MSEEL Marcellus Shale Research Site
Urban Stormwater Runoff Site
The Norman Landfill Research Site
Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory
The Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory (RBPGL) research team conducts long-term investigations on the fate and geochemical effects of organic contaminants in surface and subsurface environments. Our approach combines field observations and laboratory experiments to determine how transformations of organic contaminants impact aquifer, soil, and surface-water chemistry, targeting transformations with potential ecological and health impacts.
RBPGL Research
RBPGL Research
We conduct long-term investigations on the fate and geochemical effects of organic and inorganic chemicals in water and soil, caused by releases of anthropogenic contaminants into the environment.
RBPGL Capabilities
RBPGL Capabilities
We have a broad range of analytical research capabilities and offer analytical services in aqueous samples for non-volatile dissolved organic carbon and low molecular weight organic acids.
News
Illegal Oil and Gas Wastewater Dumps Disrupt Foundations of Fragile Desert Ecosystems
Illegal Oil and Gas Wastewater Dumps Disrupt Foundations of Fragile Desert Ecosystems
GEMSC Scientist Receives Special IAGC Leadership Award
GEMSC Scientist Receives Special IAGC Leadership Award
Friday's Findings - July 29, 2022
Friday's Findings - July 29, 2022
Publications
Treatability study to evaluate bioremediation of trichloroethene at Site K, former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant, Arden Hills, Minnesota, 2020–22 Treatability study to evaluate bioremediation of trichloroethene at Site K, former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant, Arden Hills, Minnesota, 2020–22
Executive Summary Chlorinated solvents, including trichloroethene (TCE) and other chlorinated volatile organic compounds (cVOCs), are widespread contaminants that can be treated by bioremediation approaches that enhance anaerobic reductive dechlorination. Reductive dechlorination can be enhanced either through the addition of an electron donor (biostimulation) or the addition of a known
Pathways for potential exposure to onshore oil and gas wastewater: What we need to know to protect human health Pathways for potential exposure to onshore oil and gas wastewater: What we need to know to protect human health
Produced water is a chemically complex waste stream generated during oil and gas development. Roughly four trillion liters were generated onshore in the United States in 2021 (ALL Consulting, 2022, https://www.gwpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021_Produced_Water_Volumes.pdf). Efforts are underway to expand historic uses of produced water to offset freshwater needs in water-stressed...
Distribution of ancient carbon in groundwater and soil gas from degradation of petroleum near the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Distribution of ancient carbon in groundwater and soil gas from degradation of petroleum near the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i
The groundwater below the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (the facility) in Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, contains fuel compounds from past spills. This study used carbon-14 analyses to distinguish fuel-derived carbon from background carbon, along with other biodegradation indicators, to address two goals: (1) determine the extent and migration direction of groundwater affected by residual fuel...
Science
Organic Contaminants in Reuse Waters and Transport Following Land Application
Potential reuse waters contained unique mixtures of organic contaminants with the greatest number detected in treated municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent, followed by urban stormwater, and agricultural runoff. This study provided information for decisions on reuse strategies to support freshwater supplies.
Stormwater and Green Infrastructure
The Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory (RBPGL) is conducting research aimed at understanding the complexity of chemical mixtures in urban stormwater.
Wastewaters from Unconventional Oil and Gas Development
The Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory (RBPGL) is assessing the potential risks to human and ecosystem health associated with Unconventional Oil and Gas (UOG) development.