Passive Biobarrier for Treating Co-mingled Perchlorate and RDX in Groundwater at an Active Range
Abstract
A subsurface biobarrier consisting of emulsified vegetable oil and a buffering agent was tested to enhance biodegradation and reduce the migration of co-mingled RDX, HMX. and perchlorate in a shallow, acidic groundwater aquifer at an operational m.ilita1yrai1ge in Dahlgren, Va. Despite heterogeneous subsurface lithology mid low hydraulic conductivity in the test site aquifer, RDX, HMX, and perchlorate were reduced by> 92 in a centerline of monitoring wells extending 40 ft downgradient of the biobarrier when adequate total organic carbon (TOC) was present from the added oil. The accumulation of toxic nitroso-degradation products MNX, DNX, and TNX from RDX was minimal. Moreover, the passive biobarrier resulted in no significant impacts to ongoing range activities. This field trial suggests that an emulsified oil biobarrier is a viable alternative to reduce the migration of co-mingled perchlorate and explosives in groundwater at this and similar ranges. Ideal range locations include open OB/OD areas, target areas, fast cookoff sites, EOD training areas, and other locations where high munition constituent concentrations are possible.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 12, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1022312
Entities
People
- Mark E. Fuller
- Paul B. Hatzinger