AEG’s Third Biennial Southeastern In Situ Soil and Groundwater Remediation Conference was held in Raleigh, NC on March 6 – 7 2012. The remediation topics discussed were primarily related to In Situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) and In Situ chemical reduction (ISCR) processes currently being used to remediate aquifers impacted with chlorinated solvents.
Chlorinated solvents such as Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Trichloroethylene, and Carbon Tetrachloride were the usual suspects encountered in the majority of the impacted soil and aquifers discussed. Sustained release oxidants such as potassium permanganate (permanganate) and peroxydisulfate (persulfate) were compared for ease of use remediating these solvents and their impact on processes such as adsorption\desorption, precipitation\dissolution, ion exchange, complexation and redox chemistry.
Also discussed, was the need to recognize that up to 95% of total oxygen demand (TOD) can be attributed to natural oxygen demand (NOD). Several presenters provided cost data for the chemical amendments and a variety of activators which was very useful for consultants who were considering recommending chemical oxidation or chemical reduction to their clients.
Enviro-Equipment, Inc. had a prototype of the Oxygreen pure oxygen bioremediation cell in operation at their booth. The Oxygreen cell was placed in a display well constructed of clear PVC and filled with tap water so the attendees could see the substantial amount of oxygen this device can produce from the in-situ electrolysis process. Enviro-Equipment, Inc. plans to produce a solar version of this bioremediation polishing system in the near future. A video was taken of the demonstration.
The night time mixer was a lot of fun and the beer was cold. To top it all off the SC Board of Geologists approved the conference for 16 hours toward the continuing education requirements required by the Board in SC.
Brian E Chew Sr. P.G.
Principal Hydrogeologist
