Technology Innovation News Survey

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency News Release, 1 July 2013

U.S. EPA and the Department of Commerce have launched an interactive online reference tool for international buyers to connect EPA environmental analysis and regulatory structure to U.S. solutions providers. The U.S. Environmental Solutions Toolkit is a buyer's resource guide that marries EPA expertise on solving environmental challenges with a catalog of U.S. providers of related technologies. The Toolkit supports the President's National Export Initiative by fostering export opportunities for the U.S. environmental industry. The information on the Toolkit website is organized to identify U.S. businesses that provide technologies designed to solve a particular environmental challenge. Any business in this industry sector may request listing by contacting the International Trade Administration at envirotech@trade.gov and submitting the required information. The list is not exhaustive of all U.S. businesses in the environmental sector, nor does listing constitute endorsement of the business or its products, services, or technology by ITA. https://new.export.gov/envirotech/toolkit

Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), USACE District, Omaha.
Federal Business Opportunities, FBO-4256, Solicitation W9128F-13-R-0038, 2013

USACE Omaha District will issue an RFP at https://acquisition.army.mil/asfi/ around late August 2013 for MMRP services in support of the Northwestern Division and its existing customers. The solicitation will be set aside for small business participation under NAICS code 562910. The contractor will be familiar with, understand, and have prior experience executing projects within the regulatory process (CERCLA/RCRA) and phases (e.g., PA, SI, EECA, RI/FS, NTCRA, TCRA) normally utilized to perform military munitions response actions. The period of performance will be five years, a 3-year base period plus one 2-year option period. Task orders for specific tasks under this indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, single-award task-order contract will be negotiated and awarded as necessary, with the sum of all task orders executed not to exceed $9,900,000. https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USA/COE/DACA45/W9128F-13-R-0038/listing.html

Department of Energy, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA.
Federal Business Opportunities, FBO-4270, Solicitation FBO273-13, 2013

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is offering the opportunity to license and commercialize its innovative, miniaturized, fiber-based, multi-pass gas minicell for remotely detecting and identifying trace gases. This optical gas sensor is wireless-compatible and operates in a small footprint with low power requirements and high sensitivity and selectivity capabilities, as described at https://ipo.llnl.gov/?q=technologies-gas_minicell&searchterm=mempin. Potential applications include environmental and pollution monitoring. Companies interested in commercializing the gas minicell sensor technology should provide a written statement of interest by September 2, 2013. https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOE/LLNL/LL/FBO273-13/listing.html

French, A.
Innovation: America's Journal of Technology Commercialization, Vol 10 No 2, 2012

The MicroBlower™ was developed as part of Savannah River National Laboratory's support of cleanup initiatives at the Savannah River site. More than 50 MicroBlower units currently are in operation at seven locations around the 310-square-mile site. The device uses a small, low-power vacuum blower to extract or inject gases into the subsurface for characterization or remediation. While similar in design to an active soil vapor extraction blower, the MicroBlower is a low-cost alternative designed to run on renewable power sources, such as solar and wind energy, to address VOC contamination in the unsaturated zone. Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC signed an exclusive patent license agreement for the MicroBlower, and the technology now is commercially available. http://www.innovation-america.org/green-green

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Region 3, Bloomington, MN.
Federal Business Opportunities, FBO-4267, Solicitation F13PS00807

The Fish & Wildlife Service requires a contractor under NAICS 562910, Remediation Services, to install three additional groundwater monitoring wells; perform a ground-penetrating radar survey of the landfill; dig four test pits to characterize the landfill to identify the source of contamination for point-source removal; and perform a groundwater study. The period of performance is September 20, 2013, to March 3, 2014. This is a total small business set-aside. Responses are due no later than September 4, 2013, by 1500 CT. https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOI/FWS/CGSWO/F13PS00807/listing.html

U.S. DOE, Office of Science, Funding Opportunity DE-FOA-0000969, 2013

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) describes two distinct funding opportunities for DOE's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for Fiscal Year 2013: Phase I and Fast-Track (combined Phase I and Phase II). In addition to atmospheric studies and greenhouse gas measurement, topics of environmental relevance include technologies for subsurface characterization and monitoring: (1) mapping and monitoring of hydrogeologic and biogeochemical processes and (2) real-time, in situ measurements of geochemical, biogeochemical, and microbial processes in the subsurface. The closing date for applications is October 15, 2013. Instructions for completing the grant application package are available with the full text of the FOA on FedConnect: https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/?doc=DE-FOA-0000969&agency=DOE.

National Institutes of Health, Funding Opportunity RFA-ES-13-010, 24 July 2013

Contaminants in the environment are affected by complex biological, geological, and chemical processes that have implications for both remediation effectiveness as well as exposure risk to humans. This funding opportunity will support problem-solving research on the mechanisms of biogeochemical interactions that affect bioavailability in the context of in situ remediation of contaminated soil, sediment, surface water, or groundwater. The window of opportunity for submitting proposals is October 1 through November 1, 2013. Estimated total program funding is $1,500,000, and the award ceiling is $150,000.
Application instructions: http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/jsf/downloadApplicationPackage.faces?id=181796.
Link to additional information: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-ES-13-010.html.

Department of the Army, Army Contracting Command, ACC-APG - Fort Huachuca, AZ.
Federal Business Opportunities, FBO-4288, Solicitation W9124A-13-R-0008, 2013

On or about September 9, 2013, the Government will solicit proposals to provide, on a task-order basis, scientific, engineering, and technical expertise in support of the Environmental and Natural Resources Division and Engineering Plans and Services Division missions of the Directorate of Public Works at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Tasks generally will fall within the areas of analyses, studies, evaluation, and/or remediation of the effects of Fort Huachuca activities, and preparation of designs, reports, plans, and other required documents. This is a firm fixed-price, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity acquisition for a base period of one year and four one-year options. The acquisition will be a total small business set-aside, NAICS code 541620. https://www.fbo.gov/notices/5d8826a0a0a83e3ac511de58e84fd65b

Federal Business Opportunities, FBO-4295, Solicitation D13PS00547, 2013
Department of the Interior, National Business Center, AQD - Washington DC.

