Permeable Reactive Barrier

Remediation of ground water is complex and often challenging. The passive remediation technology, currently in vogue, is based on permeable reactive barriers (PRB) that allow water to pass through while the fence/barrier made of reactive materials remediates the contaminants. Although PRB has been in operation for over a decade there are limited published books available. This book covers in one single volume all the information needed to plan, design/model and apply a successful, cost-effective and sustainable PRB technology.

Over the last century and a half, groundwaters have become contaminated by a growing number of organic and inorganic substances ranging from petroleum-derived hydrocarbons to radioactive compounds, to cancer-causing hexavalent chromium. The importance of uncontaminated groundwater for agriculture, human consumption, and the environmental health of ecosystems is paramount to the health and productivity of industrial society. Water scientists and managers are focused on developing cost-effective methods to reverse this trend.Several methodologies have been developed, however few are as cost-effective as the use of readily available materials, such as iron and organic compost, for absorbing and isolating contaminants within the matrix of a permeable barrier. The Handbook of Groundwater Remediation using Permeable Reactive Barriers presents readers with this latest technology and developments within four main sections:1. Innovations in Design, Construction, and Evaluation of PRBs2. Development of Reactive Materials3. Evaluations of Chemical and Biological Processes4. Case Studies of Permeable Reactive Barrier InstallationsThe Handbook is one of the first references specifically on this topic. It is an excellent fit for graduate students entering this emerging field as well as professionals conducting research or implementing this technology.

While extensive research has been performed on many technological aspects of permeable reactive barriers and a number of contaminants have so far been successfully treated by PRB systems, long-term performance has not been extensively considered and little is known about the processes influencing long-term behaviour. This gap in our knowledge is all the more disadvantageous as design life has a decisive influence on the economic viability of PRBs. The book describes methods for evaluation and enhancement of the long-term performance of PRB systems, especially of those targeting heavy metals, specifically uranium, and organic contaminants by sorption and/or precipitation mechanisms. Major topics in the book are: Selection and characterisation of suitable reactive materials Characterisation of the relevant contaminant attenuation processes Developing new contaminant-binding chemical compounds ("ligands") Accelerated testing methods to assess the long-term performance of the attenuation mechanisms in PRBs Evaluation of the influence of site characteristics on PRB performance Monitoring of existing and new field installations Coupling of electrokinetic techniques and PRB systems Large-scale laboratory and field tests and their results It addresses the long-term performance of PRBs, an important feature of this novel remediation technology, systematically. It deals extensively with heavy metal removal, with special emphasis on uranium. A number of case studies, experiences with large-scale modelling and test site experiments provide insight into the practical application of the results. This volume will contribute to the science underpinning groundwater remediation, and this will result in the improvement of quality of life and health and safety. * A systematic approach to investigating the long-term performance of permeable reactive barriers * Development of new contaminant-binding chemical compounds ("ligands"), accelerated testing methods to assess the long-term performance, and efficiency enhancing electrokinetic techniques * Extensive data and information on a Hungarian uranium mining facility; once a carefully kept secret of the Soviet Union

Remediation of groundwater is complex and often challenging. But the cost of pump and treat technology, coupled with the dismal results achieved, has paved the way for newer, better technologies to be developed. Among these techniques is permeable reactive barrier (PRB) technology, which allows groundwater to pass through a buried porous barrier that either captures the contaminants or breaks them down. And although this approach is gaining popularity, there are few references available on the subject. Until now. Permeable Reactive Barrier: Sustainable Groundwater Remediation brings together the information required to plan, design/model, and apply a successful, cost-effective, and sustainable PRB technology. With contributions from pioneers in this area, the book covers state-of-the-art information on PRB technology. It details design criteria, predictive modeling, and application to contaminants beyond petroleum hydrocarbons, including inorganics and radionuclides. The text also examines implementation stages such as the initial feasibility assessment, laboratory treatability studies (including column studies), estimation of PRB design parameters, and development of a long-term monitoring network for the performance evaluation of the barrier. It also outlines the predictive tools required for life cycle analysis and cost/performance assessment. A review of current PRB technology and its applications, this book includes case studies that exemplify the concepts discussed. It helps you determine when to recommend PRB, what information is needed from the site investigation to design it, and what regulatory validation is required.

While extensive research has been performed on many technological aspects of permeable reactive barriers and a number of contaminants have so far been successfully treated by PRB systems, long-term performance has not been extensively considered and little is known about the processes influencing long-term behaviour. This gap in our knowledge is all the more disadvantageous as design life has a decisive influence on the economic viability of PRBs. The book describes methods for evaluation and enhancement of the long-term performance of PRB systems, especially of those targeting heavy metals, specifically uranium, and organic contaminants by sorption and/or precipitation mechanisms. Major topics in the book are: Selection and characterisation of suitable reactive materials Characterisation of the relevant contaminant attenuation processes Developing new contaminant-binding chemical compounds ("ligands") Accelerated testing methods to assess the long-term performance of the attenuation mechanisms in PRBs Evaluation of the influence of site characteristics on PRB performance Monitoring of existing and new field installations Coupling of electrokinetic techniques and PRB systems Large-scale laboratory and field tests and their results It addresses the long-term performance of PRBs, an important feature of this novel remediation technology, systematically. It deals extensively with heavy metal removal, with special emphasis on uranium. A number of case studies, experiences with large-scale modelling and test site experiments provide insight into the practical application of the results. This volume will contribute to the science underpinning groundwater remediation, and this will result in the improvement of quality of life and health and safety. * A systematic approach to investigating the long-term performance of permeable reactive barriers * Development of new contaminant-binding chemical compounds ("ligands"), accelerated testing methods to assess the long-term performance, and efficiency enhancing electrokinetic techniques * Extensive data and information on a Hungarian uranium mining facility; once a carefully kept secret of the Soviet Union

Because of the limitations of conventional pump-and-treat systems in treating groundwater contaminants, permeable barriers are potentially more cost-effective than pump-and-treat systems for treating dissolved chlorinated solvent plumes, which may persist in the saturated zone for several decades. Other contaminants, such as chromium or other soluble heavy metals, can also be treated with this technology. Permeable Barriers for Groundwater Remediation discusses the types of permeable barriers, their design and construction, and how they can be monitored to evaluate compliance. It provides practical guidance on reactive media selection, treatability testing, hydrogeologic and geochemical modeling, and innovative installation techniques for the evaluation and application of this promising new technology. The types of permeable barriers discussed include: trench-type and caisson-based reactive cells; innovative emplacements, such as horizontal trenching and jetting; and continuous reactive barriers versus funnel-and-gate systems.