Below is a list of projects ISTC has sponsored.
- Ground-Water Contamination Sources with Respect to Ground-Water Quality Monitoring
GRF85-001
Start: 3/1/85 - Completion: 8/31/85
Investigators
- Schock, Susan; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Johnson, Ann; Illinois State Water Survey
- Washburn, Mark; Illinois State Water Survey
- Zahn, Ana; Illinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- Available data will be collected for the entire state; however, the effort will focus on ten counties. This will maximize productivity by concentrating the effort where most hazardous material is handled. The following counties were selected according to the manifested volume of generated waste in 1982: Cook, Will, Lake, DuPage, Kane, Sangamon, Winnebago, Madison, St. Clair, and Peoria. The activities to be included are generators, disposers and handlers of hazardous materials. Generators are those who produce significant amounts of hazardous wastes in their processes. Disposers are those who retain hazardous wastes for long periods, including landfills, lagoons and municipal waste dumps. Handlers and haulers include transporters and short-term storage facilities. Waste streams produced by generators are identifiable by relationship to standard industrial codes (SIC). When available, codes for the primary activity and additional activities will be included with the site data. An attempt will be made to include waste stream information for disposers and handlers in addition to the SIC by noting contributing sources whenever possible. For the proposed work, current activities will include sites which have been operational within one year before the start of the proposed project. This will document the status of hazardous activity in Illinois for those areas where 90% of hazardous waste is handled and establish a methodology for compilation of pertinent data.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-006
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- State Wide Hazardous Waste Generation Study
HW85-001
Start: 5/15/85 - Completion: 8/15/86
Investigators
- Raghaven, Raghu; Environmental Resource Management (PI)
- Project Summary
- A pilot study assessing the quantities and characteristics of liquid hazardous wastes which are disposed in landfills within Cook, Lake, and DuPage counties in 1982 was completed. This study provided a basic understanding of liquid hazardous waste generation and management profiles as well as a proven method for conducting a statewide study.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-002
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- Hazardous Waste Research Information Development
HWI85-001
Start: 3/1/85 - Completion: 8/31/90
Investigators
- Hilberg, Steven; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Ivens, Loreena; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Project Summary
- The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (at the time of project called: Hazardous Waste Research and Information Center) and the Illinois State Water Survey teamed up to distribute information about Hazardous Waste in the home and work place. The information was distributed by means of administrative reports, brochures, flyers, fact sheets, and newsletters.
- Organization of the Illinois Hazardous Waste Reduction Conference
HWI87-002
Start: 7/1/87 - Completion: 6/30/88
Investigators
- Conference and Publication Services, Ltd (PI)
- Project Summary
- The Conference and Publications Services, Ltd. (CPS) helped the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) prepare for being Hosts of the Fall 1987 Illinois Hazardous Waste Reduction Conference. CPS did the following tasks: find a meeting place, act as liaison with hotels, attend conference planning sessions/work with ISTC to prepare non-technical aspects of meeting, prepare calendar for getting tasks done, consult on publicity of conference, prepare flyers for conference, mail flyers, take calls for pre-conference questions, process pre-registration and if numbers were low contact key people, maintain contact with speakers, assemble conference packets, prepare signage at conference, provide on-site supervision during conference, provide expense report, pay catering and other miscellaneous charges, and oversee arrangements for table-top exhibits.
- The Development of the Illinois Statewide Inventory of Land-Based Disposal Sites
HWR86-003
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Dixon, William; Illinois State Geological Survey (PI)
- Brutcher, David; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Hensel, Bruce; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Keefer, Donald; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Mehnert, Edward; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Project Summary
- The Statewide Landfill Inventory is a computerized data file of all known waste disposal sites in the State of Illinois. In addition to such basic information, as name, location, size, type of disposal, and sources and types of waste, the Inventory identifies agencies with background data and miscellaneous information on file. The types of possible additional information include hydrogeologic reports, site plans, operational records, monitoring data, permit information, dates discovered, opened and closed, and CERCLA/RCRA identification.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-003/RR-010/RR-020/RR-041
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- Regional Ground-Water Contamination in Illinois
HWR85-004
Start: 12/18/84 - Completion: 8/31/85
Investigators
- Helfrich, John A.; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Barcelona, Michael J.; Illinois State Water Survey
- Holm, Thomas R.; Illinois State Water Survey
- Schock, Susan C.; Illinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- The general goal of this seven-month project was to aid in the establishment of an initial organic contaminant reconnaissance program in Illinois. The project had four main objectives which have been completed and supplemented with more recent ground-water quality data. 1) Review of available total organic carbon (TOC) and specific organic compound data for Illinois ground waters through 1985; 2) Training of IEPA field staff in state of the art sampling procedures for ground-water monitoring and fabrication of four custom designed devices for the field measurement of: pH, specific conductance, oxidation-reduction potential and temperature; 3) Collaboration with the IEPA and the regional USGS office in the collection of an initial public water supply (PWS) reconnaissance data set; and 4) Interpretation of organic compound or indicator parameter results in 1981-1985 PWS monitoring dataset collected by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The four objectives have been achieved as far as the available data permits. The results of the project are summarized below. It should be noted that these results represent an initial reconnaissance covering less than half of the wells involved in the more than 3400 public or major private water supplies in Illinois. The results address neither the quality of ground water from the more than 250,000 wells estimated to be in use for private ground-water supplies or in the aquifer systems of the state.
