Grantee Research Project Results
2002 Progress Report: Midwest Hazardous Substance Research Center
EPA Grant Number: R828770Center: Center for the Study of Metals in the Environment
Center Director: Allen, Herbert E.
Title: Midwest Hazardous Substance Research Center
Investigators: Banks, M. Katherine , Voice, Thomas C. , Reddi, Lakshmi N. , Novak, John T.
Current Investigators: Banks, M. Katherine , Brusseau, Mark , Voice, Thomas C. , Reddi, Lakshmi N. , Gerba, Charles P. , Novak, John T. , Blanford, William
Institution: Kansas State University , Central State University , Michigan State University , Missouri University of Science and Technology , University of Cincinnati , University of South Carolina at Columbia , Haskell Indian Nations University , Howard University , Purdue University
Current Institution: Kansas State University , Central State University , Haskell Indian Nations University , Howard University , Michigan State University , Missouri University of Science and Technology , Purdue University , University of Cincinnati , University of South Carolina at Columbia , Virginia Tech
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2006
Project Period Covered by this Report: October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2002
RFA: Hazardous Substance Research Centers - HSRC (2001) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , Land and Waste Management
Objective:
The objectives of the Midwest Hazardous Substance Research Center (MHSRC) are to further research, extend outreach, and advance technology transfer.
The Center's research focus is on low-cost, natural remediation techniques that clean hazardous substances while enhancing redevelopment opportunities. The Center's research is national in scope and benefits many types of industry, including oil/gas processing and refining, automotive manufacturing, railroads, landfills, mining, and federal facilities.
Three services compose the outreach program: Technical Outreach Services to Communities (TOSC), Technical Assistance to Brownfields Communities (TAB), and Technical Outreach Services to Native American Communities (TOSNAC). TOSC and TAB provide technical education services to communities affected by hazardous substances in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regions 5 and 4, while TOSNAC assists Native American communities.
The technology transfer program seeks to advance the transfer of information and technology and to facilitate full-scale application of remediation technologies developed from Center research efforts. The program supports the overall mission of the MHSRC program by: (1) providing technology outreach to communities and industry; (2) providing training and information about hazardous substances and environmental issues; (3) advancing research through cooperation between centers, universities, and industry; (4) creating linkages between organizations; (5) advocating transfer of technology; and (6) involving underrepresented groups.
Progress Summary:
Remediation technologies used for contaminated sites are often destructive to the resource, permanently changing the original properties of the soil, sediment, or aquifer. Researchers at the MHSRC are working to develop alternative remediation methods, such as natural attenuation, phytoremediation, and bioremediation, to simultaneously remove the pollutant and restore the site as a viable resource. The projected cost savings through use of these innovative in situ technologies range from 50 to 80 percent of the total remediation costs. The incorporation of natural cleanup methods into site remediation plans to ultimately achieve ecological restoration and enhance site redevelopment is a unique solution to a difficult problem.
The MHSRC successfully addressed hazardous substance research issues for our EPA region pair during the first year of operation. In EPA Regions 5 and 7, development of in situ low-cost remediation technologies for soils, sediments, and groundwater is a high priority. More broadly, research conducted by MHSRC principal investigators allows risk management estimates related to the fate and bioavailability of contaminants to be more accurate by providing a larger real-world database.
Researchers at the MHSRC are specifically addressing hazardous substance issues through seven projects (also see individual project report summaries). These projects are:
· Sustainable Remediation. The goal of this research project is to determine if natural revegetation and community succession is an effective and sustainable method for the stabilization and remediation of contaminated sites.
· Incorporating Natural Attenuation Into Design and Management Strategies for Contaminated Sites. The goal of this research project is to utilize monitored natural attenuation (MNA) techniques for removal of source material and reduction of risk for contaminated soil and groundwater.
· Removal by Constructed Wetlands. The goal of this research project is to evaluate the capacity of constructed wetlands to treat lead-mine drainage, including the determination of metal geochemistry in the wetland sediments.
