Contaminant Fate and Transport Capabilities @ MD-DE-DC
Contaminant Fate and Transport
effective solubility assessment for organic analytes in liquid samples...
The Contaminant Fate and Bioremediation (FAB) team researches the transport, fate, and degradation of organic and inorganic contaminants in groundwater, surface water, water treatment systems, and wetlands using innovative and proven methods.
We have expertise in PFAS, chlorinated solvents, polychlorinated biphenyls, nitroaromatics, metals, nutrients and trace organic compounds.
Explaining Nitrogen and Phosphorus Trends in the Chesapeake Bay
Point sources of phosphorus to local streams declined by half between 1992 and 2012, while non-point inputs were relatively unchanged. Annual phosphorus delivery to the bay increased by 9 percent to 9,570 Mg between 1992 and 2012.
Sequential biodegradation of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene in Groundwater...
Halogenated organic solvents such as chlorobenzenes (CBs) are frequent groundwater contaminants due to legacy spills. Results from these model systems suggest degredation of anaerobic and aerobic CB.
More Projects Related to Contaminant Fate and Transport Capabilities
Investigation of contaminant fate and transport is central to a majority of studies conducted by the Contaminant Fate and Transport Team. By conducting thorough investigation of site characteristics including groundwater flow paths and geochemistry.
From initial site characterization to the development of sustainable bioremediation approaches, the Contaminant Fate and Bioremediation (FAB) team works to understand a variety of contaminants in the environment including, but not limited to, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), volatile organic compounds (such as chlorinated solvents), polychlorinated biphenyls nitroaromatics, metals, nutrients and trace organic compounds.
The focus of FAB Team studies often has been on unusual contaminants, for which there is little initial biodegradation data, and on complex environments or site conditions, such as wetlands. The FAB team utilizes, modifies and develops state-of-the-art technology to remediate contaminated sites while maintaining an unbiased science approach, which is the foundation of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Site Characterization Capabilities
Site Hydrological Assessment
- Geochemistry
- Tracer Tests
- Groundwater Seeps
Contaminant Plume Delineation
- Sediment
- Aquifers
- Groundwater interactions with surface waters
Passive Sampling Techniques
- Polyethylene Passive Diffusion Bags (e.g., volatile organic compounds (VOCs))
- Dialysis Bags (e.g., geochemical analyses)
- Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) passive samplers (e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs))
- Peepers (Vertically Intense Passive Sampling Devices) for various constituents
- POCIS (Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler) for polar or hydrophilic organic chemicals (pharmaceuticals, endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs))
Chemical Fate
- Chemical Transformations
- Adsorption/Desorption from Sediment
- Microbially-Mediated biodegradation
- Contaminant source tracking and forensics
Bioremediation Capabilities
West Branch Consortium (WBC-2)
- WBC-2 was developed by Dr. Michelle Lorah, Elizabeth Jones, and Dr. Mary Voytek from contaminated wetland sediment.
- It is maintained in sediment-free media in large volumes by SIREM under a Cooperate Research and Development Agreement with Geosyntec Consultants.
- Has been successfully tested in reactive mats, bioreactors, and in-situ in the subsurface.
Microcosms
- Laboratory (Controlled anaerobic or aerobic environment) experiments to help understand:
- Degradation rates and pathways
- Optimal electron donors and nutrients
- Response to temperature, salinity, and other environmental factors
- Sub-culture enrichment
- In-Situ Site Installation
- Degradation rates and pathways under natural site conditions
- Evaluation of bioremediation methods under site conditions
Mesocosms
- Column Studies
- Flow-through experiments, especially useful for reactive map/cap technology
- Bench Scale Bioreactors
- Evaluation of ex-situ groundwater treatment
- Low flow rates to determine feasibility
Pilot Scale Studies on Contaminant Degradation
- Reactive mat
- In-field evaluation of bioaugmenting and biostimulating localized seeps at the groundwater surface water interface.
- Bioreactor
- Pump and treat demonstrations at moderate flow rates to promote biodegradation of contaminated groundwater.
- Subsurface Injection
- In-field evaluation of bioaugmentation and biostimulation in contaminated aquifers.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
A Field Method to Quantify Chlorinated Solvent Diffusion, Sorption, Abiotic and Biotic Degradation in Low-Permeability Zones
Optimized Enhanced Bioremediation through 4D Geophysical Monitoring and Autonomous Data Collection, Processing, and Analysis
Bioremediation in Wetland Areas, Standard Chlorine of Delaware Inc. Superfund Site, Delaware City, Delaware
This video highlights the Fate and Bioremediation team at the MD-DE-DC Water Science Center, and features interviews with several USGS scientists.
They discuss what skills they possess, what technologies they use, and how their research helps advance the mission of the USGS.
In addition to interviews, the video also features video collected from various field site visits and lab-work.
USGS Capabilities: Fate and Bioremediation
This video highlights the Fate and Bioremediation team at the MS-DE-DC Water Science Center, and features interviews with several USGS scientists. They discuss what skills they possess, what technologies they use, and how their research helps advance the mission of the USGS. In addition to interviews, the video also features video collected from various field site visits and lab-work.
