Electronically Induced Redox Barriers for Treatment of Groundwater
Abstract
This report summarizes results from a 3-year collaboration between the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) and Colorado State University (CSU). The focus is an innovative electrolytic approach for managing redox-sensitive contaminants in groundwater, referred to as electrically induced redox barrier (e-barriers). The overarching objective of the work is to demonstrate/validate a new technology for managing contaminated groundwater at the Department of Defense (DoD) facilities that holds promise in terms of efficacy and cost. The premise underlying the technology is that closely spaced permeable electrodes can be installed through a groundwater contaminant plume in the format of a permeable reactive barrier. Application of low voltage direct current (DC) drives sequential oxidation and/or reduction of contaminants with the net benefit of reducing contaminant flux. The site selected for the demonstration is a shallow alluvial plume containing approximately 300 micrograms/L of trichloroethene (TCE). The e-barrier was designed and fabricated at CSU in May through July 2002 and was installed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base (AFB) in August 2002. Following installation, the e-barrier was allowed to equilibrate with the contaminant in the plume for 5 months. Power was applied to the e-barrier in January 2003, and as of August 2004, the e-barrier has been operating continuously (approximately 19 months). As implemented, the e-barrier met the functional objective of the demonstration, and experience gained through the demonstration provides insight into avenues for optimization. Electrical cost and performance is monitored continuously using a remote data acquisition system. Eighteen months of operation indicates that the electrical components are reliable and power costs low (an average of $0.013/m2/day).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA468551
Entities
People
- David M Gilbert
- Tom Sale
Organizations
- Colorado State University