Masters Theses

Abstract

"Novel and efficient methods to measure the bioavailability of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) in contaminated sediments will play an important role in the acceptance of alternative sediment remediation strategies. In this project, solid phase microextraction (SPME) fibers, protected in perforated steel tubes, were used as in situ passive samplers to measure the treatment of activated carbon (AC) in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminated sediment. Contaminated sediment was treated with two modes of AC waterjet amendment. In the first treatment, a single 2-min injection was shot into the center of a test vessel and in the second treatment, multiple 7-sec injections in a grid were placed in sediment. In the single injection no treatment was observed 5 cm away from the injection, while at 2.5 cm greater than 90% removal of PAH pore water concentrations were observed. In the multiple injection experiment greater than 90% PAH pore water reductions were observed throughout the test vessel. Highly contaminated and less contaminated sediments were mixed with 0-5% AC by weight to develop AC treatment curves. Over 99% reduction in PAH bioavailability was observed in the less contaminated sediment at 3% AC while 99% removal was never reached even at 5% AC addition in the highly contaminated sediment. Clear treatment curves were observed for both contaminated sediments, though they were very different. In situ equilibration times were 120,215 and 250 hours for phenanthrene, pyrene and benzo(a)Anthracene respetively [sic]. The results show that in situ SPME is a viable method to observe AC treatment and evaluate reductions in bioavailability"--Abstract, Page iv.

Advisor(s)

Burken, Joel G. (Joel Gerard)

Committee Member(s)

Elmore, A. Curt
Morrison, Glenn

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Environmental Engineering

Sponsor(s)

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Superfund Program (U.S.)

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Fall 2012

Pagination

xi, 105 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 85-87).

Rights

© 2012 Ryan Dean Stringer, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons -- Measurement
Carbon, Activated
Solid-phase analysis
In situ bioremediation -- Evaluation

Thesis Number

T 10128

Print OCLC #

842846655

Electronic OCLC #

842846201

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