On behalf of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of the Interior has released a BAA for sustainable, low-cost approaches to environmental monitoring. DHS and its state and local partners have a need to collect reliable information quickly to enable a swift and confident response to a biological and chemical threat. The Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD) Division within DHS is working toward developing and transitioning technologies that dramatically reduce the time interval from threat release to incident response. To meet this need, CBD is investigating a radically new architecture for real-time situational awareness of an aerosol release of hazardous material. The goals of the architecture are to alert authorities as quickly as possible, to map contamination in real time, to convey information to multiple layers of decision makers, and to operate in a cost-effective manner. To accomplish these goals, the sensors must be deployed in a high density or be able to scan large volumes rapidly. The data must be transmissible in standard formats to enable signal integration and data fusion (e.g., through cloud computing), and the overall system must be low-cost or value-creating in the intended use. An Industry Day meeting will be held September 24, 2013. Phase 1 White Papers are due by October 18, 2013. Full proposals (if requested based on evaluation of white paper) are due by December 13, 2013. https://www.fbo.gov/notices/8d130fa756d627b8f45c4772610eb007

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), 36 pp, 2013

As summarized in this draft decision document, KDHE has selected phytoremediation, enhanced reductive dechlorination (ERD), monitored natural attenuation, and environmental use control agreements as the preferred remedy for the site. The total present value cost of the preferred remedy is $1,713,296. The selected alternative incorporates the interim measures (IMs) implemented at the site to date in combination with groundwater pump and treat, soil vapor extraction, and soil excavation and off-site disposal. http://www.kdheks.gov/remedial/site_restoration/download/Unocal_DraftCAD.pdf
For technical information on the phytoremediation and ERD IMs, see the reports posted at http://www.kdheks.gov/remedial/site_restoration/unocal.html.

U.S. EPA, Engineering Technical Support Center.
EPA 600-R-13-093, 37 pp, 2013

The Engineering Technical Support Center (ETSC) within EPA's Office of Research and Development was created in 1987 as one of four technical support centers. ETSC provides engineering expertise to U.S. EPA program offices and remediation teams working at cleanup sites across the United States. This document highlights key projects over the last five years that show the breadth of ETSC's involvement with regional personnel and versatility in meeting requests for assistance, including assistance with remote mining contamination, expansive landfill waste, sediment capping, and persistent threats from abandoned industrial sites. Since 2007, ETSC has worked on more than 350 sites in all 10 Regions to support cost-effective and time-efficient cleanups. http://nepis.epa.gov/Adobe/PDF/P100GNFS.pdf

Bienkowski, L.
Remediation Journal, Vol 23 No 3, 85-95, 2013

Dissolved TCE concentrations exceeding the Florida groundwater standard (3 µg/L) were detected at a depth of 40 ft below land surface at a former fleet vehicle maintenance facility located in Jacksonville, Florida. A plume was delineated that measured ~600 ft by 150 ft, extending across a major road and onto adjacent properties. Following pilot tests of iSOC (in situ oxygen curtain) and ABC+ (Anaerobic Biochem Plus, a mixture of lactates, phosphate buffer, fatty acids, and zero-valent iron), ABC+ was selected for full-scale implementation. In February 2011, contractors used direct-push technology to inject ABC+ in 120 borings. By September 2011, TCE concentrations had declined below 3 µg/L in all impacted wells. TCE concentrations have remained below the standard, but sampling continues for iron, which though decreasing remains slightly elevated.

Cortes Di Lena, Y., A.C. Elmore, and J. Conroy.
Remediation Journal, Vol 23 No 3, 111-122, 2013

Assessment of the performance of photovoltaic (PV)-powered groundwater pump-and-treat (P&T) systems can be challenged by the intermittent nature of power availability. This paper characterizes the hydraulic containment effectiveness of a PV-powered P&T system without energy storage using data collected at two remediation sites, a Dry-Cleaning Environmental Response Trust Fund site in Rolla, Missouri, and the Former Nebraska Ordnance Plant near Mead, Nebraska. Additionally, a method is proposed to estimate the effectiveness of the hydraulic containment as a function of the total volume of groundwater expected to be extracted. A continuously pumped and two transient capture zones were modeled using Visual MODFLOW® 2012.1 along with MODPATH. A comparison shows that smaller capture zones likely will be generated from intermittent pumping compared to continuous pumping.

Krajewski, D.
Colorado State University, BZ572: Phytoremediation, 13 Nov 2012

This presentation lays out the decision process for selecting and implementing a remedy for a site affected with petroleum hydrocarbons, BTEX, and PCE and daughter products. The ultimate objective is to achieve regulatory closure under the Colorado DPHE Voluntary Cleanup Program. Based on technology screening and decision tree analysis, a phytoremediation tree stand of poplars is the chosen alternative. This selection includes the preliminary design, long-term monitoring plan, and additional considerations. http://rydberg.biology.colostate.edu/Phytoremediation/2012/Phytoremediation%20design%20for%20organics%20from%20groundwater%20plume%20by%20Dustin%20Krajewski.pdf

Pancras, T., G. Wijn, and E. te Poele.
AquaConsoil 2013, 16-19 April 2013, Barcelona. Paper 2651, 5 pp + 20 slides, 2013

At an industrial site in Dordrecht, the Netherlands, the groundwater was contaminated with tetrahydrofuran (THF) concentrations as high as 600,000 µg/L after contaminated soil removal. An in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) pilot test showed strong reductions of THF concentrations. Stepwise installation of the injection wells and delineation of the groundwater contamination reduced installation costs significantly. Between April 2009 and December 2010, full-scale ISCO comprising a specially designed hydrogen peroxide recipe was aimed at the highest THF concentrations (>3,000 µg/L, 10 times the Dutch Intervention value for THF) in four injection phases, each lasting 4-6 weeks, with intermediate periods of 3-4 months. Meanwhile, soil vapor extraction was used to prevent any buildup of oxygen or contamination beneath the buildings. One year after the active remediation, the highest concentration remaining in the remediated zone and on the neighboring sites was 31 µg/L THF, well below the (Dutch) intervention value of 300 µg/L.
The files probably will be very slow to open. Slides: http://www.aquaconsoil.org/AquaConSoil2013/Pres_Theme_D_files/D4.2_Pancras__etal_01.pdf
See paper 2651 in file ThS_D4_2_Oral.pdf that opens from http://www.aquaconsoil.org/AquaConSoil2013/Procs_Theme_D.html.

