Science Inventory

Methodology for Scenario-Based Assessments and Demonstration of Treatment Effectiveness using the Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework (LEAF)

Citation:

Garrabrants, A., D. Kosson, K. Brown, D. Fagnant, G. Helms, AND S. Thorneloe. Methodology for Scenario-Based Assessments and Demonstration of Treatment Effectiveness using the Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework (LEAF). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, 406:124635, (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124635

Impact/Purpose:

A hypothetical management scenario for cement stabilization of contaminated soil from a copper and lead smelter is used to illustrate the methodology for developing scenario-based leaching assessments using the Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework (LEAF).

Description:

A screening assessment to evaluate treatment effectiveness of waste stabilization is provided using site- and scenario-specific information depending on the disposal or utilization environmental conditions that can drive mobility of inorganic constituents of potential concern (COPCs). LEAF scenario-based assessments assume that (i) granular materials leach through equilibrium partitioning with percolating contact water, and (ii) monolithic materials, such low permeability solidified/stabilized soils, leach through diffusion-based mass transport to water contact interface on the external monolith interface. Therefore, scenario assessments present an opportunity to demonstrate treatment effectiveness by considering both physical and chemical retention characteristics of the material. This study provides an example of how assessment results are impacted by the duration of the assessment period and the characteristics of the scenario as an aid to informing future management decisions for either RCRA or CERCLA waste.