2003•Federal Facilities Environmental JournalRequires access
The use of natural systems to remediate groundwater: Department of energy experience at the Savannah river site
Gerald C. Blount, Cathleen C. Caldwell, Joao E. Cardoso‐Neto, Karen R. Conner, G. Timothy Jannik, Charles E. Murphy, David C. Noffsinger, Jeff A. Ross
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Abstract
Abstract Natural remediation is moving toward the forefront as engineers clean groundwater at the Savannah River Site (SRS), a major Department of Energy (DOE) installation near Aiken, South Carolina. This article reviews two successful, innovative remediation methods currently being deployed: biosparging to treat chlorinated solvents and phytoremediation to address tritium in groundwater. The biosparging system reintroduces oxygen into the groundwater and injects nutrient compounds for in‐situ remediation. The system has greatly reduced the concentrations of trichloroethylene (TCE) and vinyl chloride in wells downgradient from a sanitary landfill (SLF). Phytoremediation is an emerging technology that promises effective and inexpensive cleanup of certain hazardous wastes. Using natural processes, plants can break down, trap and hold, or transpire contaminants. This article discusses the use of phytoremediation to reduce the discharge of tritium to an on‐site stream at SRS. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Reprinted from Remediation Volume 12, Number 3.