Geroni, J.N. and J.D. Sapsford.
2012 International Mine Water Association Symposium, Bunbury, Australia. 601-606, 2012

Water entering the mine-water treatment scheme (MWTS) at the Blaenavon site in South Wales is co-contaminated with NAPL from historic pitch and coal tar wastes. This paper presents the results of investigations into the transport of the NAPLs through the treatment scheme and the extent to which they are co-removed with ochre formed within the MWTS. The treatment area consists of one settling lagoon in series with two reed beds. Significant quantities of PAHs (e.g., phenanthrene at 1,460 mg/kg dry solid) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH, e.g., octadecane at 1,486 mg/kg dry solid) were found in Lagoon 1. The general trend was for concentrations of detected compounds and the number of detected compounds to decrease across the MWTS, with total PAH concentration falling from 5,534 to 72 mg/kg dry (ochre) solid by the end of Lagoon 1. No detectable levels of PAH or TPH were found in water downstream of the treatment area. http://www.imwa.info/docs/imwa_2012/IMWA2012_Geroni_601.pdf

Koschitzky, H.-P., O. Troetschler, S. Denzel, and C. Purkhold.
AquaConsoil 2013, 16-19 April 2013, Barcelona. Paper 2085, 18 pp + 7 slides, 2013

Following a successful pilot study, the city of Karlsruhe decided to remediate PCE contamination at a former drycleaner site by steam injection. The goal was to inject a saturated steam-air mixture into the saturated zone below the source zone, remediate 1,400 m3 of soil, and achieve potable water quality in the groundwater within a period of 12 months. Drilling was completed in the fall of 2009, the remediation plant was mounted in the winter season, and remediation began in April 2010 with soil vapor extraction and groundwater pumping. In May 2010, steam-air injection into the saturated zone began in the first of four treatment sections. By the end of November 2010, steam-air injection was stopped when the remediation goal was reached. Remediation success was verified in January 2011. Since 2011, quarterly monitoring of the remediation control indicates that all values of chlorinated hydrocarbons in the groundwater are below the regulatory limits.
The files probably will be very slow to open.Slides (in English): http://www.aquaconsoil.org/AquaConSoil2013/Pres_Theme_D_files/D1.16_Koschitzky_etal.pdf
See paper 2085 (mostly in German) in file ThS_D1_16_Oral.pdf at http://www.aquaconsoil.org/AquaConSoil2013/Procs_Theme_D.html.

Mench, M., R. Herzig, J. Vangronsveld, et al.
ICOBTE 2013: 12th International Conference on the Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements, Abstract 0220-000119, 2013

Performances of the most promising gentle remediation options (GROs) for trace element-contaminated soils—in situ stabilization/phytoexclusion, aided phytostabilization, and phytoextraction—are being assessed for practical application in a European network of 14 large field trials within the EU FP7 GREENLAND network. GRO efficiency is evaluated for diverse remediation strategies and approaches for sustainable land management, biotic/abiotic stresses, climatic conditions, pollutant linkages, and contaminant interactions over a broad range of contaminated site scenarios. The network website (http://www.greenland-project.eu/) describes the Greenland field projects and provides a list of the international project partners.
Longer abstract: http://www.icobte2013.org/ICOBTE_2013_files/ICOBTE%20Abstracts/119.pdf

Potier, G. and F. Chambon.
WM2012: Annual Waste Management Symposium, 26 Feb - 1 Mar 2012, Phoenix, Arizona. Paper 12243, 1928-1933, 2012

The prototype thermal desorption unit (TDU) was commissioned in May 2011. A break-in period was required for items being developed, mainly peripheral equipment for loading and unloading materials. Of ~10,000 m³ of material that has been excavated and screened, the TDU has processed 7,000 tonnes (7,700 tons) of soil and materials at the time of this report. All tons produced meet the remediation objectives. The first trial confirmed the necessity of important volumes of water, which must be treated to remove fine contaminated material, requiring a dedicated system. Initial tests have verified the possibility of a biological treatment, but there are uncertainties in terms of duration of treatment and potential toxicity of degradation products. An in situ pilot trial is planned to deal with these uncertainties. Mercury removal should be end by 2014. https://www.wmsym.org/archives/2012/papers/12243.pdf

Noonkester, J.V., B.D. Riha, G.M. Birk, and B.H. Rambo.
Remediation Journal, Vol 22 No 4, 99-113, 2012

The MicroBlower Sustainable Soil Vapor Extraction System is a cost-effective device specifically designed for remediation of organic compounds in the vadose zone. The system is applicable for remediating sites with low levels of contamination and for transitioning sites from active source technologies, such as active soil vapor extraction (SVE), to natural attenuation. MicroBlowers require only between 20 and 40 watts and can be powered using photovoltaic panels, wind generators, a 24-volt battery bank recharged by either photovoltaic panels or wind generators, or 24-volt power from a 110 to 24 volt transformer. The MicroBlower was developed at DOE's Savannah River National Laboratory to address residual VOC contamination after shutdown of active SVE systems. The system also has been deployed for recalcitrant sources that are controlled by diffusion rates.

