Research Projects

This page describes some current and past research projects. Powerpoint presentations and reports are attached to some of the project descriptions illustrating some recent research results.

Current Projects (as of November 2010)

Development of a Design Tool for Planning Aqueous Amendment Injection Systems, Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, 2006-2011.
In this project, we are developing tools to assist design engineers in developing effective, reasonably efficient systems for distributing aqueous amendments for in situ treatment of groundwater contaminants.  Tools are being developed to assist in the design of in situ chemical oxidation systems using permanganate and in situ anaerobic bioremediation systems using soluble substrates and emulsified oil.  Click on the "Design Tools' button at the top to download the most current version of the design tools.

Development of Soluble Soy-Based Products for Anaerobic Bioremediation, 2010-2011.
In this project, we will develop and evaluate low cost, soluble substrates for enhanced anaerobic bioremediation of chlorinated solvents and related contaminants. . 

Laboratory Evaluation of Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid Bioremediation with Emulsified Oils, 2010-2011.
In this project, we are developing a technology to enhance the in situ anaerobic bioremediation of DNAPLS by mixing the DNAPL with emulsified oil and a pH buffer to reduce toxicity, provide a electron donor in close proximity to the electron acceptor, and neutralize HCl produced during reductive dechlorination. The process will be first demonstrated in laboratory columns and then tested in the field at an existing DNAPL site.

Development and Field Evaluation of Colloidal pH Buffers, 2011-2013.
Acidic plumes are present at sites throughout the world which can enhance the mobility of radionuclides and heavy metals. In this project, we will be developing a colloidal pH buffer for in situ neutralization of acidic plumes. This approach will be initially evaluated through coupled laboratory column and numerical modeling studies. Subsequent work will include a field pilot test at an acidic, radionuclide impacted aquifer.

Numerical Modelign of Post-Remediation Impacts of Anaerobic Bioremediation on Groundwater Quality, 2011-2014.
Anaerobic Bioremediation can be very effective in stimulating enhanced reductive dechlorination (ERD) of chlorinated solvents and anaerobic biodegradation/immobilization of other groundwater contaminants.  However, electron donor addition can result in the release of a groundwater ‘plume’ with reduced levels of oxygen, nitrate, sulfate, and elevated levels of dissolved manganese, iron, methane, organic carbon, salts, and naturally occurring hazardous compounds (As, etc.).  The overall objective of this research is to develop an improved understanding of the near- and long-term impacts to groundwater quality after implementation of in situ anaerobic bioremediation processes.  This will include development and application of a general modeling approach for describing the natural attenuation of important secondary water quality impacts associated with electron donor addition. The model will be initially tested at three intensively monitored sites, and then applied to evaluate secondary impacts at other less well characterized sites.

Generation of Biodegradation - Sorption Barriers for Munitions Constituents, 2011-2015.
The overall objective of this project is to develop and demonstrate a process to enhance the sorption and/or degradation of TNT, RDX, HMX and perchlorate in soils by spray application of an organic amendment solution, followed by irrigation to carry the amendments deeper into the soil profile.  The amendments will stimulate anaerobic biodegradation of the target contaminants, reduce naturally occurring Fe(III) oxides and hydroxides to Fe(II) enhancing abiotic degradation, and enhance hydrophobic sorption processes. We will follow a phased approach consisting of: (1) laboratory column studies to identify appropirate mixtures of organic materials that are effective in treating contaminated soils in situ and preventing leaching of contaminants deposited in the future; (2) medium scale field-pilot tests to evaluate treatment performance under representative field conditions; and (3) a large scale field demonstration of the technology on a heavily impacted burn area. 

Past Projects

Practical Procedures for Evaluating Attenuation of Ground Water Contaminants Due to Biotransformation Processes.  US Environ. Protect. Agency, 1986-1987. 

Development of Field and Laboratory Facilities for Research in Ground Water Contaminant Transport, NCSU Faculty Research and Professional Development Fund, 1987-1987.

Effect of Landfill Containment Methods on Ground and Surface Water Contamination in North Carolina. UNC Water Resources Research Institute, 1987-1989.

Laboratory Study and Mathematical Description of Enhanced Subsurface Biorestoration, National Science Foundation, 1987-1989.

Monitoring of Multimedia Permeable Barriers for Remediation of Hydrocarbon Contamination from Leaking Underground Storage Tanks, Univ. South Carolina (subcontract in a US EPA funded project), 1990-1993.