· Adaptation of Subsurface Microbial Biofilm Communities in Response to Chemical Stressors. The goal of this research project is to effectively restore contaminated subsurface environments by using the structures and functions of microbial biofilm communities to counteract chemical stressors.
· Dewatering, Remediation, and Evaluation of Dredged Sediments. The goal of this research project is to use plant-based technologies to remediate sediments and to allow the treated sediments to be used for industrial fill or construction material in the future.
· Interaction of Various Plan Species With Microbial PCB-Degraders in Contaminated Soils. The goal of this research project is to bioremediate industrial sites contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) using bacterial in situ methods, such as rhizosphere phytoremediation.
· Indicators of Bioremediation Potential and Success. The goal of this research project is to evaluate the potential use of a suite of microbiological techniques for the assessment of bioremediation efficiency.
Results from these research projects will contribute to development of new remediation tools, optimization of existing remediation processes, and increased remediation success stories nationwide.
Through the MHSRC outreach programs, Center staff and researchers are helping a number of communities. Highlights of the MHSRC TOSC, TAB, and TOSNAC programs include assistance to more than 40 communities and citizen's groups. The MHSRC outreach activities have been very successful, because of the experience and dedication of our outreach staff.
Future directions for the Center include expanded research and outreach projects.
For
Years 3 through 5 of MHSRC operation, additional research projects will be selected
for funding. The proposal topics are not limited, although development of low-cost
technologies for monitoring and treatment of hazardous substances is the target
research focus of the Center. As in the past, industrial collaboration is highly
encouraged.
The MHSRC was established as a model of university/EPA/industry partnering. This partnership continues to grow and develop. The MHSRC researchers and staff are working on many hazardous substance issues through interdisciplinary research projects with industrial involvement. Our industrial partnering program is in the early stages of operation, and will expand significantly over the next year.
Outreach staff representatives for TOSC, TAB, and TOSNAC provide assistance to many communities in EPA Regions 5 and 7. Although these outstanding efforts will continue, identification of new partnership opportunities is of interest to our outreach staff in the future. Partnership agreements between the MHSRC and two organizations?Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) and the National Wildlife Council?are in the development stage. Better linkages with state environmental regulatory agencies is an achievable goal through the ITRC and other national organizations, such as the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO).
The MHSRC collaborative research and outreach programs are beneficial for all participants. As a centralized funding organization, the MHSRC is providing the support and opportunity for researchers, practitioners, and regulators to meet common environmental cleanup goals. Our continued efforts will contribute to site cleanup and reuse throughout the nation.
Future Activities:
We will use the results from these research projects to contribute to the development of new remediation tools, optimization of existing remediation processes, and increased remediation success stories nationwide.
Journal Articles: 14 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
| Other center views: | All 108 publications | 22 publications in selected types | All 14 journal articles |
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Brauner JS, Widdowson MA, Novak JT, Love NG. Biodegradation of a PAH mixture by native subsurface microbiota. Bioremediation Journal 2002;6(1):9-24. |
R828770 (2002) R828770 (2003) R828770 (Final) R828770C004 (2003) |
Exit Exit |
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De S, Perkins M, Dutta SK. Nitrate reductase gene involvement in hexachlorobiphenyl dechlorination by Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2006;135(1-3):350-354. |
R828770 (2003) R828770 (Final) |
Exit Exit Exit |
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Dutta SK, Adam A, Toure O, Williams AL, Chen YQ. Indigenous mixed soil bacteria in presence of compatible plants are more efficient in PCB degradation. Fresenius Environmental Bulletin 2003;12(3):314-319. |
R828770 (Final) R828770C008 (2003) |
Exit Exit |
