• Title/Summary/Keyword: groundwater treatment

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Geochemical and S isotopic studies of pollutant evolution in groundwater after acid in situ leaching in a uranium mine area in Xinjiang

  • Zhenzhong Liu;Kaixuan Tan;Chunguang Li;Yongmei Li;Chong Zhang;Jing Song;Longcheng Liu
    • Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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    • v.55 no.4
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    • pp.1476-1484
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    • 2023
  • Laboratory experiments and point monitoring of reservoir sediments have proven that stable sulfate reduction (SSR) can lower the concentrations of toxic metals and sulfate in acidic groundwater for a long time. Here, we hypothesize that SSR occurred during in situ leaching after uranium mining, which can impact the fate of acid groundwater in an entire region. To test this, we applied a sulfur isotope fractionation method to analyze the mechanism for natural attenuation of contaminated groundwater produced by acid in situ leaching of uranium (Xinjiang, China). The results showed that δ34S increased over time after the cessation of uranium mining, and natural attenuation caused considerable, area-scale immobilization of sulfur corresponding to retention levels of 5.3%-48.3% while simultaneously decreasing the concentration of uranium. Isotopic evidence for SSR in the area, together with evidence for changes of pollutant concentrations, suggest that area-scale SSR is most likely also important at other acid mining sites for uranium, where retention of acid groundwater may be strengthened through natural attenuation. To recapitulate, the sulfur isotope fractionation method constitutes a relatively accurate tool for quantification of spatiotemporal trends for groundwater during migration and transformation resulting from acid in situ leaching of uranium in northern China.

Estimating anaerobic reductive dechlorination of chlorinated compounds in groundwater by indigenous microorganisms

  • Park, Sunhwa;Kim, Deok Hyun;Yoon, JongHyun;Kwon, JongBeom;Choi, Hyojung;Kim, Ki-In;Han, Kyungjin;Kim, Moonsu;Shin, Sun-Kyoung;Kim, Hyun-Koo
    • Membrane and Water Treatment
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    • v.13 no.2
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    • pp.85-95
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    • 2022
  • Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), critical pollutants to human health and groundwater ecosystems, are managed by groundwater quality standards (GQS) in South Korea. However, there are no GQSs for their by-products, such as cis-dichloroethylene (DCE) and vinyl chloride (VC) produced through the dechlorination process of PCE and TCE. Therefore, in this study, we monitored PCE, TCE, cis-DCE, and VC in 111 national groundwater wells for three years (2016 to 2018) to evaluate their distributions, a biological dechlorination possibility, and human risk assessment. The detection frequency of them was 30.2% for PCE, 45.1% for TCE, 43.9% for cis-DCE and 13.4% for VC. The four chlorinated compounds were commonly detected in 21 out of 111 wells. In the results of statistical analysis with 21 wells data, DO and ORP also had a negative correlation with four organic chlorinated compounds, while EC and sulfate has a positive correlation with the compounds. This indicates that the 21 wells were relatively met with suitable environments for a biological dechlorination reaction compared to the other wells. Finally, cis-DCE had a non-carcinogenic risk of 10-1 and the carcinogenic risk of VC was 10-6 or higher. Through this study, the distribution status of the four chlorinated compounds in groundwater in South Korea and the necessity of preparing plans to manage cis-DCE and VC were confirmed.

Groundwater Environment of the Okmyong Waste Landfill in the Pohang City (포항 옥명 폐기물 매립지의 지하수 환경)

  • 정상용;이강근
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Groundwater Environment
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    • v.5 no.4
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    • pp.223-232
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    • 1998
  • The Okmyong Waste Landfill which is one of major industrial waste landfills in Korea has been used for 10 years since January, 1988. The groundwater in range of 2∼3 km from the landfill is a little acidic and has high concentrations of EC, NO$_3$, and SO$_4$ because of acidic rain in Pohang. The groundwater pattern in Piper's trilinear diagram belongs to Ca-SO$_4$and Na-SO$_4$types, but Ca-SO$_4$type is more predominant. The groundwater of five monitoring wells at the landfill area is a litle alkaline and has high concentrations of TS, COD, Na, Cl, SO$_4$, Alkalinity and F because of the effect of the leachates. They also have high heavy metals of Mn, Zn, Pb, Cr and Ni but toxic organic compounds are not detected. Their groundwater pattern is Na-SO$_4$type and distinguished from the groundwater pattern Na-Cl types of the Nanjido and the Seokdae Municipal Waste Landfills. The range of groundwater contamination which is validated up to now is about 120m west from the entrance of the Okmyong Waste Landfill. To prevent the dispersion of the leachates to the outside, cutoff walls should be constructed at the boundary of the landfill. Several pumping wells should also be developed at the landfill so that the contaminated groundwater can be pumped and treated at a leachate-treatment plant in the landfill.

