The Contaminant Fate and Transport team conducts research on the transport and fate of contaminants in groundwater through the unsaturated and saturated zones using innovative and proven USGS methods. The team's research focuses on the often complex processes that affect contaminant fate and transport, and includes expertise in wetland environments. Performing both field and laboratory studies to understand and describe the microbial, geochemical, hydrogeological processes, and groundwater-surface water interactions, which often govern contaminant fate and transport.
The team investigates in-situ and ex-situ groundwater remediation methods for hazardous waste sites. Field and laboratory studies are used in the development of bioremediation methods. The development of remediation methods include the use of microbial cultures, laboratory microcosms, column experiments, and field pilot tests.
The Contaminant Fate and Transport team maintains collaboration with other agencies, universities and private companies. Funding comes primarily from federal, state, and local governments and from private companies through technical assistance or cooperative r
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 technology, the FAB team can work with a variety of compounds-- including, but not limited to, volatile organic compounds, 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 creates 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.
Site Characterization Capabilities
Site Hydrological Assessment
- Geochemistry
- Flowpaths
- Tracer Tests
- Groundwater Seeps
Contaminant Plume Delineation
- Sediments
- Aquifer
- Interactions with surface water
Passive Sampling Techniques
- Passive Diffusion Bags (VOCs)
- Dialysis Bags (Geochemical Analyses)
- Peepers (Vertically Intense Passive Sampling Devices)
- POCIS (Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler)
- Polar or Hydrophilic Organic Chemicals (Pharmaceuticals, EDCs)
Chemical Fate
- Chemical Transformations
- Adsorption/Desorption from Sediment
- Microbially-Mediated Degradation
Bioremediation Capabilities
West Branch Consortium (WBC-2)
- Developed by Dr. Michelle Lorah, Elizabeth Jones, and Dr. Mary Voytek (currently with NASA) and USGS from contaminated wetland sediment
- 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 aquifer tests
Microcosms
- Laboratory (Controlled anaerobic or aerobic environment)
- Degradation rates and pathways
- Optimal electron donors and nutrients
- Response to temperature, salinity, and other environmental factors
- Culture enrichment
- In Situ Site Installation
- Degradation rates and pathways under natural site conditions
- Evaluation of biormediation 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
- Reactive Mat
- In-field evaluation of bioaugmenting and biostimulating localized seeps
- Bioreactor
- Moderate flow rates to determine how industrial control processes work with the system.
- Subsurface Injection
- In-field evaluation of bioaugmentation and biostimulation
Below are other science projects associated with this project.Below are other science projects associated with this project.Below are other science projects associated with this project.Below are other science projects associated with this project.Below are other science projects associated with this project.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 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.
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.
- Overview
The Contaminant Fate and Transport team conducts research on the transport and fate of contaminants in groundwater through the unsaturated and saturated zones using innovative and proven USGS methods. The team's research focuses on the often complex processes that affect contaminant fate and transport, and includes expertise in wetland environments. Performing both field and laboratory studies to understand and describe the microbial, geochemical, hydrogeological processes, and groundwater-surface water interactions, which often govern contaminant fate and transport.
The team investigates in-situ and ex-situ groundwater remediation methods for hazardous waste sites. Field and laboratory studies are used in the development of bioremediation methods. The development of remediation methods include the use of microbial cultures, laboratory microcosms, column experiments, and field pilot tests.
The Contaminant Fate and Transport team maintains collaboration with other agencies, universities and private companies. Funding comes primarily from federal, state, and local governments and from private companies through technical assistance or cooperative r
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 technology, the FAB team can work with a variety of compounds-- including, but not limited to, volatile organic compounds, 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 creates 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.
Site Characterization Capabilities
Site Hydrological Assessment
- Geochemistry
- Flowpaths
- Tracer Tests
- Groundwater Seeps
Contaminant Plume Delineation
- Sediments
- Aquifer
- Interactions with surface water
Passive Sampling Techniques
- Passive Diffusion Bags (VOCs)
- Dialysis Bags (Geochemical Analyses)
- Peepers (Vertically Intense Passive Sampling Devices)
- POCIS (Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler)
- Polar or Hydrophilic Organic Chemicals (Pharmaceuticals, EDCs)
Chemical Fate
- Chemical Transformations
- Adsorption/Desorption from Sediment
- Microbially-Mediated Degradation
Bioremediation Capabilities
West Branch Consortium (WBC-2)
- Developed by Dr. Michelle Lorah, Elizabeth Jones, and Dr. Mary Voytek (currently with NASA) and USGS from contaminated wetland sediment
- 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 aquifer tests
Microcosms
- Laboratory (Controlled anaerobic or aerobic environment)
- Degradation rates and pathways
- Optimal electron donors and nutrients
- Response to temperature, salinity, and other environmental factors
- Culture enrichment
- In Situ Site Installation
- Degradation rates and pathways under natural site conditions
- Evaluation of biormediation 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
- Reactive Mat
- In-field evaluation of bioaugmenting and biostimulating localized seeps
- Bioreactor
- Moderate flow rates to determine how industrial control processes work with the system.
- Subsurface Injection
- In-field evaluation of bioaugmentation and biostimulation
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.Below are other science projects associated with this project.Below are other science projects associated with this project.Below are other science projects associated with this project.Below are other science projects associated with this project.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
Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program project ER-2533 In chlorinated-solvent-contaminated fractured-sedimentary-rock aquifers, low-permeability (low-K) strata typically act as long-term or secondary sources of contamination to mobile groundwater in the high-permeability fractures. The fate of dissolved trichloroethene (TCE) in the low-K matrix is controlled by abiotic...Optimized Enhanced Bioremediation through 4D Geophysical Monitoring and Autonomous Data Collection, Processing, and Analysis
The USGS Office of Ground Water, Branch of Geophysics (OGW BG) is collaborating on an applied research project to evaluate the use of new hydrogeophysical tools to remotely monitor and visualize subsurface bioremediation amendment emplacement and transport in near real-time. The project, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, could provide...Bioremediation in Wetland Areas, Standard Chlorine of Delaware Inc. Superfund Site, Delaware City, Delaware
Major releases of chlorinated benzenes and benzene are known to have occurred at the Standard Chlorine of Delaware Inc. Superfund Site from 1966-2002, resulting in contamination of the groundwater underlying the site and the wetlands surrounding Red Lion Creek.Although installation of a groundwater interception and treatment system has been completed around the main facility, wetland and sediment... - Multimedia
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.
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.
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