Masters Theses
Abstract
"Field data from the Riverfront Superfund Site in New Haven, MO was observed to show a remarkable correlation between soil vapor phase tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and tree core concentrations. The observed correlation was a much better fit than that of groundwater PCE to tree core concentrations at the same site. This finding contradicts a body of research that shows a direct relationship between tree and groundwater concentrations of chlorinated solvents and other organics. Laboratory scale experiments were performed to qualify this phenomenon, including determining partitioning coefficients of PCE between wood and water and between wood and air, measured to be K1w = 0.049 L/g and Kaw = 0.0081 L/g. The contributing factor to the high correlation of soil to tree core PCE concentrations was hypothesized to be diffusion within the subsurface between tree roots and the soil vapor phase. Evidence developed herein draws question to the use of transpiration stream concentration factors (TSCF) for volatile organic compounds because the definition of TSCF does not include a major fate mechanism in the subsurface. The cusp of this research is a demonstration of an interaction between soil vapor phase chlorinated solvents and plant roots that affects contaminant translocation from the subsurface and transfer into the atmosphere"--Abstract, page iv.
Advisor(s)
Burken, Joel G. (Joel Gerard)
Committee Member(s)
Morrison, Glenn
Porterfield, D. M.
Department(s)
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Degree Name
M.S. in Civil Engineering
Publisher
University of Missouri--Rolla
Publication Date
Fall 2003
Pagination
viii, 47 pages
Note about bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 42-46)
Rights
© 2003 Garrett C. Struckhoff, All rights reserved.
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted Access
File Type
text
Language
English
Subject Headings
PhytoremediationOrganochlorine compounds -- Environmental aspectsSoil vapor extraction
Thesis Number
T 8456
Print OCLC #
56415876
Recommended Citation
Struckhoff, Garrett C., "Uptake of vapor phase PCE by plants: impacts to phytoremediation" (2003). Masters Theses. 2480.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/2480
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