Jokerst, A., M. Hollowed, S. Sharvelle, L. Roesner, and A.C. Rowney.
EPA 600-R-12-684, 76 pp, 2012

This report documents the treatment efficiency over a one-year period of a pilot-scale constructed wetland system for graywater and explores the potential for onsite reuse of the treated effluent for outdoor irrigation. Results of water quality measurements indicated that the constructed wetland substantially reduced organics, solids, nutrients, pathogens, and surfactants throughout the one-year sampling period. In particular, removal rates of biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids averaged 91% and 77%, respectively, while removal of anionic surfactants averaged 94% and never dropped below a seasonal mean of 88% throughout the year. The wetland reduced pathogenic indicator microorganism concentrations by ~two orders of magnitude on average, producing effluent concentrations below primary contact standards for all seasons except winter, when treatment efficiencies decreased precipitously. http://nepis.epa.gov/Adobe/PDF/P100FSPJ.pdf

Key, K.C., K.L. Sublette, T.W. Johannes, E. Raes, E. Sullivan, J. Duba, D. Ogles, B.R. Baldwin and A. Biernacki.
Remediation Journal, Vol 23 No 3, 55-84, 2013

Pilot tests of an aerobic in situ bioreactor (ISBR) were conducted at two field sites affected by petroleum hydrocarbons. Concentrations were low but persistent at one site and high enough to inhibit biodegradation at the other. The ISBR unit is designed to enhance biodegradation of hydrocarbons by stimulating indigenous microorganisms within a Bio-Sep® bead matrix to concentrate indigenous degraders. Oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the bioreactor, and contaminated groundwater circulates through the bed. The groundwater moving through the system is treated and also transports degraders away from the bioreactor, potentially increasing biodegradation rates throughout the aquifer. Monitoring results during the pilots showed a decrease in contaminant concentrations at both sites.

Innovations from Savannah River National Laboratory, 2 pp, 2013

The decommissioning of F Area at the Savannah River Site involves long-term management of a complex chemical/radiological contaminant plume. After pump and treat proved unsatisfactory for meeting program needs, scientists found a way to modify or "engineer" the natural flow patterns to develop retention times sufficient to create focused treatment zones for in situ stabilization of contaminants. They developed and verified chemical stabilization of metals using local pH control and field-tested the creation of a local treatment zone via the injection of a new colloidal material (silver chloride particles) to capture iodine-129, based on the large solubility difference between silver chloride and silver iodide. The injection occurred at the end of a barrier wall that is part of a funnel-and-gate permeable reactive barrier (PRB). The PRB treats most of the radionuclides in the contaminated groundwater, but not I-129. Four existing wells at the end of the wall were used to monitor the field experiment. The injections achieved 70% reduction in tritium flux to Fourmile Branch and a reduction in metals and radioactive metals in Fourmile Branch. The researchers are monitoring the effectiveness of this in situ treatment for I-129 prior to further deployment. http://srnl.doe.gov/facts/srnl_is003_contaminated_groundwater.pdf Additional information on this project is available in 20 slides at http://www.efcog.org/wg/wm/events/WMWG_2013_Spring_Meeting/presentations/5-Eddy-Dilek%20-%20WM%202013%20Session%2084.pdf.

Lobs, A.M.W. and A.R. Kooistra.
AquaConsoil 2013, 16-19 April 2013, Barcelona. Paper 2148, 5 pp, 2013

The pilot site, an abandoned former printing factory situated in Herk de Stad, has PCE in the soil and groundwater. Groundwater concentrations are as high as 70.000 µg/L. This paper describes a successful pilot test and comparison of two types of zero-valent iron: micro-scale (MZVI) and nano-scale (NZVI). In the field, both types were injected (with glycerol added to the MZVI) in two pilot triangles. Monitoring results showed chemical degradation for the NZVI, but the effect of the MZVI was observed to be quite low, and the little degradation shown was attributed to biological processes resulting from the addition of glycerol. See paper 2148 in file ThS_D1_18_Oral.pdf that opens (probably very slowly) from http://www.aquaconsoil.org/AquaConSoil2013/Procs_Theme_D.html.

Siebielec, G., T. Stuczynski, R.L. Chaney, P. Sugier, M. Puschenreiter, and M. Mench.
International Conference on Contaminated Sites, May 29-31, 2013, Bratislava. 38 slides, 2013

The project goal was to assess to what extent biosolids treatment along with a selected grass mixture would ensure persistent functioning of a revegetated metal waste ecosystem as measured by microbial activity or plant yield. The pilot project was established in 1994-1995 at the former Warynski smelting plant, which contained two types of toxic waste characterized by extremely high mobility of metals and salinity. At the Welz waste site, municipal sewage sludge was applied at rates ranging from 150-300 t/ha (dry matter basis) combined with incorporation of lime as an oxide and carbonate form at the rate of 1.5 tons and 30 tons, respectively. Due to its higher salinity and metal toxicity, Doerschel material received a 30 cm by-product lime cap followed by incorporation of sewage sludge at a rate of 300 t/ha (dry matter basis). The treatments successfully established a grass ecosystem on both experimental fields. Results after 15 years of monitoring indicate that sewage sludge and waste lime can be used successfully for "one-shot" reclamation of toxic smelter waste. http://contaminated-sites.sazp.sk/sites/default/files/prilohy/27_ICCS_Grzegorz_Siebielec_PL_0.pdf

Newell, C.J., D. Adamson, T.E. McHugh, and M. Rysz.
Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), Project ER-1601, 242 pp, 2013

This project involved basic research on an alternative groundwater sampling approach—vapor-phase groundwater monitoring—that relies on a different set of physical processes and analytical instruments to provide DoD with reliable and accurate long-term monitoring for VOCs. The overall goal of this research is to evaluate the utility of on-site vapor-phase analysis of samples from a groundwater monitoring well as an alternative to off-site analysis of groundwater samples. There is potential to use existing vapor-phase-based technologies as part of a new approach that generates monitoring data more rapidly at a lower overall cost. http://www.serdp-estcp.org/content/download/20570/217827/file/ER-1601-FR.pdf

Randall, P.M. and S. Chattopadhyay.
Environmental Research, Vol 125, 131-149, 2013

This review discusses remedial considerations (e.g., key chemical factors in fate and transport of Hg, source characterization and control, environmental management procedures, remediation options, and modeling tools) and includes practical case studies for cleaning up Hg-contaminated sediment sites. Case studies include characterization, assessment, and remediation efforts made at Lavaca Bay, Texas; Onondaga Lake in Syracuse, New York; Lake Turingen, Sweden; Sulphur Banks Mercury Mine near Clear Lake, California; a mercury cell chlor-alkali plant in the Southeastern U.S.; and other characterization and assessment efforts at the Nura River and Lake Balkyldak in Kazakhstan.

