An introduction to the principles and practices of soil and groundwater remediation
Soil and Groundwater Remediation offers a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the principles, practices, and concepts of sustainability of soil and groundwater remediation. The book starts with an overview of the importance of groundwater resource/quality, contaminant sources/types, and the scope of soil and groundwater remediation. It then provides the essential components of soil and groundwater remediation with easy-to-understand design equations/calculations and the practical applications.
The book contains information on remediation basics such as subsurface chemical behaviors, soil and groundwater hydrology and characterization, regulations, cost analysis, and risk assessment. The author explores various conventional and innovative remediation technologies, including pump-and-treat, soil vapor extraction, bioremediation, incineration, thermally enhanced techniques, soil washing/flushing, and permeable reactive barriers. The book also examines the modeling of groundwater flow and contaminant transport in saturated and unsaturated zones. This important book:
- Presents the current challenges of remediation practices
- Includes up-to-date information about the low-cost, risk-based, sustainable remediation practices, as well as institutional control and management
- Offers a balanced mix of the principles, practices, and sustainable concepts in soil and groundwater remediation
- Contains learning objectives, discussions of key theories, and example problems
- Provides illustrative case studies and recent research when remediation techniques are introduced
Written for undergraduate seniors and graduate students in natural resource, earth science, environmental science/engineering, and environmental management, Soil and Groundwater Remediation is an authoritative guide to the principles and components of soil and groundwater remediation that is filled with worked and practice problems.
Table of Contents
About the Author xv
Preface xvii
Acknowledgments xxi
Whom This Book is Written For xxiii
To the Instructor xxv
List of Symbols xxvii
About the Companion Website xxxiii
1 Sources and Types of Soil and Groundwater Contamination 1
1.1 Uses of Surface Water vs. Groundwater 1
1.2 Groundwater Quantity vs. Groundwater Quality 4
1.3 Major Factors Affecting Groundwater Quality 6
1.4 Soil and Groundwater Contaminant Sources in the United States 8
1.4.1 Superfund Sites and Brownfields 9
1.4.2 RCRA Facilities and Underground Storage Tanks 12
1.4.3 DoD/DoE Sites 14
1.5 Contaminated Soil and Groundwater: A Global Perspective 14
1.6 Soil and Groundwater Remediation 16
1.6.1 Unique Challenges Relative to Air and Surface Water Pollution 16
1.6.2 Scope of Environmental Remediation 17
Bibliography 17
2 Subsurface Contaminant Fate and Transport 21
2.1 Frequent Soil and Groundwater Contaminants 22
2.1.1 Aliphatic and Aromatic Hydrocarbons 23
2.1.2 Halogenated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons 24
2.1.3 Halogenated Aromatic Hydrocarbons 25
2.1.4 Nitrogen‐containing Organic Compounds 26
2.1.5 Oxygenated Organic Compounds 27
2.1.6 Sulfur‐ and Phosphorus‐containing Organic Compounds 28
2.1.7 Inorganic Nonmetals, Metals, and Radionuclides 29
2.2 Abiotic and Biotic Chemical Fate Processes 30
2.2.1 Hydrolysis 31
2.2.2 Oxidation and Reduction 32
2.2.3 Biodegradation 35
2.3 Interphase Chemical Transport 35
2.3.1 Volatilization 36
2.3.2 Solubilization, Precipitation, and Dissolution 38
2.3.2.1 Solubility and Solubility Product for Inorganic Compounds 38
2.3.2.2 Solubility and Kow for Organic Compounds 41
2.3.3 Sorption and Desorption 42
2.4 Intraphase Chemical Movement 48
2.4.1 Advection 49
2.4.2 Dispersion and Diffusion 49
Bibliography 53
3 Soil and Groundwater Hydrology 59
3.1 Soil Composition and Properties 60
3.1.1 Constituents of Soils 60
3.1.2 Soil Physical and Chemical Properties 62
3.2 Basic Concepts of Aquifer and Wells 66
