Sites - Avoiding Pitfalls and Maximizing Performance, 28 April, Virtual, 39 slides, 2021

This presentation discusses deployment of electron donors via in situ alcoholysis to overcome two of the main challenges associated with EVO injection (poor fatty acid subsurface distribution and biofouling). The reaction is accomplished in situ with a homogenized alkaline catalyst to form long-lasting and soluble electron donors. The products formed in situ travel more easily than EVO, add a pH buffer to the system and leave the system less susceptible to clogging and biofouling. https://www.remediationseminar.com/images/presentations/Online/2104/210428_Birk.pdf

COST-EFFECTIVE DESTRUCTION OF PETROLEUM HYDROCARBON CONTAMINANTS WITH EXPEDITED RESIDUAL MASS - SMEAR ZONE (LNAPL) DESTRUCTION UNDER ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS VIA BIOSTIMULATION
Armstrong, K. ǀ RemTech 2020: The Remediation Technologies Symposium, virtual, 13-15 October, Environmental Services Association of Alberta, Edmonton, AB (Canada), 29 slides, 2020

A full-scale biostimulation strategy to destroy residual petroleum hydrocarbon LNAPL is described for two sites. The goal was to enhance respiration of indigenous microbes, expedite residual source mass solubilization, and realize sustainable dissolved-phase destruction. https://esaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/RT2020-Armstrong.pdf


Demonstrations / Feasibility Studies
SPREADSHEET TOOLS FOR QUANTIFYING SEEPAGE FLUX ACROSS THE GW-SW INTERFACE
Ford, R.G., B.K. Lien, S.D. Acree, and R.R. Ross.
Water Resources Research 57(1):e2019WR026232(2021)

This technical report introduces two Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet-based calculation tools that implement four 1-D analytical solutions to calculate the magnitude and direction of seepage flux. The calculations are based on measuring steady-state vertical temperature profiles or transient diel temperature signals at two depths within sediment. Performance of the tools was demonstrated for a pond receiving contaminated groundwater discharge from an adjacent landfill. The range of analytical solutions is intended to encourage trial of the seepage flux characterization method and to develop greater insight into best practices for model selection and use. https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1029/2019WR026232


MODELING FATE AND TRANSPORT OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCS) INSIDE SEWER SYSTEMS
Roghani, M., Y. Li, N. Rezaei, A. Robinson, E. Shirazi, and K.G. Pennell.
Groundwater Monitoring & Remediation 41(2):112-121(2021)

A new numerical model simulates the VOC concentrations in sewer gas in different stages throughout the sewer lines. The model considers temperature, sewer liquid depth, groundwater depth, and sewer construction characteristics to incorporate local and operational conditions. The output was verified using field data from a sewer system constructed near a Superfund site. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the model's response to variation of the external input parameters. The model can be used as a numerical tool to support the development of sewer assessment guidelines, risk assessment studies, and mitigation strategies.


ASSESSMENT OF CHLORINATED ETHENES DEGRADATION AFTER FIELD SCALE INJECTION OF ACTIVATED CARBON AND BIOAMENDMENTS: APPLICATION OF ISOTOPIC AND MICROBIAL ANALYSES
Ottosen, C.B., P.L. Bjerg, D. Hunkeler, J. Zimmermann, N. Tuxen, D. Harrekilde, L. Bennedsen, G. Leonard, L. Braaek, I.L. Kristensen, and M.M. Broholm.
Journal of Contaminant Hydrology 240:103794(2021)

An integrated approach was applied to assess in situ biodegradation after establishing a cross-sectional treatment zone in a TCE plume. Biodegradation was enhanced using liquid activated carbon and hydrogen release donor amendments and Dehalococcoides containing culture. The integrated approach included spatial and temporal evaluations of flow and transport, redox conditions, contaminant concentrations, biomarker abundance, and compound-specific stable isotopes. Combining various monitoring tools, applied frequently at high-resolution, with system understanding was essential to assessing biodegradation in the complex, non-stationary system. See introduction and section snippets at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169772221000334


