Chlorinated Solvent Source Zone Remediation / SERDP ESTCP Environmental Remediation Technology Bd.7 (PDF)

Remediation of chlorinated solvent source zones is very difficult, at times controversial, and must be based on state-of-the-art knowledge of the behavior of nonaqueous phase liquids in the subsurface, as well as site specific geology, chemistry, biology and hydrogeology. 

This volume begins with an overview of the current state-of-the-practice that serves as an introduction to the rest of the book. The second chapter summarizes the challenges involved in source zone remediation, which has been and remains contentious, expensive and difficult, for a variety of reasons. Following are chapters providing more focused discussions of specific aspects of this overall challenge:

·         Two chapters on source zone characterization, the first summarizing the current issues and techniques, and the second focusing on several innovative diagnostic methods.
·         Two chapters on modeling, the first focused on modeling source zone remediation itself, and the second focused on the responses of downgradient plumes to source remediation.
·         A chapter on the use of mass flux and mass discharge information to improve source zone management and remediation.  
·         A series of chapters on specific source zone remediation methods, including hydraulic displacement and recovery, in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO), in situ chemical reduction (ISCR), enhanced flushing with cosolvents and surfactants, in situ bioremediation, and finally source zone monitored natural attenuation. ·         A chapter on combined remedies, discussing the fundamental issues involved in developing effective combined remedies.
·         A chapter on the costs of source zone treatment, using several hypothetical site scenarios, comparing different technologies on a total and net present cost basis.

The last two chapters consider the future of source zone remediation, beginning with a discussion of alternate management strategies, followed by a summary of the research and development needed to improve the state of the practice.