Implications of matrix diffusion on 1,4-dioxane persistence at contaminated groundwater sites

Adamson, David T.; Blanc, Phillip C. de; Farhat, Shahla K.; Newell, Charles J.

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.03.211

Cited by 39 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…The diffusion of dioxane mass into and out of fine‐grained media relative to co‐released chlorinated solvents may consequently result in long‐term storage and release near source areas. Back diffusion of dioxane mass can be the dominant long‐term “secondary source” at many contaminated sites that must be managed (Adamson et al., ).…”

Section: Occurrence Of Dioxanementioning

confidence: 99%

Practical Perspectives of 1,4‐Dioxane Investigation and Remediation

Chiang

Anderson

Wilken

et al. 2016

Remediation Journal

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1,4‐Dioxane (dioxane) is a contaminant of emerging concern that is classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a likely human carcinogen. Dioxane has been used as a minor or major ingredient in many applications, and is also generated as an unwanted by‐product of industrial processes associated with the manufacturing of polyethylene, nonionic surfactants, and many consumer products (cosmetics, laundry detergents, shampoos, etc.). Dioxane is also a known stabilizer of chlorinated solvents, particularly 1,1,1‐trichloroethane, and has been commonly found comingled with chlorinated solvent plumes. Dioxane plumes at chlorinated solvent sites can complicate site closure strategies, which to date have not typically focused on dioxane. Aggressive treatment technologies have greatly advanced and are clearly capable of achieving lower parts per billion cleanup criteria using ex situ advanced oxidation processes and sorption media. In situ chemical oxidation has also been demonstrated to effectively remediate dioxane and chlorinated solvents. Other in situ remedies, such as enhanced bioremediation, phytoremediation, and monitored natural attenuation, have been studied; however, their ability to achieve cleanup levels is still somewhat questionable and is limited by co‐occurring contaminants. This article summarizes and provides practical perspectives on dioxane analysis, plume stability relative to other contaminants, and the development of investigation tools and treatment technologies.

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Section: Occurrence Of Dioxanementioning

confidence: 99%

Practical Perspectives of 1,4‐Dioxane Investigation and Remediation

Chiang

Anderson

Wilken

et al. 2016

Remediation Journal

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“…However, declining aqueous phase 1,4-dioxane concentrations observed throughout the majority of the Eastern Area suggest that sorption processes did not represent a significant sink during the study period. Diffused mass estimates calculated using assumptions similar to those modeled by Adamson et al (2016) also suggested that diffusion would not serve as a material source or sink of dioxane in the Eastern Area during the study period. Consequently, diffusion and sorption were assumed to be negligible in this investigation.…”

Section: Potential 14-dioxane Attenuation Processesmentioning

confidence: 79%

Evidence for natural attenuation of 1,4-dioxane in a glacial aquifer system

Jackson

Lemke

2019

Hydrogeol J

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Although 1,4-dioxane is generally thought to be recalcitrant, recent studies suggest it may degrade in the subsurface under ideal conditions. A fuller understanding of natural attenuation processes affecting 1,4-dioxane is therefore needed to assess its potential for in situ bioremediation. This investigation employed multiple lines of evidence to evaluate attenuation of 1,4-dioxane at the Gelman Site beneath the city of Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. Data from a network of groundwater monitoring wells were used to determine attenuation metrics at individual wells and at the scale of a prominent 1,4-dioxane plume. A series of plume maps and historical remediation data were used to calculate changes in aqueous phase mass storage, mass influx rates, and mass removal rates over a 12-year period (2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012)(2013)(2014)(2015)(2016)(2017). Individual point and plume-scale metrics indicate that attenuation may be occurring at rates too small to meaningfully contribute to remediation results at the site. Conversely, plume-scale mass balance calculations reveal a 1,4-dioxane storage surplus for the first 6 years, followed by a storage deficit during the remaining 6 years that cannot be explained by mass influx or removal estimates, respectively. Mass balance deficits observed in this aquifer system are attributable to biodegradation and/or unrecognized discharge to surface water and storm drain systems at rates similar to remedial pump-andtreat mass removal during 2011-2017.

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“…As discussed previously, we classify transport behavior in the subsurface based on the presence in transport, slow advection, and storage zones. Recent studies have shown that matrix diffusion is an important process at 1,4‐dioxane sites as the high solubility and lack of sorption drives diffusion of 1,4‐dioxane into storage zones (Adamson et al, ). Over time, these storage zones act as a long‐term source to groundwater impacts, even after a remedy has been deployed.…”

Section: Smart Characterizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the last several years, there has been increasing awareness of the challenges presented by matrix diffusion from storage zones at chlorinated solvent sites. Matrix diffusion is also an important process at 1,4‐dioxane sites (Adamson et al, ). The amount of mass in storage is directly related to plume maturity.…”

Section: Smart Characterizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Smart Characterization—An Integrated Approach for Evaluating a Complex 1,4‐Dioxane Site

Curry

Welty

Wright

et al. 2016

Remediation Journal

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Smart characterization approaches apply the latest high‐resolution site characterization methods to find the contaminant mass flux, by integrating relative permeability mapping, classical hydrostratigraphy interpretation, and high‐density groundwater and saturated soil sampling. The key factor that makes Smart characterization different is the application of quantitative saturated soil sampling in less permeable slow advection and storage zones to diagnose plume maturity and understand its implications for remedy selection and performance. Because direct sensing tools like the membrane interface probe are capable of providing screening‐level assessments for hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents in storage zones, but not 1,4‐dioxane, the recommended Smart approach involves application of specialized high‐capacity mobile laboratories or rapid turn‐around using fixed commercial labs. In addition to the benefit of rapidly characterizing sites, Smart characterization facilitates a flux‐based conceptual site model, which allows stakeholders to focus remedies on the mobile portion of the contaminant mass or, in effect, the mass that matters. Through systematic planning and implementation, predesign characterization can be completed to optimize source and plume remedy strategies, balancing investment in Smart characterization with reductions in total life‐cycle costs to ensure that an appropriate return on investigation is obtained. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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Implications of matrix diffusion on 1,4-dioxane persistence at contaminated groundwater sites

Cited by 39 publications

References 40 publications

Practical Perspectives of 1,4‐Dioxane Investigation and Remediation

Practical Perspectives of 1,4‐Dioxane Investigation and Remediation

Evidence for natural attenuation of 1,4-dioxane in a glacial aquifer system

Smart Characterization—An Integrated Approach for Evaluating a Complex 1,4‐Dioxane Site

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