YEAR 3 DATA PACKAGE ENHANCED NATURAL RECOVERY/ACTIVATED CARBON PILOT STUDY LOWER DUWAMISH WATERWAY
Washington State Department of Ecology Northwest Regional Office, 118 pp, 2021

A pilot program is underway on the Lower Duwamish Waterway to test the use of activated carbon (AC) to augment enhanced natural recovery (ENR) and to reduce the bioavailability of PCBs in sediment. Parallel ENR and ENR+AC subplots were placed in three 1-acre plots: one in the deeper navigation channel, one in a berthing area subject to prop scour, and one in an intertidal location subject to waves and wakes. Three years of monitoring are planned to evaluate and compare ENR and ENR+AC performance in reducing the PCB bioavailability in the uppermost 10 cm. Baseline sampling before construction, post-construction monitoring (February-March 2017), and two years of monitoring are complete. Monitoring metrics are used to evaluate ENR and ENR+AC stability, including the stability of carbon in the ENR+AC layers and chemical bioavailability using whole sediment, porewater analyses, and tissue PCB and lipid concentration studies. https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/gsp/DocViewer.ashx?did=100184
All site documents, including baseline and Year 1 and 2 monitoring events: https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/gsp/CleanupSiteDocuments.aspx?csid=1643


RECYCLING CONTAMINATED MARINE SEDIMENTS AS FILLING MATERIALS BY PILOT SCALE STABILIZATION/SOLIDIFICATION WITH LIME, ORGANOCLAY AND ACTIVATED CARBON
De Gisi, S., F. Todaro, E. Mesto, E. Schingaro, and M. Notarnicola.
Journal of Cleaner Production 269:122416(2020)

The technical feasibility of recycling CMSs as filling materials by stabilization/solidification treatments with lime, organoclay, and activated carbon was evaluated using marine sediment contaminated with heavy metals, PCBs, and PAHs. Different mixtures were pilot tested. The absence of some pre-treatments resulted in a product that failed to comply with the 28-day leaching test only for copper. CMSs cured for 56 days complied for all the investigated metals. While organic contamination slowed down the chemical stabilization process, it resulted in an environmentally compatible product. The unconfined compression strength values measured would allow potential CMSs recycling for environmental enhancement. A mass balance showed potential recycling of marine sediments (the production of 974 kg filling materials per 1000 kg of dredged sediment) with a consequently missed disposal in landfills of 0.65 m3/1000 kg of sediment.



Research
A ROBUST FLOW-THROUGH PLATFORM FOR ORGANIC CONTAMINANT REMOVAL
Chen, L., A.N. Alshawabkeh, S. Hojabri, M. Sun, G. Xu, and J. and Li.
Cell Reports Physical Science 2(1):100296(2021)

An upgraded reaction using solid catalysts called the Fenton-like process was adopted to avoid ferric sludge generated during the conventional Fenton process. This study evaluated the feasibility of an electrolytically localized acid compartment, referred to as the Ella process, produced by electrochemical water splitting under flow-through conditions to facilitate the Fenton-like process. The Ella process boosts the activity of an immobilized iron oxychloride catalyst >10-fold, decomposing organic pollutants at a high flow rate. The robust performance in complex water bodies further highlights the promise of this platform.


UBIQUITOUS PRODUCTION OF ORGANOSULFATES DURING TREATMENT OF ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS WITH SULFATE RADICALS
Van Buren, J., A.A. Cuthbertson, D. Ocasio, and D.L. Sedlak.
Environmental Science & Technology Letters 8(7):574-580(2021)

Oxidation of organic contaminants by sulfate radical (SO4-) is used to treat hazardous waste by ISCO and industrial wastewater by advanced oxidation processes, but SO4- can produce organosulfates by radical addition. Experiments conducted with a suite of 23 aromatic and 5 aliphatic compounds, including several contaminants typically detected at hazardous waste sites, demonstrated that 25 of the compounds formed at least one stable sulfate-containing product. These compounds likely exhibit higher mobility in the subsurface due to a lower affinity for surfaces (e.g., aquifer solids and activated carbon) than most other transformation products. Although the health risks associated with organosulfates are uncertain, some aromatic organosulfates produced in this study (phenyl sulfate and p-cresyl sulfate) are known to be harmful uremic toxins. Further study of the formation, fate and toxicity of organosulfates may be necessary before SO4--based treatment processes can be widely employed.


