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Role Of Synchrotron Techniques In USEPA Regulatory And Remediation Decisions
Citation:
SCHECKEL, K. G. AND R. G. FORD. Role Of Synchrotron Techniques In USEPA Regulatory And Remediation Decisions. Chapter 6, B. Singh and M. Grafe (ed.), Developments in Soil Science. Elsevier BV, AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, 34:147-169, (2010).
Impact/Purpose:
To review the utilization of synchrotron techniques to understand the reaction mechanisms of metals in water, soil, sediments, air, and consumer products in relation to human risk and environmental remediation. To provide a current summary of published studies that have employed synchrotron techniques to assess metal speciation in samples derived from contaminated sites or test systems designed to replicate conditions encountered at specific sites.
Description:
Science provides the foundation for credible decision making. Science is observation followed by an interpretation and understanding of the result of the measurement. Observations may not be correct, complete, or fully descriptive of the phenomena. Interpretation based on available data can lead to a false or flawed understanding, and yet it is the understanding that influences policy and decision making. What science provides is a basis of understanding for those who shape and decide policy. Only through adequate knowledge about the risks to human health and ecosystems, and innovative solutions to prevent pollution and reduce risk, can we continue to enjoy a high quality life. With a better understanding of environmental risks to people and ecosystems, regulatory agencies can target the hazards that pose the greatest risks and anticipate environmental problems before they reach a critical level. Although all regulatory agencies use science for policy and regulatory decision-making, some agencies do not perform research. The responsibility for leadership in science and research at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) resides in the Office of Research and Development (ORD). To maintain both short- and long-term relevance to USEPA's mission, ORD balances its scientific research activities across the two broad categories of problem-driven research (to solve current environmental problems of high risk and high scientific uncertainty) and core research (to improve the underlying scientific foundation for understanding and protecting human health and the environment). These two aspects of ORD's research program at times overlap and can be mutually reinforcing in which work on a particular problem can lead to a fundamental breakthrough, and discoveries made while conducting core research can sovle a particular environmental problem. USEPA needs both types of research, and the synergy between them enhances ORD's overall research program. A recent role of research leadership for USEPA is the utilization of synchrotron techniques to understand the reaction mechansims of metals in water, soil, sediments, air, and consumer products in relation to human risk and environmental remediation. The National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) of ORD has participated as a member of the Materials Research Collaborative Access Team (MRCAT) at the Advanced Photon Source of Argonne National Laboratory since 2004 and as independent general users at the major synchrotron facilities in the United States since the 1990s. Through this interaction, USEPA scientists have produced numerous reports and publications as well as high-quality data in support of specific projects leading to advanced understanding of complex environmental issues. Much of the accomplished research is leading to a new role of science in understanding the risk of metals as well as methods for remediation of contaminated sites and prediction of metal bioavailability. The paradigm approach to understanding a contaminated environment by identifying the speciation and distribution of metals via synchrotron techniques allows definitive knowledge of risk to humans and ecosystems and is further enhanced in designing remedial actions to eliminate risk. The role and use of science at USEPA are determined by the nature of scientifc information and how it fits within the context of USEPA decision making. Scientific information always includes some degree of uncertainty and is subject to varying interpretations. Scientific knowledge is not only uncertain, but also dynamic. By conducting research that is designed to reduce uncertainties, our understanding increases and, as a result, we change our assumptions about the impacts of environmental problems and how they should be addressed. Therefore it is important to note that while synchrotron techniques are powerful tools to understand the forms and fate of metals in the environment, the generated data do not explicitly define potential bioavailability or determination of remedial actions without further investigation and incorporation of site conditions and ecological receptors with respect to long-term protectiveness. In the remainder of this chapter, we provide a current summary of published studies that have employed synchrotron techniques to assess metal speciation in samples derived from contaminated sites or test systems designed to replicate conditions encountered at specific sites. This review is organized into specific sections that address (1) metal bioavailability prior to and/or following treatment, (2) characterization of solid materials to support selection of remediation strategies and evaluate their performance, and (3) development of models to describe contaminant behavior and validation of environmental data quality employed in these models. In each section, reference is made to peer-reviewed literature with descriptions of the types of synchrotron techniques employed and how speciation data were used.
URLs/Downloads:
URL.PDF (PDF, NA pp, 24 KB, about PDF)ROLE OF SYNCHROTRON TECHNIQUES IN USEPA REGULATORY AND REMEDIATION DECISIONS
