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https://hdl.handle.net/11681/10097| Title: | Feasibility of using natural attenuation as a remedial alternative for explosives-contaminated groundwater at Site L1, Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, Joliet, Illinois |
| Authors: | Pennington, Judith C. Harrelson, Danny W. Zakikhani, Mansour, 1954- Gunnison, Douglas Clarke, Joan U. McGrath, Christian J. Fredrickson, Herbert L. May, James H. Perkins, Edward J. Hayes, Charolett A. Ringelberg, David B. |
| Keywords: | Joliet Army Ammunition Plant (Ill.) Groundwater--Pollution--Illinois--Joliet Explosives, Military--Environmental aspects In situ bioremediation--Illinois--Joliet Soil remediation--Illinois--Joliet |
| Publisher: | Environmental Laboratory (U.S.) U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. |
| Series/Report no.: | Technical Report ; EL-98-8. |
| Abstract: | A ridge and furrow system for disposal of explosives wastes at Site L1 has resulted in local groundwater contamination. The objective of this study was to evaluate natural attenuation as a remedial alternative for the site. The study consisted of groundwater monitoring, cone penetrometer sampling, analysis of limited number of surface soils, and sediment and bank-side samples from a receiving stream. Data were integrated with historical data to determine trends. A three-dimensional numerical model was developed to conceptualize contaminant distribution and to predict contaminant fate. Few statistically significant trends were observed; however, for TNT, RDX, and TNB, concentrations were generally decreasing. Results of biomarker research on cone penetrometer samples showed potential for slow mineralization of TNT and RDX. These results indicate that natural attenuation is occurring. However, significant increases were observed in explosives concentrations in MW131 in the last two sampling rounds. Natural attenuation cannot be recommended as a remedial alternative until these results are explained. A possible cause of the elevated concentrations is atypically high precipitation that mobilized a previously stable source of explosives. If this source is in the area slated for active removal, future such elevated concentrations are unlikely, and natural attenuation is a viable long-term option. |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/11681/10097 |
| Appears in Collections: | Technical Report |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TR EL-98-8.pdf | 5.09 MB | Adobe PDF |  View/Open |