Citation:

Lawrinenko, M., S. Kurwadkar, AND R. Wilkin. Long–Term Performance Evaluation of Zero-valent Iron Amended Permeable Reactive Barriers for Groundwater Remediation – A Mechanistic Approach. Geoscience Frontiers. Elsevier B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands, 14(2):101494, (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsf.2022.101494

Impact/Purpose:

The selection of groundwater remediation technologies is best supported by a detailed understanding of groundwater geochemistry, hydrologic characteristics, and mechanistic behavior of the remediation technology. This paper describes the positive and negative aspects of site groundwater geochemistry and hydrology that play into the selection of the Permeable Reactive Barrier (PRB) technology for treating organic and inorganic contaminants in groundwater. The work reviews the factors that impact PRB longevity, including mineralization, gas generation, and microbial activity. The longevity issue for remedial technologies is a high priority of agency partners who frequently ask about remedial timeframes and effectiveness. Necessary site characterization activities are outlined that can be used develop system designs at contaminated sites. The work is of interest to the international environmental community, including EPA’s regional, program, and local partners.

Description:

This product will describe to the Regions and Program Office the factors that impact PRB longevity, including mineralization, gas generation, and microbial activity.  The selection of groundwater remediation technologies is best supported by a detailed understanding of groundwater geochemistry, hydrologic characteristics, and mechanistic behavior of the remediation technology. This work will describe the positive and negative aspects of site groundwater geochemistry and hydrology that play into the selection of the Permeable Reactive Barrier (PRB) technology for treating organic and inorganic contaminants in groundwater. The work will review the factors that impact PRB longevity, including mineralization, gas generation, and microbial activity. The longevity issue for remedial technologies is a high priority of our agency partners who frequently ask about remedial timeframes and effectiveness. Necessary site characterization and design activities will be outlined that can be used develop system designs at contaminated sites. This work will enable our Regional/State/Program Office partners to make the most informed decisions possible regarding the selection of the PRB treatment technology, i.e., the development of a decision-making tool. This product will represent the first such example of technology selection optimization based on site-specific conditions and include some analysis of combined remedies.  

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