Hatzinger, P., J.K. Boehlke, N.C. Sturchio, and B. Gu.
Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), Project ER-200509, 263 pp, May 2013

Taken together, measurements of (1) the relative abundances of the stable isotopes of chlorine and oxygen in perchlorate using isotope-ratio mass spectrometry and (2) the relative abundance of the radioactive chlorine isotope Cl-36 using accelerator mass spectrometry provide four independent quantities that can be used to distinguish natural and synthetic perchlorate sources, discriminate different types of natural perchlorate, and detect perchlorate biodegradation in the environment. Results of forensic studies at four separate sites are reported, plus application of the technique for documenting in situ biodegradation at one field location. The investigators also performed isotopic characterization of natural perchlorate occurring in various U.S. locales. This information provides a foundation for understanding both the possible formation mechanisms of natural perchorate and the processes that can affect its fate and distribution in soil and groundwater. http://www.serdp-estcp.org/content/download/20192/215250/file/ER-200509%20Final%20Report.pdf

Urbaniak, M.
Biodegradation: Engineering and Technology, R. Chamy and F. Rosenkranz (eds). Intech Open Science, ISBN: 978-953-51-1153-5, Chapter 4:73-100, 2013

This review examines the physical and chemical properties of dioxins and PCBs and how they can be broken down in the environment. Microbiological transformation is discussed with reference to aerobic, anaerobic, and sequential anaerobic-aerobic conditions. Physical transformations include photochemical and thermal degradation. Different phytoremediation processes also can effect environmental degradation of dioxins and PCBs. http://www.intechopen.com/books/biodegradation-engineering-and-technology/biodegradation-of-pcdds-pcdfs-and-pcbs

Reisinger, J., D. Burris, and E. Zellers.
Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) Project ER-200702, slides w/ audio: 1 hr 6 min, 2013

A field study was conducted in the vicinity of Hill Air Force Base, Utah, to evaluate the use of a micro-scale gas chromatograph (µGC) prototype—dubbed "SPIRON"—to determine low TCE concentrations in indoor air. Concurrent reference samples were analyzed by TO-15 and also with a portable HAPSITE GC/MS. At a range of TCE concentrations in a house with known TCE vapor intrusion, comparison with the reference samples showed that the prototype's TCE accuracy was good above 2.3 ppb TCE but considerably less accurate below it due to interfering VOCs at the lower concentration levels. A primary implementation issue is that the µGC is not yet commercially available. Debrief: http://www.serdp-estcp.org/Program-Areas/Environmental-Restoration/Contaminated-Groundwater/Emerging-Issues/ER-200702/ER-200702-Final-Debrief
See additional project documentation at http://www.serdp-estcp.org/Program-Areas/Environmental-Restoration/Contaminated-Groundwater/Emerging-Issues/ER-200702.

Mattes, T., Y.O. Jin, M. Dobson, M.-C. Lee, S. Schmidt, S. Fogel, M. Findlay, and D. Smoler.
Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), Project ER-1683, 198 pp, July 2013

Vinyl chloride (VC) oxidation, mediated by both etheneotrophs and methanotrophs, can occur within or at the fringes of VC plumes at many sites, including those that are ideal for anaerobic reductive dechlorination processes. The quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) technology developed in this project has the potential to provide rapid molecular biology-based information concerning the presence and activity of etheneotrophs (and also methanotrophs) via an absolute DNA quantification approach. The qPCR method for etheneotrophs was successfully applied to nine different samples from three different VC-contaminated sites, in some cases over a 3-year period. http://www.serdp-estcp.org/content/download/20362/216371/file/ER-1683-FR.pdf

Peltz, C.D., C. Zillich, and K.L. Brown.
2013 National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, June 1-6, 2013, Laramie, Wyoming. R.I. Barnhisel (ed). ASMR, Lexington, KY. Abstract only, p 206, 2013

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has built and is operating the Eveline Mine Drainage Treatment Vault near Silverton, Colorado, to investigate innovative passive treatment technologies for acid mine drainage (AMD) in high alpine environments. In 2012, BLM explored the potential of combining Bauxsol Acid B Extra™ with three different matrix media—biochar, porous concrete, and pea gravel—to create a treatment system that (1) reduces metal concentrations in effluent waters, (2) reduces operational costs, and (3) avoids creation of a residual, toxic product needing specialized disposal. Results of field tests on continuous flows of AMD from the Eveline mine indicate that the combination of Bauxsol Acid B Extra™ (30%/vol) and biochar (70%/vol) achieved >95% removal of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, and >60% removal of Al and Pb, while maintaining adequate hydraulic conductivity.

Abreu, L., C.C. Lutes, and E.M. Nichols.
U.S. EPA, Office of Underground Storage Tanks. EPA 510-R-13-002, 79 pp, 2013

Sufficient oxygen must be available beneath a building for rapid aerobic biodegradation of vapors from petroleum hydrocarbons (and other biodegradable VOCs) to occur and thereby reduce or eliminate the potential for vapor intrusion into overlying buildings. The term "oxygen shadow" is qualitatively defined to mean existence of a concentration of oxygen at which its availability substantially limits the rate of aerobic biodegradation. This report describes the results of 3-D finite difference vapor transport modeling simulations performed for systematic assessment of the development of an oxygen shadow beneath a building. These new simulation results build upon earlier studies aimed at improving the understanding of the impact of building footprint size on the oxygen shadow to inform development of guidance on petroleum vapor intrusion by EPA's Office of Underground Storage Tanks. http://www.epa.gov/swerust1/cat/pvi/building-size-modeling.pdf

Meier, J., S. Snyder, V. Sigler, D. Altfater, M. Gray, B. Batin, P. Baumann, D. Gordon, P. Wernsing, and J. Lazorchak.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Vol 32 No 3, 653-661, 2013

A comprehensive study of the lower Little Scioto River near Marion, Ohio, was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of removal of creosote-contaminated sediment. The study area covered 7.5 river miles, including a remediated section. Fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages, fish biomarkers (i.e., PAH metabolite levels in white sucker and common carp bile and DNA damage), sediment chemistry, and water quality were assessed at five locations relative to the primary source of historical PAH contamination upstream, adjacent, and downstream. The remediation effectively reduced sediment contaminant concentrations and exposure of fish to PAHs, and it improved fish assemblages in remediated river sections. Additional remediation is needed to improve the downstream benthic fish community, however, which is still heavily exposed to PAHs.

