Grantee Research Project Results

Chemical, Physical, and Biological Processes at the Surface of Palladium Catalysts Under Groundwater Treatment Conditions

EPA Grant Number: R828772C004
Subproject: this is subproject number 004 , established and managed by the Center Director under grant R828772
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
Center: Solutions for Energy, AiR, Climate and Health Center (SEARCH)
Center Director: Bell, Michelle L.
Title: Chemical, Physical, and Biological Processes at the Surface of Palladium Catalysts Under Groundwater Treatment Conditions
Investigators: Reinhard, Martin , Westall, John C.
Institution: Stanford University , Oregon State University
Current Institution: Oregon State University
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2003
RFA: Hazardous Substance Research Centers - HSRC (2001) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , Land and Waste Management

Objective:

The objectives of this research project are to: (1) evaluate the impacts of groundwater on catalyst activity; (2) elucidate the chemical and physical mechanisms responsible for changes in catalyst activity; (3) investigate potential biofouling issues that may result from biological activity expected in long-term treatment applications; and (4) develop convenient and economical methods to regenerate catalysts in situ.

Batch studies with supported palladium catalysts have demonstrated the potential of the palladium/hydrogen process for treating groundwaters or effluent streams that are contaminated by halogenated compounds. These studies yielded virtually complete reductive dehalogenation of chlorinated ethylenes to ethane at room temperature in short contact times, with reaction rates that are orders of magnitude higher than zero-valent iron. Other batch studies have shown the ability of palladium to catalyze the reaction of a range of compounds: all six species of chlorinated ethylenes, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, Freon 113, chlorobenzene, naphthalene, lindane, and 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane. However, laboratory column studies and field tests have indicated that catalyst activity may decline over time, thereby potentially affecting the economic competitiveness of this process. Research is needed to optimize the catalyst and operating parameters for the field. This will be accomplished by determining the causes of activity loss and the means for preventing or minimizing such effects.

Publications and Presentations:

Publications have been submitted on this subproject: View all 1 publications for this subproject | View all 168 publications for this center

Supplemental Keywords:

palladium catalyst, groundwater, trichloroethylene, TCE, surface science, environmental chemistry., RFA, Scientific Discipline, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, Waste, Environmental Chemistry, Hazardous Waste, Groundwater remediation, Hazardous, Environmental Engineering, carbon tetrachloride, hazardous waste treatment, chlorinated ethylenes, napthalene, advanced treatment technologies, palladium catalysis, catalysts, contaminated groundwater, groundwater contamination, palladium catalysts

Progress and Final Reports:

2002 Progress Report

Final

Main Center Abstract and Reports:

R828772 Solutions for Energy, AiR, Climate and Health Center (SEARCH)

Subprojects under this Center: (EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
R828772C001 Developing and Optimizing Biotransformation Kinetics for the Bio- remediation of Trichloroethylene at NAPL Source Zone Concentrations
R828772C002 Strategies for Cost-Effective In-situ Mixing of Contaminants and Additives in Bioremediation
R828772C003 Aerobic Cometabolism of Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Compounds with Butane-Grown Microorganisms
R828772C004 Chemical, Physical, and Biological Processes at the Surface of Palladium Catalysts Under Groundwater Treatment Conditions
R828772C006 Development of the Push-Pull Test to Monitor Bioaugmentation with Dehalogenating Cultures
R828772C007 Development and Evaluation of Field Sensors for Monitoring Bioaugmentation with Anaerobic Dehalogenating Cultures for In-Situ Treatment of TCE
R828772C008 Training and Technology Transfer
R828772C009 Technical Outreach Services for Communities (TOSC) and Technical Assistance to Brownfields Communities (TAB) Programs
R828772C010 Aerobic Cometabolism of Chlorinated Ethenes by Microorganisms that Grow on Organic Acids and Alcohols
R828772C011 Development and Evaluation of Field Sensors for Monitoring Anaerobic Dehalogenation after Bioaugmentation for In Situ Treatment of PCE and TCE
R828772C012 Continuous-Flow Column Studies of Reductive Dehalogenation with Two Different Enriched Cultures: Kinetics, Inhibition, and Monitoring of Microbial Activity
R828772C013 Novel Methods for Laboratory Measurement of Transverse Dispersion in Porous Media
R828772C014 The Role of Micropore Structure in Contaminant Sorption and Desorption

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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.