3.2.1 Vertical Distribution of Aquifer 66
3.2.2 Groundwater Well and Well Nomenclature 68
3.2.3 Hydrogeological Parameters 68
3.2.3.1 Specific Yield and Specific Retention 68
3.2.3.2 Hydraulic Conductivity and Permeability 70
3.2.3.3 Transmissivity and Storativity 71
3.3 Groundwater Movement 73
3.3.1 Flow in Saturated Zone 74
3.3.2 Flow in Unsaturated Zone 77
3.3.3 Flow to Wells in a Steady‐State Confined Aquifer 80
3.3.4 Flow to Wells in a Steady-State Unconfined Aquifer 82
3.3.5 Flow of Nonaqueous Phase Liquid 84
Bibliography 86
4 Legal, Economical, and Risk Assessment Considerations 91
4.1 Soil and Groundwater Protection Laws 92
4.1.1 Relevant Soil and Groundwater Laws in the United States 92
4.1.1.1 Safe Drinking Water Act 93
4.1.1.2 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 94
4.1.1.3 Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act 95
4.1.1.4 Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendment 95
4.1.1.5 Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act 96
4.1.1.6 Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act 96
4.1.2 Framework of Environmental Laws in Other Countries 96
4.2 Cost Constraints in Remediation 97
4.2.1 Remediation Cost Elements 99
4.2.2 Basis for Remediation Cost Estimates 99
4.2.3 Cost Comparisons among Remediation Alternatives 101
4.3 Risk‐based Remediation 104
4.3.1 How Clean is Clean 104
4.3.2 Estimate Environmental Risk from Carcinogenic Compounds 108
4.3.3 Estimate Environmental Risk from Noncarcinogenic Compounds 112
4.3.4 Determine Risk-Based Cleanup Levels for Soil and Groundwater 113
4.3.4.1 Determining Maximum Concentration in Drinking Water and Air 114
4.3.4.2 Determining Allowable Soil Cleanup Level 115
4.3.4.3 Risk Involving Multimedia 116
Bibliography 118
5 Site Characterization for Soil and Groundwater Remediation 123
5.1 General Consideration of Site Characterization 124
5.1.1 Objectives and Scopes of Site Characterization 124
5.1.2 Basic Steps: Phase I, II, and III Assessment 125
5.1.2.1 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment 125
5.1.2.2 Phase II Environmental Site Assessment 126
5.2 Soil and Geologic Characterization 130
5.2.1 Stratigraphy, Lithology, and Structural Geology 130
5.2.2 Direct Drilling Methods 130
5.2.3 Drive Method Using Cone Penetrometer 132
5.2.4 Indirect Geophysical Methods 132
5.3 Hydrogeologic Site Investigation 138
5.3.1 Well Installation, Development, and Purging 138
5.3.2 Hydraulic Head and Flow Direction 139
5.3.2.1 Methods to Measure Hydraulic Head 140
5.3.2.2 Groundwater Flow Direction 140
5.3.3 Aquifer Tests to Estimate Hydraulic Conductivity 141
5.3.3.1 Slug Test: Hvorslev Method 142
5.3.3.2 Slug Test: Bouwer and Rice Method 143
5.3.3.3 Pumping Test: Theis Type‐Curve Method 143
5.4 Environmental Sampling and Analysis 146
5.4.1 Common Soil Samplers 146
5.4.2 Groundwater Sampling 148
5.4.2.1 Groundwater Sampling Tools 148
5.4.2.2 Cross‐Contamination in Groundwater Sampling 149
5.4.3 Vadose Zone Soil Gas and Water Sampling 150
5.4.4 Instruments for Chemical Analysis 150
Bibliography 152
6 Overview of Remediation Options 157
6.1 Types of Remediation Technologies 158
6.1.1 Classifications of Remediation Technologies 158
6.1.2 Common and Frequently Used Remediation Technologies 162
6.1.3 Technologies from Contaminant Perspectives 163
6.2 Development and Selection of Remediation Technologies 168
6.2.1 Remedial Investigation/Remedial Feasibility Study 172
6.2.2 Remediation Technologies Screening and Selection Criteria 174
6.2.3 Green and Sustainable Remediation 178
6.3 A Snapshot of Remediation Technologies 179
6.3.1 Description of Various Treatments 180
6.3.2 Treatment Train 180
Bibliography 183
7 Pump‐and‐Treat Systems 187
7.1 General Applications of Conventional Pump‐and‐Treat 188
7.1.1 Contaminant Removal versus Hydraulic Containment 188
7.1.2 Schemes of Injection/Extraction Well Placement 191
7.2 Design of Pump‐and‐Treat Systems 192
7.2.1 Capture Zone Analysis of Pump‐and‐Treat Optimization 194