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Field Studios of In-situ Aerobic Cometabolism of Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons

  • Semprini, Lewts
    • Proceedings of the Korean Society of Soil and Groundwater Environment Conference
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    • 2004.04a
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    • pp.3-4
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    • 2004
  • Results will be presented from two field studies that evaluated the in-situ treatment of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) using aerobic cometabolism. In the first study, a cometabolic air sparging (CAS) demonstration was conducted at McClellan Air Force Base (AFB), California, to treat chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) in groundwater using propane as the cometabolic substrate. A propane-biostimulated zone was sparged with a propane/air mixture and a control zone was sparged with air alone. Propane-utilizers were effectively stimulated in the saturated zone with repeated intermediate sparging of propane and air. Propane delivery, however, was not uniform, with propane mainly observed in down-gradient observation wells. Trichloroethene (TCE), cis-1, 2-dichloroethene (c-DCE), and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration levels decreased in proportion with propane usage, with c-DCE decreasing more rapidly than TCE. The more rapid removal of c-DCE indicated biotransformation and not just physical removal by stripping. Propane utilization rates and rates of CAH removal slowed after three to four months of repeated propane additions, which coincided with tile depletion of nitrogen (as nitrate). Ammonia was then added to the propane/air mixture as a nitrogen source. After a six-month period between propane additions, rapid propane-utilization was observed. Nitrate was present due to groundwater flow into the treatment zone and/or by the oxidation of tile previously injected ammonia. In the propane-stimulated zone, c-DCE concentrations decreased below tile detection limit (1 $\mu$g/L), and TCE concentrations ranged from less than 5 $\mu$g/L to 30 $\mu$g/L, representing removals of 90 to 97%. In the air sparged control zone, TCE was removed at only two monitoring locations nearest the sparge-well, to concentrations of 15 $\mu$g/L and 60 $\mu$g/L. The responses indicate that stripping as well as biological treatment were responsible for the removal of contaminants in the biostimulated zone, with biostimulation enhancing removals to lower contaminant levels. As part of that study bacterial population shifts that occurred in the groundwater during CAS and air sparging control were evaluated by length heterogeneity polymerase chain reaction (LH-PCR) fragment analysis. The results showed that an organism(5) that had a fragment size of 385 base pairs (385 bp) was positively correlated with propane removal rates. The 385 bp fragment consisted of up to 83% of the total fragments in the analysis when propane removal rates peaked. A 16S rRNA clone library made from the bacteria sampled in propane sparged groundwater included clones of a TM7 division bacterium that had a 385bp LH-PCR fragment; no other bacterial species with this fragment size were detected. Both propane removal rates and the 385bp LH-PCR fragment decreased as nitrate levels in the groundwater decreased. In the second study the potential for bioaugmentation of a butane culture was evaluated in a series of field tests conducted at the Moffett Field Air Station in California. A butane-utilizing mixed culture that was effective in transforming 1, 1-dichloroethene (1, 1-DCE), 1, 1, 1-trichloroethane (1, 1, 1-TCA), and 1, 1-dichloroethane (1, 1-DCA) was added to the saturated zone at the test site. This mixture of contaminants was evaluated since they are often present as together as the result of 1, 1, 1-TCA contamination and the abiotic and biotic transformation of 1, 1, 1-TCA to 1, 1-DCE and 1, 1-DCA. Model simulations were performed prior to the initiation of the field study. The simulations were performed with a transport code that included processes for in-situ cometabolism, including microbial growth and decay, substrate and oxygen utilization, and the cometabolism of dual contaminants (1, 1-DCE and 1, 1, 1-TCA). Based on the results of detailed kinetic studies with the culture, cometabolic transformation kinetics were incorporated that butane mixed-inhibition on 1, 1-DCE and 1, 1, 1-TCA transformation, and competitive inhibition of 1, 1-DCE and 1, 1, 1-TCA on butane utilization. A transformation capacity term was also included in the model formation that results in cell loss due to contaminant transformation. Parameters for the model simulations were determined independently in kinetic studies with the butane-utilizing culture and through batch microcosm tests with groundwater and aquifer solids from the field test zone with the butane-utilizing culture added. In microcosm tests, the model simulated well the repetitive utilization of butane and cometabolism of 1.1, 1-TCA and 1, 1-DCE, as well as the transformation of 1, 1-DCE as it was repeatedly transformed at increased aqueous concentrations. Model simulations were then performed under the transport conditions of the field test to explore the effects of the bioaugmentation dose and the response of the system to tile biostimulation with alternating pulses of dissolved butane and oxygen in the presence of 1, 1-DCE (50 $\mu$g/L) and 1, 1, 1-TCA (250 $\mu$g/L). A uniform aquifer bioaugmentation dose of 0.5 mg/L of cells resulted in complete utilization of the butane 2-meters downgradient of the injection well within 200-hrs of bioaugmentation and butane addition. 1, 1-DCE was much more rapidly transformed than 1, 1, 1-TCA, and efficient 1, 1, 1-TCA removal occurred only after 1, 1-DCE and butane were decreased in concentration. The simulations demonstrated the strong inhibition of both 1, 1-DCE and butane on 1, 1, 1-TCA transformation, and the more rapid 1, 1-DCE transformation kinetics. Results of tile field demonstration indicated that bioaugmentation was successfully implemented; however it was difficult to maintain effective treatment for long periods of time (50 days or more). The demonstration showed that the bioaugmented experimental leg effectively transformed 1, 1-DCE and 1, 1-DCA, and was somewhat effective in transforming 1, 1, 1-TCA. The indigenous experimental leg treated in the same way as the bioaugmented leg was much less effective in treating the contaminant mixture. The best operating performance was achieved in the bioaugmented leg with about over 90%, 80%, 60 % removal for 1, 1-DCE, 1, 1-DCA, and 1, 1, 1-TCA, respectively. Molecular methods were used to track and enumerate the bioaugmented culture in the test zone. Real Time PCR analysis was used to on enumerate the bioaugmented culture. The results show higher numbers of the bioaugmented microorganisms were present in the treatment zone groundwater when the contaminants were being effective transformed. A decrease in these numbers was associated with a reduction in treatment performance. The results of the field tests indicated that although bioaugmentation can be successfully implemented, competition for the growth substrate (butane) by the indigenous microorganisms likely lead to the decrease in long-term performance.