ARSENIC ACCUMULATION IN HYDROPONICALLY GROWN SCHIZACHYRIUM SCOPARIUM (LITTLE BLUESTEM) AMENDED WITH ROOT-COLONIZING ENDOPHYTES
DeVore, C.L., E. El Hayek, T. Busch, B.O. Long, M. Mann, J.A. Rudgers, A.M.S. Ali, T. Howard, M.N. Spilde, A. Brearley, C. Ducheneaux, and J.M. Cerrato.
ACS Earth and Space Chemistry 5(6):1278-1287(2021)

Microscopy, spectroscopy, culturing and molecular biology, and aqueous chemistry techniques were integrated to evaluate As accumulation in hydroponically grown Schizachyrium scoparium inoculated with endophytic fungi. Schizachyrium scoparium grown in contaminated sediment in the Cheyenne River Watershed was used for laboratory experiments, with As(V) from 0 to 2.5 mg/L at circumneutral pH. Colonizing roots by endophytic fungi supported better external and vascular cellular structure, increased biomass production, increased root lengths, and increased P uptake compared to noninoculated plants (p-value <0.05). After exposure to As(V), an 80% decrease of As was detected in solution and mainly in the roots (0.82-13.44 mg/kg) of noninoculated plants. Endophytic fungi mediated intracellular uptake into root cells and As translocation. Electron microprobe X-ray mapping analyses detected Ca-P and Mg-P minerals with As on the root surface of exposed plants, suggesting that these minerals could lead to As adsorption on the root surface through surface complexation or coprecipitation. Findings provide new insights regarding biological and physical-chemical processes affecting As accumulation in plants for risk assessment applications and bioremediation strategies.


TRANSPORT OF PFOS IN AQUIFER SEDIMENT: TRANSPORT BEHAVIOR AND A DISTRIBUTED-SORPTION MODEL
Wang, Y., N. Khan, D. Huang, K.C. Carroll, and M.L. Brusseau. (2021).
Science of The Total Environment 779: 146444(2021)

Research examined PFOS transport in aquifer sediment with different geochemical properties and compared the behavior to observed behavior for PFOS transport in soil and sand. PFOS retardation was relatively low for transport in all aquifer media. PFOS breakthrough curves were asymmetrical and exhibited extensive concentration tailing, indicating significantly nonideal sorption/desorption. Model simulation results indicated that rate-limited sorption/desorption was the primary cause of the nonideal PFOS transport. Comparing PFOS transport in aquifer media to PFOS transport reported in two soils and quartz sand showed PFOS exhibited more extensive elution tailing for the soils, likely due to differences in the relative contributions of various media constituents to sorption. A three-component distributed-sorption model developed to account for contributions from soil organic carbon, metal oxides, and silt + clay fraction produced very good K(d) predictions for the 5 media with lower soil organic carbon contents (≤0.1%). Soil organic carbon contributed an estimated 19-42% of the total sorption for all media except the sand (~100%). The contribution of silt + clay ranged from 51 to 80% for all media, except the sand. Results indicate that sorption of PFOS by aquifer media comprised contributions from multiple soil constituents.


SIMULATING PFAS ADSORPTION KINETICS, ADSORPTION ISOTHERMS, AND NONIDEAL TRANSPORT IN SATURATED SOIL WITH TEMPERED ONE-SIDED STABLE DENSITY (TOSD) BASED MODELS.
Zhou, D., M.L. Brusseau, Y. Zhang, S. Li, W. Wei, H. Sun, C., and Zheng.
Journal of Hazardous Materials 411:125169(2021)

This study proposed application of the tempered stable law in PFAS adsorption/transport by interpreting PFAS adsorption kinetics and nonideal transport as a nonequilibrium process, dominated by multiple rates of adsorption/desorption following the tempered one-sided stable density (TOSD) distribution. The universal TOSD function led to novel TOSD-based models, which were tested by successfully simulating PFAS adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms, and nonideal transport data reported in the literature. Model comparisons and extensions were also discussed to check the feasibility of the TOSD models and their adaptability to capture PFAS transport in more complex geomedia at all scales.