7.2.2 Aboveground Treatment of Contaminated Groundwater 198
7.2.2.1 General Treatment Technologies Available 198
7.2.2.2 Design Considerations for Air Stripping 200
7.2.2.3 Design Considerations for Activated Carbon 202
7.3 Pump‐and‐Treat Limitations and Alterations 204
7.3.1 Residual Saturations of Nonaqueous Phase Liquid 204
7.3.1.1 Dissolved Contaminant from NAPLs 204
7.3.1.2 Residual Saturation 205
7.3.2 Tailing and Rebound Problems 209
7.3.2.1 Slow NAPL Dissolution 209
7.3.2.2 Slow Contaminant Desorption/Precipitate Dissolution 210
7.3.2.3 Slow Matrix Diffusion 211
7.3.2.4 Groundwater Velocity Variation 211
7.3.3 Alterations of Conventional Pump‐and‐Treat 212
7.3.3.1 Chemical Enhancement to Increase Contaminant Mobility and Solubility 213
7.3.3.2 Horizontal Wells, Inclined Wells, Interceptor Trenches, and Drains 213
7.3.3.3 Phased Extraction Wells, Adaptive Pumping, and Pulsed Pumping 215
7.3.3.4 Induced Fractures 216
7.3.3.5 Pumping in Conjunction with Permeable and Impermeable Barriers 217
Bibliography 219
8 Soil Vapor Extraction and Air Sparging 225
8.1 General Applications and Limitations of Vapor Extraction 226
8.1.1 Process Description and System Components 226
8.1.2 Chemical and Geologic Parameters Affecting Vapor Extraction 227
8.1.3 Pros and Cons of Vapor Extraction and Air Sparging 229
8.2 Soil Vapor Behavior and Gas Flow in Subsurface 231
8.2.1 Airflow Patterns in Subsurface 231
8.2.2 Vapor Equilibrium and Thermodynamics 233
8.2.3 Kinetics of Volatilization, Vapor Diffusion, and NAPL Dissolution 239
8.2.4 Darcy’s Law for Advective Vapor Flow 241
8.3 Design for Vapor Extraction and Air Sparging Systems 245
8.3.1 Quantitative Analysis for the Appropriateness of Soil Venting 245
8.3.2 Well Number, Flow Rate, and Well Location 249
8.3.3 Other Design Considerations 251
Bibliography 257
9 Bioremediation and Environmental Biotechnology 263
9.1 Principles of Bioremediation and Biotechnology 264
9.1.1 Microorganisms and Microbial Growth 265
9.1.1.1 Types of Microorganisms 265
9.1.1.2 Cell Growth on Contaminant 267
9.1.2 Reaction Stoichiometry and Kinetics 271
9.1.3 Biodegradation Potentials and Pathways 275
9.1.3.1 Biodegradation of Petroleum Aliphatic Hydrocarbons 276
9.1.3.2 Biodegradation of Single‐Ring Petroleum Aromatic Hydrocarbon (BTEX) 276
9.1.3.3 Biodegradation of Fuel Additives (MTBE) 278
9.1.3.4 Biodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) 278
9.1.3.5 Biodegradation of Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons (CAHs) 279
9.1.3.6 Biodegradation of Chlorinated Aromatic Compounds 280
9.1.3.7 Biodegradation of Explosive Compounds 280
9.1.4 Optimal Conditions for Bioremediation 281
9.1.4.1 Hydrogeologic Parameters 282
9.1.4.2 Soil/Groundwater Physicochemical Parameters 283
9.1.4.3 Microbial Presence 285
9.1.4.4 Contaminant Characteristics 285
9.2 Process Description of Bioremediation and Biotechnologies 286
9.2.1 In Situ Bioremediation 287
9.2.2 Ex Situ Biological Treatment 290
9.2.2.1 Biopiles and Composting 290
9.2.2.2 Landfarming 292
9.2.2.3 Bioslurry Reactors 293
9.2.3 Sanitary Landfills 293
9.2.4 Phytoremediation and Constructed Wetland 294
9.3 Design Considerations and Cost‐Effectiveness 300
9.3.1 General Design Rationales 300
9.3.1.1 Design for In Situ Groundwater Bioremediation 300
9.3.1.2 Design for Bioventing 301
9.3.1.3 Design for Biosparging 301
9.3.1.4 Design for Biopiles and Composting 301
9.3.1.5 Design of Landfill 302
9.3.2 Cost Effectiveness Case Studies 302
Bibliography 305
10 Thermal Remediation Technologies 315
10.1 Thermal Destruction by Incineration 316
10.1.1 Principles of Combustion and Incineration 316
10.1.1.1 Combustion Chemistry and Combustion Efficiency 316
10.1.1.2 Heating Values of Fuels/Wastes 319
10.1.1.3 Oxygen (Air) Requirement 320
10.1.1.4 Three T’s of the Combustion/Incineration 323
10.1.2 Components of Hazardous Waste Incinerator Systems 324
10.1.2.1 General Applications: Pros and Cons 324
10.1.2.2 Incinerator System Components 325