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Changes in the Ecological Toxic Effects of the Contaminated Sediment of Singapore after Treatment (싱가포르 오염준설토 정화 후 생태 독성 변화)

  • Jho, Eun Hea;Yun, Seong Ho;Hwang, Sun Kyung;Lee, Sung Jong;Kim, Hongseok;Chae, Heehun
    • Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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    • v.22 no.5
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    • pp.82-88
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    • 2017
  • Contaminated sediment can be treated in order to reuse the treated sediment. Even though the chemical criteria are satisfied, the treated sediment could still impose toxic effects. Therefore, this study investigated the changes in the ecological toxic effects of the contaminated sediment from the J region in Singapore after treatment. The contaminated sediment was subject to sequential soil washing and thermal treatment, followed by pH neutralization. Toxic effects of the contaminated and treated sediments were determined by using Vibrio fischeri ($Microtox^{(R)}$), Triticum aestivum (wheat), and Eisenia foetida (earthworm). After treatment, the concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals were decreased by 98% and 59-93%, respectively, and satisfied the Industrial Maximum Values of the Dutch Standard, which were used as the remedial goal. The bioluminescence reduction of V. fischeri decreased significantly, and the earthworm survival increased from 0% to 90% after treatment. The germination rate increased from $0{\pm}0%$ to $75{\pm}13%$ after treatment, but the treated sediment may need additional treatment such as nutrient addition for better plant growth. Overall, this study showed that the treatment of the contaminated sediment satisfactorily removed mixed contaminants, and this led to reduction in toxic effects, suggesting improved potentials for reuse of the treated sediment.

Hydrogeochemical Assessment of Groundwater Quality Security in the Collection Conduit Area, Naeseong-Cheon (내성천 집수매거의 수질 확보를 위한 충적층 지하수의 수질 특성 평가)

