Masters Theses

Abstract

"The widespread and indiscriminate use of chlorinated volatile organic compounds as cleaning agents at dry - cleaning facilities, as metal degreasers and solvents in extraction and removal operations has been well documented in the past resulting in releases, while contaminating soil and groundwater. Current techniques to assess chlorinated solvents such as tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE) in the subsurface have been time and cost intensive and more importantly invasive to the surrounding environment. New methods use trees as sources of information to access contaminant plume size and plume delineation. The major goal of these research studies has been to save time and money and minimize impact to the surrounding ecosystem, establishing reliable and repeatable results. This study looks at the use of new sampling devices called Solid Phase Samplers (SPSs) and gives insights into the various materials that may find applicability for use as in planta samplers.

Laboratory studies included the estimation of the variable uptake kinetics for the materials tested as well as the determination of the material: air partitioning coefficients for chlorinated solvents of interests. These results were then applied in a greenhouse setting as well as in the field to assess sampler material performance. The results indicate that linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polyvinylchloride (PVC) are the most suitable for use as in planta samplers. These techniques used have great potential as sampling aids in the field of phytoforensics and may further supplement initial site investigations for chlorinated solvents in the subsurface"--Abstract, page iv.

Advisor(s)

Burken, Joel G. (Joel Gerard)

Committee Member(s)

Ma, Yinfa
Morrison, Glenn

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Environmental Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2012

Journal article titles appearing in thesis/dissertation

  • In planta passive sampling devices to detect contamination by chlorinated solvents in the subsurface

Pagination

x, 64 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 57-63).

Rights

© 2012 Mikhil Kishore Shetty, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Chlorination -- Environmental aspectsEnvironmental chemistry -- TechniqueGroundwater -- PollutionVolatile organic compounds -- Environmental aspects

Thesis Number

T 9988

Print OCLC #

816393000

Electronic OCLC #

909376933

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