Van Emon, J.M. and J.C. Chuang.
Chemosphere, Vol 90 No 1, 1-6, 2013

An immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) column was developed as a simple cleanup procedure for preparing environmental samples for analysis of PCBs. Soil and sediment samples were prepared using pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), followed by the IAC cleanup, with detection by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Quantitative recoveries (84-130%) of PCB-126 were obtained in fortified sediment and soil samples using this method, demonstrating that the IAC procedure effectively removed interferences from the soil and sediment matrices. With 99.9% methanol/0.1% Triton X-100 as the elution solvent, the IAC column could be reused more than 20 times with no change in performance. Results of 17 soil and sediment samples prepared by PLE/IAC/ELISA correlated well with those obtained from a conventional multi-step cleanup with GC-MS detection. http://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_file_download.cfm?p_download_id=507750

Nelson, C., T. Gilmore, J. Harrington, K. Scheckel, B. Miller, and K. Bradham.
Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, Vol 15 No 3, 573-578, 2013

U.S. EPA's in vitro bioaccessibility (IVBA) method 9200.1-86 defines a validated analytical procedure for the determination of lead bioaccessibility in contaminated soil. An intra-laboratory study was conducted to compare lead bioaccessibility values derived using two extraction devices: (1) a custom-fabricated extraction device that uses a heated water bath for sample incubation and (2) a commercially available extraction device capable of sample incubation via heated air and end-over-end rotation. The statistical agreement of lead IVBA values observed using the two extraction devices supports the use of the low-cost, commercially available extraction device as a reliable alternative to the custom-fabricated device required by EPA method 9200.1-86. http://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_file_download.cfm?p_download_id=512399

Asensio, V., F.A. Vega, L. Andrade, E.F. Covelo, and B.R. Singh.
AquaConsoil 2013, 16-19 April 2013, Barcelona. Paper 2513, 6 pp, 2013

A study was conducted to determine whether phytoremediation or organic amendments performed most effectively in decreasing the bioavailability of heavy metals in contaminated mine soils. The investigators evaluated both the mobility and phytoavailability of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in different soil fractions in reclaimed soils from a copper mine settling pond. The reclamation of settling pond soils by planting pines or amending with sewage sludge and paper mill residues decreased the levels of Cr and Cu contamination, as well as mobile forms of these heavy metals. The investigators recommend caution with the wastes used to amend, however, because of the potential to increase Pb and Zn concentrations in the amended soils. See paper 2513 in the file that opens (probably very slowly) from http://www.aquaconsoil.org/AquaConSoil2013/Procs_Theme_D_files/ThS_D4_3_Oral.pdf.

Sibrell, P.L., C. Denholm, and M.H. Dunn.
2013 National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, June 1-6, 2013, Laramie, Wyoming. R.I. Barnhisel (ed). ASMR, Lexington, KY. 301-317, 2013

The use of limestone diversion wells to treat acid mine drainage is well known, but acid neutralization is insufficient in many cases due to channeling or slow reaction rate. A new approach to improve the performance of the diversion well was tested in the field at the Jennings Environmental Education Center, near Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. (1) Use of a finer size distribution of limestone improved fluidization of the limestone bed, thus eliminating channeling and increasing particle surface area for faster reaction rates, and (2) regulation of water flow through the use of a dosing siphon achieved more consistent limestone fluidization. Initial system performance during the 2010 field season achieved net alkaline water, but hydraulic problems involving air release and limestone sand retention were observed. A yet finer size limestone sand installed in the summer of 2011 fluidized more readily, but acid neutralization tapered off after several days when the formation of iron oxides in the pipe leading to the limestone bed compromised system hydraulics. Despite the mixed results, further tests are being considered using a different hydraulic configuration for the limestone sand fluidized bed. http://www.asmr.us/Meetings/2013/Abstracts%20and%20papers/0301-Sibrell-WV.pdf

Legault, Emily K., Master's thesis, University of Washington, 89 pp, 2013

In a 6-year field study, transgenic poplar (Populas tremula x Populus alba) genetically modified with mammalian cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) was evaluated for its ability to enhance degradation of TCE in the subsurface. In each of three test beds—(1) 12 CYP2E1 hybrid poplars, (2) 12 wild-type hybrid poplars, and (3) an unplanted control—a mass balance was performed to determine the fate of TCE and quantify primary loss pathways. Total chlorinated ethene removal was 87% in the CYP2E1 test bed, 85% in the wild-type, and 34% in the control in the 2012 growing season. Chloride ion accumulated in the vadose zone soil of the planted test beds that approximated the TCE loss, suggesting that dehalogenation was the primary loss fate. The transgenic CYP2E1 poplars demonstrated enhanced degradation of TCE in the field, though less than in lab studies, thus highlighting the importance of field tests to identify inherent differences in mass transfer processes between lab and field experiments that can limit the effectiveness of enhanced plant metabolism. https://digital.lib.washington.edu/researchworks/handle/1773/22906

Limmer, M.A., M. Shetty, S. Markus, R. Kroeker, B. Parker, C. Martinez, and J.G. Burken.
Environmental Science & Technology, [pre-print prior to publication] July 2013