INCORPORATING OIL / WATER PARTITIONING IN RISK CALCULATIONS FOR PAHS IN PETROLEUM IMPACTED SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
Pietari J, O'Reilly K, Shea D, and Kamath R. (2021).
Soil and Sediment Contamination: An International Journal [Published online 4 May 2021 ahead of print]

Partitioning factors were incorporated into existing SSL equations to capture the impact of oil weathering on PAH partitioning: The oil-water partitioning coefficient (KOIL) for crude oil was measured at different stages of weathering using a passive sampling device. Results confirmed that current methods for deriving SSLs are highly conservative and that the aqueous concentrations and mobility of PAHs are lower in soil and sediment that contain weathered oil. Thus, the mobility of PAHs in historically impacted soil is much lower than what is assumed when calculating SSLs for soil-leaching-to-groundwater scenarios.


ORICA BOTANY GROUNDWATER CLEANUP PROJECT: DNAPL AND GROUNDWATER REMEDIATION TECHNOLOGY ANNUAL REVIEW NO. 15
Orica Report No. EN.1591.61.PR088, 29 pp, 2021

The Orica Botany Groundwater Cleanup is being achieved by groundwater extraction along three containment lines and ex situ treatment of the water in the groundwater treatment plant to address 1,2-dichloroethane and carbon tetrachloride contamination. This report describes the technologies currently in use and innovative technologies under evaluation. No full-scale in situ groundwater treatment technology is currently in use at the site, but work continues to investigate and develop techniques and technologies to remediate groundwater in situ, particularly natural attenuation processes. https://www.orica.com/ArticleDocuments/993/EN1591.61.PR088_DNAPL_Gwater_Technology_Report_No15_(Rev0).pdf.aspx


IN-SITU REMEDIATION OF PETROLEUM-CONTAMINATED SOIL BY APPLICATION OF PLANT-BASED SURFACTANTS TOWARD PREVENTING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION
Okoro, E.E., I.S. Okafor, S.E. Sanni, T. Obomanu, T.S. Olugbenga, and P. Igbinedion.
International Journal of Phytoremediation 23(10):1013-1020(2021)

Green plants and their extracts were employed to enhance remediation of crude oil-contaminated soil. GC-MS and FTIR techniques determined the constituents of the soil. 60 ml of extracts were applied on 1 x 2-ft segments of the crude oil-contaminated site and observed for two months. Plant extract A significantly reduced TPHs and PAHs to 5,450 and 126.2 mg/kg, respectively, while TPH and PAH values for extract B were 10,432 and 362.3 mg/kg, respectively. Both plant extracts reduced the TPH compounds significantly compared to the standard reference PAH and PAHs (4,500 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, respectively). The microbial plate count for the three media shows that the plant-based surfactant synergized with the identified bacteria to enhance phytoremediation of the crude oil-contaminated soil.



General News
THE ASSESSMENT AND REMEDIATION OF MERCURY CONTAMINATED SITES: A REVIEW OF CURRENT APPROACHES
Eckley, C.S., C.C. Gilmour, S. Janssen, T.P. Luxton, P.M. Randall, L. Whalin, and C. Austin.
Science of The Total Environment 707:136031(2020)

Contemporary practices to assess and remediate industrial-scale Hg contaminated sites are reviewed, and recent advances are discussed in this article. Remediation approaches often rely on knowledge of the Hg forms/speciation at the site and utilize physical, chemical, thermal, and biological methods to achieve remediation goals. The complexity of Hg cycling allows many different opportunities to reduce/mitigate impacts, which creates flexibility in determining suitable and logistically feasible remedies. See presentation for more information https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_record_report.cfm?Lab=NRMRL&dirEntryId=347380