  • Shin, Kyung-Hee;Cha, Eun-Jee;Son, Yeong-Cheol;Lee, Seung-Hyun;Kim, Gyoo-Bum
    • The Journal of Engineering Geology
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    • v.23 no.1
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    • pp.1-17
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    • 2013
  • It is sometimes necessary to change the location of the collection conduit, which is constructed in shallow sediments in a stream, if the concentrations of $Fe^{2+}$ and $Mn^{2+}$ become too high for water treatment. A total of nine wells, including four shallow wells with a depth of 3 m and five deeper wells with a depth of 6 m, were installed in the study area at Naeseong-cheon in Yecheon-gun. The change in hydrogeochemical features of groundwater and the concentrations of $Fe^{2+}$ and $Mn^{2+}$ were examined at the wells during 5 hours of pumping. As pumping was performed, the velocity of groundwater flow was increased around the pumping well and aeration conditions were developed to precipitate iron and manganese oxides in an oxidizing environment. In addition, the concentrations of $Ca^{2+}$ and $Cl^-$ at the pumping well were increased following the mixing of surface water and groundwater. It is suggested that the center region of the stream would be more suitable for a new collection conduit, considering the concentrations of $Fe^{2+}$ and $Mn^{2+}$ in groundwater and their reducing effect during pumping. The installation of a collection conduit based on field tests performed to ensure water quality enables a reduction in the construction and management costs at water treatment facilities.

The Characteristics of pH Variations and Lead transport during Electrokinetic Remediation of soil Contaminated by Heavy Metal (중금속 오염토의 Electrokinetic 정화 처리시 pH 발현과 납 제거의 전극 간 특성)

  • 한상재;김수삼
    • Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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    • v.6 no.4
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    • pp.13-23
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    • 2001
  • In this study, the characteristics of pH variations and contaminant distribution in soil are investigated during electrokinetic treatment for the purpose of restoring contaminated soil with heavy metal. For these objects, laboratory test for the kaolin contaminated by lead was performed. During electrokinetic treatment, lead was transported from anode to cathode. And 75% of lead removed within 80% region of the specimen. Most lead, however, that transported from anode to cathode precipitated in the vicinity of cathode compartment, thus the amount of lead removed by electroosmosis was little. Electrokinetic treatment satisfied regulation criteria of Korean Soil Environment Conservation Law within almost region of the specimen. But enhancement methods can be regarded as inevitable requisite for the cathode region.

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Basic Study for Development of Denitrogenation Process by ion Exchange(II) (이온교환법에 의한 탈질소 공정개발의 기초연구(II))

  • 이민규;주창식
    • Journal of Environmental Science International
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    • v.7 no.1
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    • pp.89-95
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    • 1998
  • Ion exchange performance to remove nitrate in water was studied using commercially available strong base anion exchange resin of Cl- type in the batch and continuous column reactors. The performance was tested using the effluent concentration histories for continuous column or equilibrium conquilibrium between resin and solution. Anion exchange resin used in this study was more effective than activated carbon or zeolite for nitrate removal. With large resin amount or low initial concentration, nitrate removal characteristics for a typical gel-type resin was Increased. On considering the relation between the breakthrough capacity and nitrate concentration of the influent, the use of anion exchange resin were suitable for the hi선or order water treatment. The nitrate removal of above 90% could be possible until the effluent of above 650 BV was passed to the column. Thus, the commercially available strong base anion exchange resin of $Cl^-$ type used in thins study could be effectively used as economic material for treatment of the groundwater. The breakthrough curves showed the sequence of resin selectivity as $SO_4^{2-}$ > $NO_3$ > $NO^{2-}$ > $HCO_3^-$. The results of this study could be scaled up and used as a design tool for the water purification system of the real groundwater and surface water treatment processes.

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Effects of cow manure compost on anion elution patterns and hydraulic conductivity (우분퇴비 처리에 따른 토양내 음이온의 용출특성과 투수특성 변화)

  • 정덕영;김필주;박무언;이병렬;김건엽
    • Proceedings of the Korean Society of Soil and Groundwater Environment Conference
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    • 1996.11a
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    • pp.131-139
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    • 1996
  • To quantitatively investigate the effects of manure compost on the soil and water environment including ground water the elution patterns of anions and hydraulic conductivity wore estimated with four different depth(15, 30, 45 60cm) and four variable ratio of compost treatment(0, 2, 4, 6%) through soil column test. 1. There were over 95% of elution of chloride and nitrate within 0.1 pore volume(PV), and sulfate within 0.2 PV. With 2 ton/10a of cow manure compost treatment recommended total 40 kg/10a of anions added was recovered as effluent at the amount of 17kg chloride, 5.4kg nitrate, and 13.2kg sulfate, respectively However, phosphate rarely recovered in the effluent due to the strong affinity for sorption sites in soils. 2. In multi-layered soil column the maximum peaks of each anion eluted were retardated with increasing soil depth and the amount of organic matter(OM) treatment. 3. With increasing OM up to 2% the saturated hydraulic conductivity(SHC) was greatly decreased, but the slight decrease in SHC was found by addition of OM greater than 4%. In multi-layered soil column SHC was more effected by the lower SHV layer than by that of the higher.

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