Subsurface Monitoring Data for Assessing In-Situ Biodegradation of Aromatic Hydrocarbons (BTEX) in Groundwater, American Petroleum Institute, 1991-1995.

Use of Biological Active Barriers for In Situ Treatment of Contaminated Groundwater, SC Johnson Co., 1991-1992.

Laboratory Evaluation of In Situ Bioventing for Restoration of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Sediments, Westinghouse Environmental and Geotechnical Engineers, 1991.

Development of Methods for the Delineation of Wellhead Protection Areas, NC Div. Environmental Management, 1991.

Evaluation of Groundwater and Soils Contamination at 100 Gatley Circle,  Ft. Bragg, NC. US Army, 1991.

Anaerobic Biodegradation of  Hazardous Organics in Groundwater Downgradient of  a Sanitary Landfill, UNC Water Resources Research Institute, 1991-1992.

Methanogenic Biodegradation of Alkylbenzenes in Petroleum Contaminated Aquifers, US Environ. Protect. Agency, 1992-1994.

Evaluation of Pump and Treat Systems for Remediation of North Carolina Aquifers, NC Division of Environ. Management, 1992-1992.

Development of a Ground Water Recharge Map for the State of North Carolina and for the Provision of Technical Advisory, NC Division of Environ. Management, 1992-1992.

Slow Release of Dissolved Contaminants from Residual NAPLs: Causes and Techniques for Control, US Environ. Protect. Agency, 1992-1994.

Evaluation of Ponds and Wetlands for Protection of Public Water Supplies, NC Urban Water Consortium, 1993-1994.

Influence of Iron Reduction on the Natural Bioremediation of Petroleum Spills, UNC Water Resources Research Institute, 1993-1995.

Field Evaluation of Alternative ORC Delivery System, Regenesis, Inc., 1995.

Interactions between Subsurface Geochemical Conditions, Microbial Populations & Biodegradation Rates, Geophex Ltd. (subcontract in a US Air Force funded project), 1996-1997.

Center for Transportation and the Environment Fellowship for Jeffrey Bryan Stillman, Institute for Transportation Research and Education, 1996-1997.

Influence of Protozoan Grazing on Intrinsic Bioremediation under Anaerobic Conditions, UNC Water Resources Research Institute, 1996-1997.

Laboratory Evaluation of MTBE Biodegradation, American Petroleum Institute, 1996-1997.

Factors Controlling the Biodegradation of 1,4-Dioxane during Subsurface Transport, Hoeschst-Celanese Corp. and Dupont Specialty Chemicals, 1996-1997.

Effect of Spatial Heterogeneity on the Natural Bioattenuation of Dissolved Hydrocarbons, US Environ. Protect. Agency, 1997-2000.

Collaborative Research for Developing an In Situ Permeable Reactor for Remediating BTEX-Contaminated Ground Water, US Depart. Energy, Idaho National Laboratory, 1997-2000.

Optimization of Wet Detention Ponds for Phosphorus and Nitrogen Removal, UNC Water Resources Research Institute, 1998-2000.

Use of Soybean Oil and Soybean Products for Groundwater Bioremediation, United Soybean Board, 2002.

Development of Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs) using Edible Oils, Dept. of Defense, SERDP, 2001 to 2007. 

Evaluating Monitored Natural Attenuation of Perchlorate in Groundwater, Solutions-IES (subcontract from ESTCP), 2004 to 2007.

Anaerobic Biotreatment of Acid Mine Drainage at Ore Knob Mine, NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the United Soybean Board, 2005-2008.

Laboratory Evaluation of Aerobic and Anaerobic Biodegradation Processes
at the Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Site, Solutions-IES, 2006. 

Evaluating Monitored Natural Attenuation of Perchlorate in Groundwater, Solutions-IES, 2004-2007.

Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage using Emulsified Soybean Oil, United Soybean Board, 2005-2007.

Anaerobic Biotreatment of Acid Mine Drainage at Ore Knob Mine, NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2005-2008.

Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage Using Crude Glycerol, United Soybean Board, 2007-2008.

Enhanced Anaerobic Bioremediation using Soy Flour, Soy Protein Concentrate, and Lecithin, United Soybean Board, 2008-2009.

Last updated by rcborden on November 2010