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Euliss KW, Dorsey BL, Benke KC, Banks MK, Schwab AP. The use of plant tissue silica content for estimating transpiration. Ecological Engineering 2005;25(4):343-348. |
R828770 (Final) |
Exit Exit Exit |
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Euliss K, Ho C-H, Schwab AP, Rock S, Banks MK. Greenhouse and field assessment of phytoremediation for petroleum contaminants in a riparian zone. Bioresource Technology 2008;99(6):1961-1971. |
R828770 (Final) |
Exit |
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Ho C-H, Banks MK. Degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the rhizosphere of Festuca arundinacea and associated microbial community changes. Bioremediation Journal 2006;10(3):93-104. |
R828770 (Final) |
Exit |
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Ho C-H, Applegate B, Banks MK. Impact of microbial/plant interactions on the transformation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rhizosphere of Festuca arundinacea. International Journal of Phytoremediation 2007;9(2):107-114. |
R828770 (Final) |
Exit |
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Kang D-H, Hong LY, Schwab AP, Banks MK. Removal of Prussian blue from contaminated soil in the rhizosphere of cyanogenic plants. Chemosphere 2007;69(9):1492-1498. |
R828770 (Final) |
Exit Exit Exit |
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Robinson SL, Novak JT, Widdowson MA, Crosswell SB, Fetterolf GJ. Field and laboratory evaluation of the impact of tall fescue on polyaromatic hydrocarbon degradation in an aged creosote-contaminated surface soil. Journal of Environmental Engineering-ASCE 2003;129(3):232-240. |
R828770 (2002) R828770 (2003) R828770 (Final) R828770C004 (2003) |
Exit |
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Smith KE, Schwab AP, Banks MK. Phytoremediation of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-contaminated sediment: a greenhouse feasibility study. Journal of Environmental Quality 2007;36(1):239-244. |
R828770 (Final) |
Exit |
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Song Y, Fitch M, Burken J, Nass L, Chilukiri S, Gale N, Ross C. Lead and zinc removal by laboratory-scale constructed wetlands. Water Environment Research 2001;73(1):37-44. |
R828770 (2002) R828770 (2003) R828770 (Final) R828770C005 (2002) R828770C005 (2003) |
Exit |
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Song Y, Fitch M, Burken J, Ross C. Adsorption of lead and zinc in the substrates of constructed wetlands. Water Environment Research. 2001;73(1):37-44. |
R828770 (2002) R828770C005 (2002) R828770C005 (2003) |
not available |
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Toure O, Chen YQ, Dutta SK. Sinorhizobium meliloti electrotransporant containing ortho-dechlorination gene shows enhanced PCB dechlorination. Fresenius Environmental Bulletin 2003;12(3 Spec Iss):320-322. |
R828770 (2003) R828770 (Final) R828770C008 (2003) |
Exit |
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Zimmerman AR, Kang D-H, Ahn M-Y, Hyun S, Banks MK. Influence of a soil enzyme on iron-cyanide complex speciation and mineral adsorption. Chemosphere 2008;70(6):1044-1051. |
R828770 (Final) |
Exit Exit Exit |
Supplemental Keywords:
phytoremediation, remediation, bioremediation, hazardous substance, contaminant, bioavailability, monitored natural attenuation, MNA, groundwater, wetland, dewatering, polychlorinated biphenyls, PCBs, EPA Region 5, EPA Region 7., RFA, Scientific Discipline, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, Waste, Environmental Chemistry, Hazardous Waste, Ecological Risk Assessment, Environmental Engineering, Hazardous, contaminated sediments, hazardous waste treatment, advanced treatment technologies, oil wells, Federal facilities, outreach and training, contaminated soil, groundwater remediation, remediation, automobile manufacturing, contaminated groundwater, technology transfer, mining wastesRelevant Websites:
http://bridge.ecn.purdue.edu/~mhsrc/ Exit
Progress and Final Reports:
Original Abstract Subprojects under this Center: (EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
R828770C001 Technical Outreach Services for Communities
R828770C002 Technical Outreach Services for Native American Communities
R828770C003 Sustainable Remediation
R828770C004 Incorporating Natural Attenuation Into Design and Management
Strategies For Contaminated Sites
R828770C005 Metals Removal by Constructed Wetlands
R828770C006 Adaptation of Subsurface Microbial Biofilm Communities in Response to Chemical Stressors
R828770C007 Dewatering, Remediation, and Evaluation of Dredged Sediments
R828770C008 Interaction of Various Plant Species with Microbial PCB-Degraders
in Contaminated Soils
R828770C009 Microbial Indicators of Bioremediation Potential and Success
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.