Field Demonstration of Biologically Active Zone Enhancement (BAZE) for In Situ RDX Degradation in Groundwater
Abstract
Several active and formerly used federal facilities are faced with managing rapidly moving and expansive plumes of groundwater contaminated by explosives, particularly hexahydro-1,3,5- trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). In some cases, RDX contamination threatens the available supply of potable water for surrounding communities. The Department of Defense (DoD) currently has 583 sites with confirmed explosives-contaminated groundwater, and 88 additional sites are suspected of groundwater contamination with explosives and other organics (Defense Environmental Network and Information Exchange [DENIX], 2003). RDX has been associated with systemic poisoning usually affecting bone marrow and the liver (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry [ATSDR], 1996). Due to these effects shown in humans, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has established drinking water health advisory (HA) for RDX of 2 micrograms per liter ( g/L) (USEPA, 2002). At the time this project began, there was no generally accepted in situ process for remediation of RDX in groundwater. Available remediation alternatives were limited to long-term groundwater pumping and ex situ treatment followed by discharge or reinjection of treated water.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA551905
Entities
Organizations
- Environmental Security Technology Certification Program