10.1.2.3 Four Types of Combustion Chambers 326
10.1.3 Design Considerations for Incineration 328
10.1.3.1 Incinerator Size and Dimensions 329
10.1.3.2 Factors Affecting Incinerator Performance 331
10.1.4 Regulatory and Siting Considerations 332
10.2 Thermally Enhanced Technologies 332
10.2.1 Temperature Effects on Physicochemical and Biological Properties 333
10.2.2 Heat Transfer Mechanisms in Soil and Groundwater 338
10.2.3 Required Heat‐Up Time and Radius of Influence 338
10.2.4 Use of Hot Air, Steam, Hot Water, and Electro‐Heating 339
10.2.4.1 Hot Air, Steam, Hot Water, and Electro-Heating 339
10.2.4.2 Flow Chart to Select Thermal Processes 343
10.3 Vitrification 344
Bibliography 347
11 Soil Washing and Flushing 353
11.1 Basic Principles of Soil Washing and Flushing 354
11.1.1 Overview of Soil Washing and Flushing 354
11.1.2 Surfactant‐Enhanced Contaminant Solubilization 356
11.1.3 Surfactant‐Enhanced Contaminant Mobilization 358
11.1.4 Cosolvent Effects on Solubility and Mobilization 361
11.2 Process Description, Technology Applicability, and Limitations 363
11.2.1 Ex Situ Soil Washing 364
11.2.2 In Situ Soil Flushing and Cosolvent Flooding 368
11.3 Design and Cost‐Effectiveness Considerations 370
11.3.1 Chemical Additives in Soil Washing and Flushing 370
11.3.2 Recycle of Chemical Additives and Disposal of Flushing Wastes 373
Bibliography 375
12 Permeable Reactive Barriers 379
12.1 Reaction Mechanisms and Hydraulics in Reactive Barriers 380
12.1.1 Barrier Technologies as a Viable Option for Pump‐and‐Treat 380
12.1.2 Dechlorination Mediated through Redox Reactions by Zero‐Valent Iron 381
12.1.3 Other Abiotic and Biotic Processes in Reactive Barriers 384
12.1.4 Hydraulics and Fouling Problems in Reactive Barriers 386
12.2 Process Description of Reactive Barriers 388
12.2.1 Configurations of Reactive Barriers 388
12.2.2 Available Reactive Media and Selection 389
12.2.2.1 Types of Reactive Media 389
12.2.2.2 Reactive Media Selection 391
12.3 Design and Construction Considerations 392
12.3.1 Barrier Design Concept 392
12.3.2 Construction Methods 394
Bibliography 400
13 Modeling of Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport 403
13.1 Governing Equations for Groundwater Flow 404
13.1.1 Saturated Groundwater Flow under Steady‐State Condition (Laplace Equation) 404
13.1.2 Saturated Groundwater Flow under Transient Condition 406
13.1.3 Unsaturated Groundwater Flow under Transient Condition (Richards Equation) 407
13.2 Governing Equations for Contaminant Transport 408
13.2.1 General Mass Balance Equations Considering Advection and Dispersion 408
13.2.2 Governing Equations for Contaminant Transport in Unsaturated Zone 411
13.2.3 Governing Equations Incorporating Adsorption and Reaction 412
13.2.4 General Concepts and Equations Describing Multiphase Flow and Transport 415
13.2.4.1 Processes Relevant to Multiphase and Multiple Components 415
13.2.4.2 Framework of Governing Equations for Multiphase Flow and Transport 417
13.3 Analytical Solutions to Flow and Transport Processes 420
13.3.1 Darcy’s Law: 1‐D Flow in Unconfined Aquifer (Dupuit Equation) 420
13.3.2 Fick’s Second Law: 1‐D Diffusion Only Solutions 422
13.3.3 Advection and Dispersion: 1‐D, 2‐D, and 3‐D Solutions to Slug Injection 424
13.3.4 Advection and Dispersion: 1‐D Solutions to Continuous Injection 425
13.3.5 Advection and Dispersion: 2‐D and 3‐D Solutions to Continuous Injection 427
13.4 Numerical Solutions to Flow and Transport Processes 430
13.4.1 Partial Differential Equations and Numerical Methods 430
13.4.2 2‐D Laplace Equation Using Finite Difference Method 433
Bibliography 436
Appendix A Common Abbreviations and Acronyms 439
Appendix B Definition of Soil and Groundwater Remediation Technologies 445
Appendix C Structures and Properties of Important Organic Pollutants in Soil and Groundwater 451
Appendix D Unit Conversion Factors 459
Appendix E Answers to Selected Problems 461
Index 465
IUPAC Periodic Table of the Elements 477
