The article below is excerpted from SERDP and ESTCP’s Partners in Environmental Technology Information Bulletin, Summer 2010 Issue. 

Reference Book “Breaks Down” In Situ Remediation of Chlorinated Solvent Plumes

In Situ Remediation of Chlorinated Solvent Plumes, the second monograph in an Environmental Restoration Monograph Series, describes the process design and engineering for physical, chemical, and biological technologies used to treat complex chlorinated solvent plumes. Scheduled to be released in August, this monograph was written by several leading experts from academia and industry and edited by Dr. Hans F. Stroo of HydroGeoLogic, Inc. and Dr. C. Herb Ward of Rice University.

While significant progress has been made in developing innovative and cost-effective environmental restoration technologies, efforts are needed to facilitate broader use of these technologies in the field. In Situ Remediation of Chlorinated Solvent Plumes will serve as a reference for decision makers, practicing engineers, and hydrologists who select, design, and operate remedial systems, as well as researchers seeking to improve the state of the art.

The initial chapters of the monograph provide a general overview of groundwater contamination and challenges associated with chlorinated solvent-contaminated sites. The authors also describe the evolution and current state of the science with a focus on the chemistry and key microbial and abiotic processes responsible for chlorinated solvent degradation. Subsequent chapters describe how source zone architecture impacts the characterization and remediation of chlorinated solvents and provide a thorough review of the diverse physical, chemical, and biological technologies currently in use for remediating chlorinated solvent plumes. The final chapters provide insight into factors that influence technology costing the most and a view of the research needed to address more cost-effectively what remains of a legacy environmental contamination problem.

A series of related reference books will follow on topics that include in situ chemical oxidation for groundwater remediation, delivery and mixing strategies to enhance subsurface remediation, bioaugmentation for groundwater remediation, and remediation of contaminated sediments. Additional volumes will be written as new environmental technologies are developed and validated.

To obtain a copy of the monograph, visit http://www.springer.com/ environment/environmental+ management/book/978-1-4419-1400-2.