The Contaminant Fate and Bioremediation (FAB) team researches the transport, fate, and degradation of organic and inorganic contaminants in groundwater, surface water, water treatment systems, and wetlands using innovative and proven methods.
We have expertise in PFAS, chlorinated solvents, polychlorinated biphenyls, nitroaromatics, metals, nutrients and trace organic compounds.
Explaining Nitrogen and Phosphorus Trends in the Chesapeake Bay
Point sources of phosphorus to local streams declined by half between 1992 and 2012, while non-point inputs were relatively unchanged. Annual phosphorus delivery to the bay increased by 9 percent to 9,570 Mg between 1992 and 2012.
Sequential biodegradation of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene in Groundwater...
Halogenated organic solvents such as chlorobenzenes (CBs) are frequent groundwater contaminants due to legacy spills. Results from these model systems suggest degredation of anaerobic and aerobic CB.
More Projects Related to Contaminant Fate and Transport Capabilities
Investigation of contaminant fate and transport is central to a majority of studies conducted by the Contaminant Fate and Transport Team. By conducting thorough investigation of site characteristics including groundwater flow paths and geochemistry.
From initial site characterization to the development of sustainable bioremediation approaches, the Contaminant Fate and Bioremediation (FAB) team works to understand a variety of contaminants in the environment including, but not limited to, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), volatile organic compounds (such as chlorinated solvents), polychlorinated biphenyls nitroaromatics, metals, nutrients and trace organic compounds.
The focus of FAB Team studies often has been on unusual contaminants, for which there is little initial biodegradation data, and on complex environments or site conditions, such as wetlands. The FAB team utilizes, modifies and develops state-of-the-art technology to remediate contaminated sites while maintaining an unbiased science approach, which is the foundation of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Site Characterization Capabilities
Site Hydrological Assessment
- Geochemistry
- Tracer Tests
- Groundwater Seeps
Contaminant Plume Delineation
- Sediment
- Aquifers
- Groundwater interactions with surface waters
Passive Sampling Techniques
- Polyethylene Passive Diffusion Bags (e.g., volatile organic compounds (VOCs))
- Dialysis Bags (e.g., geochemical analyses)
- Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) passive samplers (e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs))
- Peepers (Vertically Intense Passive Sampling Devices) for various constituents
- POCIS (Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler) for polar or hydrophilic organic chemicals (pharmaceuticals, endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs))
Chemical Fate
- Chemical Transformations
- Adsorption/Desorption from Sediment
- Microbially-Mediated biodegradation
- Contaminant source tracking and forensics
Bioremediation Capabilities
West Branch Consortium (WBC-2)
- WBC-2 was developed by Dr. Michelle Lorah, Elizabeth Jones, and Dr. Mary Voytek from contaminated wetland sediment.
- It is maintained in sediment-free media in large volumes by SIREM under a Cooperate Research and Development Agreement with Geosyntec Consultants.
- Has been successfully tested in reactive mats, bioreactors, and in-situ in the subsurface.
Microcosms
- Laboratory (Controlled anaerobic or aerobic environment) experiments to help understand:
- Degradation rates and pathways
- Optimal electron donors and nutrients
- Response to temperature, salinity, and other environmental factors
- Sub-culture enrichment
- In-Situ Site Installation
- Degradation rates and pathways under natural site conditions
- Evaluation of bioremediation methods under site conditions
Mesocosms
- Column Studies
- Flow-through experiments, especially useful for reactive map/cap technology
- Bench Scale Bioreactors
- Evaluation of ex-situ groundwater treatment
- Low flow rates to determine feasibility
Pilot Scale Studies on Contaminant Degradation
- Reactive mat
- In-field evaluation of bioaugmenting and biostimulating localized seeps at the groundwater surface water interface.
- Bioreactor
- Pump and treat demonstrations at moderate flow rates to promote biodegradation of contaminated groundwater.
- Subsurface Injection
- In-field evaluation of bioaugmentation and biostimulation in contaminated aquifers.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
A Field Method to Quantify Chlorinated Solvent Diffusion, Sorption, Abiotic and Biotic Degradation in Low-Permeability Zones
Optimized Enhanced Bioremediation through 4D Geophysical Monitoring and Autonomous Data Collection, Processing, and Analysis
Bioremediation in Wetland Areas, Standard Chlorine of Delaware Inc. Superfund Site, Delaware City, Delaware
This video highlights the Fate and Bioremediation team at the MD-DE-DC Water Science Center, and features interviews with several USGS scientists.
They discuss what skills they possess, what technologies they use, and how their research helps advance the mission of the USGS.
In addition to interviews, the video also features video collected from various field site visits and lab-work.
USGS Capabilities: Fate and Bioremediation
This video highlights the Fate and Bioremediation team at the MS-DE-DC Water Science Center, and features interviews with several USGS scientists. They discuss what skills they possess, what technologies they use, and how their research helps advance the mission of the USGS. In addition to interviews, the video also features video collected from various field site visits and lab-work.