CHALLENGES AND CURRENT STATUS OF THE BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF PFAS-CONTAMINATED SOILS
Shahsavari, E., D. Rouch, L.S. Khudur, D. Thomas, A. Aburto-Medina, and A.S. Ball.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 8:602040(2021)

The current challenge and status of bioremediation of PFAs in soils were examined in this article. While adsorption, filtration, thermal treatment, chemical oxidation/reduction, and soil washing can remove PFAS, they are expensive, impractical for in situ treatment, use high pressures and temperatures, and often generate toxic waste. Biodegradation may potentially be a cost-effective, large-scale in situ remediation strategy to remove PFAS from soil. Fungal and bacterial strains that can degrade PFAS have been isolated; however, information regarding the mechanisms of degradation of PFAS is limited. By applying new technologies in microbial ecology, such as stable isotope probing, metagenomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, there is the potential to examine and identify PFAS biodegradation mechanisms. This process will underpin the development of any robust PFAS bioremediation technology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7817812/pdf/fbioe-08-602040.pdf


REVIEW OF PHYTOREMEDIATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR RADIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION
Sutton, M. and S. Lee. EPA/600/R-21/063, 36 pp, 2021

A relatively large volume of literature is available to evaluate the feasibility of plant species to effectively remove actinide and fission product radiological contamination in the environment. This report identifies key documents regarding practical experiences in field-deployed phytoremediation efforts in the U.S., the Former Soviet Union, and Japan related to site preparation and maintenance, remediation effectiveness, and waste management. Recommendations for candidate plant species based on the literature review are provided, and technical gaps are identified. https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_record_report.cfm?dirEntryId=351768&Lab=CESER&simplesearch=0&showcriteria=2&sortby=pubDate&timstype=&datebeginpublishedpresented=06/15/2019&searchall=cleanup


GIS AND SITE ASSESSMENT PROJECT
Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO) Site Assessment Focus Group, 26 pp, 2021

The Superfund Site Assessment Program identifies releases or threats of releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants that may endanger human health or the environment and determines whether these sites qualify for inclusion on the NPL. To accomplish this, EPA and some states have entered into cooperative agreements to conduct pre-CERCLA and CERCLA investigations at sites located within their states. Some states use Geographic Information System (GIS) to enhance their ability to determine if sites qualify for the NPL. The ASTSWMO Site Assessment Focus Group created and distributed a GIS Research Toolbox questionnaire to states to determine GIS use in their Site Assessment Program processes. This document 1) summarizes and reports information about states' use of GIS; 2) identifies where ASTSWMO can help states share examples of using GIS in their Site Assessment programs; and 3) provides key findings and recommendations regarding the use of GIS in Site Assessment Programs. http://astswmo.org/files/Resources/CERCLA_and_Brownfields/2021-Site-Assessment-Focus-Group-GIS-Paper.pdf


REMOVAL OF INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS IN SOIL BY ELECTROKINETIC REMEDIATION TECHNOLOGIES: A REVIEW
Wen, D. R. Fu, and Q. Li. | Journal of Hazardous Materials 401:123345(2021)

This paper provides a comprehensive review of electrokinetic remediation (EKR) of inorganic contaminants in soil, including key motive power of electric phenomena, side effects, energy consumption, and supply; removal of heavy metals, radioactive elements, and salts in soil during EKR. Correlations between dehydration, crystallization effect, focusing effect, and thermal effect and optimal operating conditions to remove heavy metals using EKR and EKR coupled with permeable reactive barriers; and the relationship between energy allocation and energy-saving are also discussed.



The Technology Innovation News Survey welcomes your comments and suggestions, as well as information about errors for correction. Please contact Michael Adam of the U.S. EPA Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation at adam.michael@epa.gov or (703) 603-9915 with any comments, suggestions, or corrections.

Mention of non-EPA documents, presentations, or papers does not constitute a U.S. EPA endorsement of their contents, only an acknowledgment that they exist and may be relevant to the Technology Innovation News Survey audience.