Multilevel, discrete, point-interval data can predict bioattenuation`s potential

Journal Article · Wed May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Environmental Solutions

OSTI ID:234077

Kabis, T W ^[1]

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1. Sibak Industries Ltd., Inc., Solana Beach, CA (United States)

Closely spaced, discrete-interval groundwater sampling is critical for monitoring aqueous-phase contaminants at hazardous waste sites. Data obtained from discrete-interval sampling devices accurately represent horizontal and vertical extants of contaminant plumes. Discrete point-interval groundwater sampling has been tested in various applications, including natural- and forced-gradient tracer tests plume delineation, and in identifying discrete zones of microbial activity and vertical chemical gradients within an aquifer. An increasingly popular strategy is to avoid active remediation in favor of natural, in-situ attenuation processes. Evaluation of natural attenuation, particularly in-situ bioremediation resulting from multiple terminal electron acceptors, requires site-specific data. Here, multilevel, discrete, point-interval groundwater sampling data is critical. Because groundwater samples from standard monitoring wells often are derived from large vertical sampling zones, the resulting data presents a smeared picture of chemical-microbial conditions; moreover, the potential for natural in-situ bioattenuation can be under- or overestimated without multilevel, discrete, point-interval data. Discrete, point-interval samplers provide a sound basis for evaluating remediation options. One potential obstacle has been the lack of a multipurpose, cost-effective sampler that is operational under a variety of field conditions.

• OSTI ID: 234077
• Journal Information: Environmental Solutions, Journal Name: Environmental Solutions Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 9; ISSN ESOLE7; ISSN 1077-2537
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
GROUND WATER
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
MONITORING
PLUMES
REMEDIAL ACTION
WATER POLLUTION