Grantee Research Project Results

Managing Soil and Water Contamination Using Innovative Predictive and Remediative Treatment Techniques (SIP)

EPA Grant Number: R829422E01
Title: Managing Soil and Water Contamination Using Innovative Predictive and Remediative Treatment Techniques (SIP)
Investigators: Shea, Patrick J.
Institution: University of Nebraska at Lincoln
EPA Project Officer: Chung, Serena
Project Period: August 5, 2002 through August 4, 2004 (Extended to August 4, 2005)
Project Amount: $17,400
RFA: EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) (2001) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: EPSCoR (The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research)

Description:

Objective:

The Nebraska SIP, in association with two SEER projects, seeks to develop an interdisciplinary research group which will promote greater collaboration among researchers in the State and increase interactions between basic and applied researchers. SIP objectives are to: (1) form a unique clustering of multidisciplinary expertise strongly competitive for funding; (2) increase interactions between science and engineering; (3) increase the visibility and recognition of the University as an active contributor to the growing area of environmental remediation and restoration; (4) attract graduate and undergraduate students; and (5) promote technology transfer for environmentally responsible economic development in Nebraska and the region.

Approach:

The SEER projects focus on innovative use of zerovalent iron (Fe⁰) as an environmentally benign management tool to promote remediation and restore biological activity in contaminated environments. SEER projects: (1) employ a novel technique to predict contaminant reactivity to reductive treatment (prediction) and (2) establish a kinetic and mechanistic framework for remediation (technology). These projects include unique collaborations in basic and applied research, and engineering. SIP resources will bring recognized scientists and engineers to the University of Nebraska campuses to present seminars in fields related to environmental remediation and restoration. These individuals will also provide consultation to the SEER investigators. The SIP leader and/or SEER PIs will travel for consultation and funding opportunities through EPA and other agencies.

Expected Results:

Program accomplishments will enhance research competitiveness, provide new educational opportunities, and promote environmentally responsible economic development. It is expected that increased collaborations among academic institutions, federal research facilities, and industry will lead to the development of a center to provide organization and institutional infrastructure for environmental remediation research and education within the University and the State. New education opportunities will be provided to students conducting research in aspects of the SEER projects. Education and training of students in this interdisciplinary field of science, engineering and technology will prepare them for professional careers related to the management of natural resources in natural and managed ecosystems. Economic development will be fostered through the development of effective protocols for managing and assessing point-source and non-point source pollution. Businesses and industries are interested in collaborations to transfer new technologies to the public and private sectors.

Publications and Presentations:

Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 6 publications for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

cleanup, restoration, environmental chemistry, physics, engineering, Northcentral, Nebraska, NE., Scientific Discipline, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, Geographic Area, Waste, Remediation, State, Ecology, Environmental Chemistry, Contaminated Sediments, Ecology and Ecosystems, Environmental Engineering, Nebraska (NE), contaminated sediment, sediment treatment, contaminated aquifers, contaminated groundwater, groundwater remediation, reductive treatment, contaminated soil, remediation technologies, hazardous waste, zero valent iron, ecology assessment models

Progress and Final Reports:

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.