Workshop #1: Theory and Use of Field Portable X-ray Fluorescence for Soil Analysis

Debbie Schatzlein, Sr. Applications Chemist, NITON Corporation, Billerica, MA
Volker Thomsen, Sr. Application Scientist, NITON Corporation, Billerica, MA

This workshop will cover the application of field-portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometry to soil analysis.  We begin with basic theory of x-ray fluorescence and an overview of the applications for this instrumental method of chemical analysis.  This will be followed by a discussion of the instrumentation along with elements of radiation safety.   Statistical aspects of the measurements will be discussed.  Finally, an overview and discussion of EPA SW-846 Method 6200 will be presented.  Hands on use of the instruments will be promoted through several practical exercises.

Workshop #2:  In-Situ Chemical Oxidation Workshop

William B. Kerfoot, Ph.D., LSP,  K-V Associates, Inc.,  Michael Marley, John Cookson, Jr., Kenneth Sperry, Xpert Design and Diagnostics, LLC     

To provide up-to-date information on in-situ chemical oxidation, this all-day workshop combines vendor presentations with professional consultant experience.  Four major oxidants will be considered:

• Permanganate - MNO₄ ^-

• Persulfate – S₂O₈^2-

• Hydrogen peroxide – Fenton’s Reagent – H₂O₂

• Ozone – O₃

In-situ chemical oxidation using ozone, Fenton’s Reagent, persulfate, permanganate or combinations can be an effective innovative technology for destroying organic contaminants within the groundwater aquifer where they occur.  Each oxidant requires certain design considerations for proper application.  This workshop concentrates on the following topics.

• Oxidant chemistry principles

• Available oxidants/compound stoichiometry

• Oxidant selection/site evaluation

• Laboratory bench-scale tests

• Field pilot tests

• Regulatory concerns

• Case histories and time to closure

Presentations will be made by vendors who supply equipment and consulting firms with specific site experience.  Case studies will be presented where design and operational issues will be discussed.

Workshop #3: The Role of Anaerobic Biodegradation Processes in Passive and Enhanced Monitored Natural Attenuation Programs

Eric C. Hince, RSM, Geovation Technologies, Inc., Florida NY
Aaron Peacock, Microbial Insights, Inc., Rockford TN

Anaerobic microbial processes are now thought to play an important if not dominant role in the catabolism and natural attenuation of chemical contaminants present in soils, sediments and aquifer media at many sites.  The intent of the proposed workshop is to provide participants with a working knowledge of anaerobic biodegradation processes within the context of passive and enhanced monitored natural attenuation (MNA) programs.  The workshop will provide participants with an overview of the following topics:

• biogeochemical reactions and fundamental scientific concepts associated with the major anaerobic respiration pathways;

• the state-of-the-science concerning anaerobic biodegradation and transformation processes for halogenated organic contaminants and reducible metals;

• data requirements and sampling considerations for the evaluation of anaerobic biodegradation processes;

• analytical tools and methods to investigate quantitative and qualitative aspects of microbial ecology;

• the utility and limitations of using MNA scoring/ranking systems to evaluate environmental data and site conditions;

• a survey of current knowledge and research concerning the microbial ecology of anaerobic microorganisms

Participants will be encouraged to bring site characterization and ground-water sampling data from their own projects/sites into the workshop to facilitate an interactive case study / data-review session with the presenters and other participants.

Workshop #4: Application of Classic and Emerging Techniques in Environmental Forensics

I.G. Petrisor, DPRA Inc., San Marcos, CA
Helder Costa, Blasland Bouck & Lee, New Bedford, MA
Michael J. Wade, Wade Research, Inc., Marshfield, MA
Jean Christophe Balouet, Environmental International, Le Perreux-sur-Marne, France

In the merging field of Environmental Forensics, information and techniques from a variety of unrelated scientific disciplines are usually required to establish pollution sources/age and finally allocate and manage site liabilities. The current workshop will present the general principles of environmental forensic investigations focusing on several classic and emerging techniques with high potential in forensics investigations (theory and applications).

Techniques based on chemical fingerprinting and those based on isotopic (stable and/or radioactive) analyses could be considered classic as they have proven performances in many environmental forensics investigations. Several case studies, involving PAHs and/or chlorinated solvents contamination, where chemical fingerprinting and isotopic analyses were efficiently applied for tracking contamination to finally manage liabilities, will be discussed. The risk versus the rewards of solving complex forensic geochemical problems with simple chemical testing will also be discussed. An analytical testing approach will be described for investigation of a release of new jet fuel suspected of mixing into a jet fuel release documented to have occurred 10 years previous. Newly-developed chemical indices were calculated to determine the degree of similarity among samples analyzed.

Emerging forensics techniques that may use recent advances in molecular microbiology for reconstructing contaminant release events will be pointed out. Several emerging molecular microbiological techniques (including terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and ribotyping) promise tremendous applicability in environmental forensic investigations, but their use to date has been scarcely documented in criminal forensics and tracking of water contamination. One of the most promising opportunities is the ability to track contamination by examining the impact of contaminant on microbial populations in a particular environment and monitor its time effect, since microorganisms respond to the tiniest changes in contamination. Data from successful applications of microbiological emerging techniques in both criminal and environmental forensics will be discussed emphasizing future application opportunities. Another emerging forensic technique that will be briefly overviewed is dendroecology or the use of tree rings to age-date environmental contamination. Dendroecology appears to be a unique method to age date pollution events, measure plume transfer rates, or establish spatio-temporal plume mapping. It is also cost-effective without the use of expensive drilling.

However, very few studies have been published describing the values of trees as bio-archives in forensics. What can tree rings tell you?  Tree-ring growth can be significantly altered when pollution events reach a tree, via the roots or the leaves.  After collecting samples, either increment cores from living, or stem cross-sections from dead trees, the growth rings are dated, then measured using optical readings, X-ray or acoustic microscopy methods. Chemical analyses allow research into elemental contaminants in tree rings. Pure hydrocarbons will be metabolized by trees, while elements present in the plume such as chlorine in chlorinated solvents, lead and sulfur in hydrocarbon fuels, metals, or radioisotopes can be traced back to the time the tree absorbed them. 

Workshop #5:  Environmental Fate of Hydrocarbons in Soils and Groundwater

James Dragun, Ph.D., The Dragun Corporation, Farmington Hills, MI

This course will cover predicting  bulk hydrocarbon migration, the extent of absorption of organic chemicals, chemical volatility in soil, organic chemical reaction rates and rates of organic chemicals in soils.  The information will be presented in the context of site remediation, site disposal facilities, and analyzing chemical releases, as well as auditing closures of industrial facilities. 

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