Directional tree coring is a new phytoscreening tool. The concept originated from field data that indicated azimuthal concentrations in tree trunks reflected the concentration gradients in the groundwater around the tree. In a greenhouse study, large-diameter trees were subjected to subsurface contaminant concentration gradients. Analysis of azimuthal concentration gradients in aboveground tree tissues revealed contaminant centroids located on the side of the tree nearest the most contaminated groundwater. Tree coring at three field sites showed that sufficiently steep contaminant gradients in trees reflected nearby groundwater contaminant gradients. In practice, trees possessing steep contaminant gradients are indicators of steep subsurface contaminant gradients, providing compass-like information about the contaminant gradient and pointing investigators toward higher concentration regions of the plume. http://www.nyabsuperfund.com/Documents/Directional%20Phytoscreening.pdf

Reena, M., C. Majhi, A.K. Arya, R. Kumar, and A. Kumar.
African Journal of Biotechnology, Vol 11 No 35, 8718-8721, 2012

BioRaDBase (http://biorad.igib.res.in) is the first database dedicated to microorganisms that have been investigated or engineered for the remediation of environmental media contaminated by radioactive waste. The database serves as a comprehensive knowledge base to search for bacteria and fungi that have the ability to transform radioactive waste. The information is organized under five categories: (1) type of radioactive waste, (2) microorganisms, (3) genus listing, (4) publications, and (5) waste management. The entries are linked to external databases, such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information. http://www.academicjournals.org/ajb/PDF/pdf2012/1May/Reena%20et%20al.pdf

Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences News Release, 8 July 2013

A device that can instantly identify unknown liquids based on their surface tension was invented in 2011 in a collaborative project between professors Joanna Aizenberg and Marko Loncar at Harvard University. The "Watermark Ink" (W-INK) device offers a cheap, fast, and portable way to perform quality control tests and detect liquid contaminants. W-INK fits in the palm of a hand and requires no power source. The W-INK concept relies on a precisely fabricated material called an inverse opal, a layered glass structure with an internal network of ordered, interconnected air pores. Akin to the litmus paper used in chemistry labs around the world to detect the pH of a liquid, the W-INK device changes color when it encounters a liquid with a particular surface tension. A single chip can react differently to a wide range of substances; it is also sensitive enough to distinguish between two very closely related liquids. Selectively treating parts of the inverse opal with vaporized chemicals and oxygen plasma creates variations in the reactive properties of the pores and channels, allowing one liquid to pass through while excluding others. When the correct liquid enters a pore, the chip reflects light differently, producing a telltale change in color. http://www.seas.harvard.edu/news/2013/07/watermark-ink-device-wins-rd-100-award

Trojanowicz, M. and M. Koc.
Mikrochimica Acta, Vol 180, 957-971, 2013

This review presents recent achievements in perfluoroalkyl substances determination in various matrices with different methods and compares them to measurements of total organic fluorine. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3728443/

Hyman, M.
Current Opinions in Biotechnology, Vol 24 No 3, 443-450, June 2013

This review highlights recent advances in our understanding of the microorganisms, enzymes, and pathways involved in both the aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation of ether oxygenates, such as MTBE, and their tertiary alcohol metabolites. This review also aims to illustrate how these microbiological and biochemical studies have guided and helped to refine molecular and stable isotope-based analytical approaches that are being used increasingly to detect and quantify biodegradation of these compounds in contaminated environments.

Truex, M.J. and K.C. Carroll.
PNNL-21815; RPT-DVZ-AFRI-004, 67 pp, 2013

This report presents a remedy evaluation framework 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 likely 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. http://www.osti.gov/bridge/servlets/purl/1088641/

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), 120 pp, 2013

The purpose of this addendum is to provide to the public and to federal, state, and local agencies a non-peer reviewed supplement of the scientific data published in the open peer-reviewed literature since the release of the ATSDR TCE toxicological profile in 1997. Chapter numbers in this addendum coincide with the chapters in the 1997 TCE profile. This document should be used in conjunction with the profile—it does not replace it. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tce_addendum.pdf

Cook, K.
EPA 600-S-13-079, 40 pp, June 2012

Drawing from peer reviewed literature, scientific documents, EPA reports, website sources, input from experts in the field, and other pertinent information, this engineering issue paper provides an overview of PCB contamination and remediation in soils and dredged sediments. This information includes the type of data and site characteristics needed by site cleanup managers to evaluate mainly ex situ technologies—incineration, landfill disposal, thermal desorption, solvent extraction, solidification/stabilization, and chemical dehalogenation—for potential applicability to hazardous waste site cleanup. http://nepis.epa.gov/Adobe/PDF/P100GJNO.pdf

Wilson, J.T., J.W. Weaver, and H. White.
EPA 600-R-13-047, 35 pp, Dec 2012

Definition of subsurface lateral and vertical inclusion zones in combination makes the best use of site characterization data for assessing the risk of petroleum vapor intrusion (PVI) to structures at a leaking underground storage tank site. The procedures outlined in this issue paper provide a realistic data-driven approach to screen buildings for vulnerability to PVI. http://nepis.epa.gov/Adobe/PDF/P100GBVW.pdf

Stroo, H.F., A. Leeson, and C.H. Ward (eds).
Springer, New York. SERDP-ESTCP Environmental Remediation Technology, Vol 5. ISBN: 978-1-4614-4114-4, 389 pp, 2013

This volume offers a review of the past 10 to 15 years of intensive research and development that has led to the acceptance of bioaugmentation technology. It provides background information on the basic microbial processes involved and a summary of the most important bioaugmentation strategies. The 12 chapters include the following topics:

• Production and Handling of Dehalococcoides Bioaugmentation Cultures.
• Bioaugmentation for MTBE Remediation.
• Bioaugmentation for Aerobic Degradation of cis-1,2-Dichloroethene.
• Bioaugmentation with Pseudomonas Stutzeri KC for Carbon Tetrachloride Remediation.
• Bioaugmentation for the In situ Aerobic Cometabolism of Chlorinated Solvents.

The table of contents with abstracts is available at http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4614-4115-1/page/1.

U.S. Navy, ERT2: Environmental Restoration Technology Transfer, 66 slides, 2013

The commingling of plumes of PAHs or PCBs can complicate the assessment of contaminated sites, and understanding these complications is crucial to developing effective remedial systems. This training tool is designed to provide information about advanced chemical fingerprinting (ACF) for PAHs and PCBs in sediments. ACF provides a valuable tool for effective characterization of these complicated sites. [Note: The website may be slow to load.]
Multimedia version: https://ert2.navfac.navy.mil/template.aspx#tool=PCBPAH&page=Intro1
Print-friendly version: https://ert2.navfac.navy.mil/printfriendly.aspx?tool=PCBPAH

U.S. EPA, Regional Tier 3 Toxicity Value Workgroup, OSWER Human Health Regional Risk Assessors Forum. OSWER Directive 9285.7-86, 84 pp, 16 May 2013

This document provides recommendations on processes to improve the transparency and consistency of identifying, evaluating, selecting, and documenting Tier 3 toxicity values for use in the Superfund and RCRA programs. The text supplements the 2003 OSWER Directive 9285.7-53, "Human Health Toxicity Values in Superfund Risk Assessments," which recommends the hierarchy of human health toxicity values sources used for screening and baseline risk assessments at Superfund sites. This white paper will be used to assist regional risk assessors in selecting Tier 3 toxicity values and to provide the foundation for future regional and national efforts to improve guidance and policy on Tier 3 toxicity values. http://www.epa.gov/oswer/riskassessment/pdf/tier3-toxicityvalue-whitepaper.pdf

Selim, H.M. (ed).
CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. ISBN: 9781439880142, 426 pp, 2012

Most reported incidents of soil contamination include an array of heavy metal species rather than a single ion. The interactions in these multicomponent or multiple-ion systems significantly affect the fate and transport of heavy metals, and competition for sorption sites on soil matrix surfaces is a common phenomenon; hence, consideration of competitive sorption is an important part of predicting contaminant transport. This text provides information needed to understand heavy metals' sorption and transport in the vadose zone and aquifers, beginning with an overview of the competitive behavior of heavy metals and then taking a closer look at metals behavior in tropical soils, speciation and fractionation, accumulation, migration, competitive retention, and contamination of water resources at watershed scale. The book also presents extensive data on phosphate, a commonly used fertilizer, and its role in facilitating the release of trace elements. The final chapter looks at the effect of waterlogged conditions on arsenic and cadmium solubilization.

ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA. 22 pp, 2013

This guide presents a framework that allows and encourages the user to address sustainable aspects (environmental, economic, and social) within cleanup projects in incremental steps. The user can implement this guide to integrate sustainable objectives into a cleanup while working within applicable regulatory criteria. The guide provides an overarching, consistent, transparent, and scalable framework that helps the user identify and incorporate sustainable best management practices (BMPs) into site cleanup (both assessment and remediation), and enables the user to perform measurement of BMPs during the cleanup process. The guide is not, however, a stand-alone document and does not provide all the information needed to complete the cleanup process. More information at http://www.astm.org/Standards/E2876.htm.

U.S. EPA, Office of Water, Webcast (MP4), 16:14 mins, 2013

This webcast describes and illustrates the use of the document of the same title (EPA 817-B-12-002, 96 pp, 2012). These resources are designed to provide recommendations that can be useful in preparing for contamination threats and events. Use of the guide is voluntary, and the recommendations are broad ones that can be adapted to a specific situation or incident.
Guide: http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/watersecurity/emerplan/upload/epa817b12002.pdf
Webcast: http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/watersecurity/emerplan/decon/upload/disposalguidewebcast.mp4

U.S. EPA, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response.
OSWER 9200.1-117FS, 6 pp, 2013

This fact sheet explains how improved processing of soil samples to control the effects of soil heterogeneity will improve data quality and decision-making. It recommends application of incremental-composite sampling procedures in the laboratory to improve soil processing and subsampling precision. http://www.clu-in.org/download/char/RolesofPMsandLabsinSubsampling.pdf

Geller, W., M. Schultze, R. Kleinmann, and C. Wolkersdorfer (eds).
Springer, Berlin. ebook ISBN: 978-3-642-29384-9, 525 pp, 2013

This monograph provides an international perspective on pit lakes in post-mining landscapes, including the problem of acidification. In the first section, general scientific issues are presented in 21 contributions from the fields of geo-environmental science, water chemistry, lake physics, and modeling of the peculiar biological features that occur in the extreme habitats of acidic pit lakes. Another section provides an overview of methods currently used to remediate acidic pit lakes and treat outflowing acidic water. Rounding out the book are a collection of regional surveys of pit lake problems from three European countries and Australia, case studies of individual representative lakes, and a final case study of an innovative approach to assessing the economic value of new pit lakes. See the table of contents and sample pages at http://www.springer.com/earth+sciences+and+geography/environmental+science+%26+engineering/book/978-3-642-29383-2.

Bastiaens, L. (ed).
VITO nv, Belgium. ISBN: 9789058570093, 262 pp, 2012

To improve interaction between different disciplines as well as between people involved in different aspects of water management, the first Water Technology & Management Symposium brought together scientists, policy makers (local, country, and European level), consultants, site owners, water managers, and remediation companies who are working on or involved in water quality. Although most of the discussions are focused on groundwater remediation, the presenters also explore potential approaches to the integration of groundwater and surface water into one water-management strategy. https://aquarehab.vito.be/home/Documents/Proceedings_First_European_Symposium_Barcelona_20120925.pdf

Nathanail, C.P.
U.K. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), SP1003, 74 pp, 2013

This report identifies the skill sets needed in science, engineering, humanities, and mathematics for effective implementation of contaminated land policy in the UK. The author notes that at the present time, there is plentiful staff capacity but possibly a dwindling supply of expertise within the contaminated land sector. Evidence was gathered via review of literature and online materials together with structured interviews with key individuals across the sector. http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Default.aspx?Menu=Menu&Module=More&Location=None&Completed=0&ProjectID=16186