- An Assessment of Regional Ground-Water Contamination in Illinois
HWR85-005
Start: 9/16/84 - Completion: 8/31/87
Investigators
- Helfrich, John; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Barcelona, Michael; Illinois State Water Survey
- Holm, Thomas; Illinois State Water Survey
- Schock, Susan; Illinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- The goal of the proposed project is to collect as much machine readable data as available pertaining to current hazardous waste activities in Illinois. The purpose of the data gathering effort is to identify and locate the sources of potential ground-water contamination. A large volume of data exists, but it needs to be organized and structured into useable forms for support of associated research.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-012/RR-023/RR-024
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- Atmospheric Research and Monitoring Study of Hazardous Substances: Second Annual Report
HWR86-006
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Sweet, Clyde; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Gatz, Donald; Illinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- During the second year of the project, a network of three urban and one rural sampling stations has been established to monitor hazardous substances in the atmosphere of Illinois. Toxic trace elements and toxic volatile organic chemicals are the two important groups of chemicals selected for sampling. They can be released to the atmosphere as a result of the generation, treatment, or disposal of hazardous wastes and from a variety of other sources. Preliminary data show elevated concentrations of 2 out of 17 toxic trace elements analyzed in urban airborne particles in the Chicago and East St. Louis areas. The observed concentration levels are too low to have any known impact on human health, however. The toxic elements that were found probably resulted from a variety of industrial activities such as metal smelting, steel processing, and coal burning. Further data collection and analysis is under way to determine the particle size distribution of toxic trace elements, the concentration of vapor phase trace elements, and the concentration of volatile toxic organics in ambient air. Wind direction and other meteorological data will be correlated with the sampling of these chemicals to better estimate the relative contribution of various pollution sources to concentrations of hazardous substances in Illinois air.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-007/RR-014/RR-022/RR-042/RR-057
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- Special Waste Categorization Study
HWRIC 007
Start: 5/14/84 - Completion: 6/15/85
Investigators
- Reddy, Ram; Illinois Department of Natural Resources (PI)
- Project Summary
- The principal objectives of this study are to develop recommendations for the classification of special wastes, based on the "degree of hazard" and also' to identify appropriate waste management practices for the treatment or disposal of these wastes. Another objective of this study is to evaluate the benefits of assessing hazardous waste fees. Purpose: To develop an information base from which the IEPA and the Pollution Control Board may propose and adopt regulations pertinent to special waste management practices in Illinois.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-005
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- Evaluation of Current Underground Injection of Industrial Waste in Illinois
HWR85-008
Start: 10/1/84 - Completion: 8/31/85
Investigators
- Brower, Ross; Illinois State Geological Survey (PI)
- Hensel, Bruce; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Krapac, Ivan; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Neaton, John; Illinois State Water Survey
- Peyton, Gary; Illinois State Water Survey
- Visocky, Adrian; Illinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- The objective of this assessment are to determine whether underground injection is an appropriate method of waste disposal in Illinois and to provide recommendations to the Legislature, Legislative Council, the Governor's Office, and State agencies concerning this disposal practice. The final report presents the results of the study mandated by the legislation.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-008
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- Historical Hazardous Waste Disposal Practices in Winnebago County, Illinois 1870-1980
HWR85-009
Start: 5/9/84 - Completion: 8/30/85
Investigators
- Colten, Craig, Illinois State Museum (PI)
- Breen, Gerard; Illinois State Museum
- King, James E., Head of Scientific Sections
- Project Summary
- Previous studies of past hazardous waste management practices have developed methodologies for locating waste disposal sites, ,determining waste volumes, and assessing the potential threat to ground-water supplies (Gibb, et al., 1983; Colten, 1985). The Illinois State Museum proposes to continue its involvement in such research by extending its coverage to new locations and new industries and by refining existing methods. During FY'86 Museum staff will investigate the waste management practices employed in Winnebago County during the period 1870 to 1980. Based on identified disposal sites and documented disposal practices, the potential threat posed to selected water supplies will be assessed through an analysis of historical pumping patterns and well source areas.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-001/RR-011
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- Rates of Microbial Declorination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Anaerobic Sediments from Waukegan Harbor
HWR86-010
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Risatti, J.B.; Illinois State Geological Survey (PI)
- Project Summary
- Sediments from 19 stations in Waukegan Harbor, Waukegan, Illinois were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) content. Concentrations of PCBs ranged from a high of 17,251 ppm in slip 3 near the former drainage pipe from which PCB contaminated fluids entered the slip to a low of 5 ppm near the harbor mouth. The narrow range of values in slip 3 and at the mouth of the slip contrasts with values from previous studies that reported higher levels of PCBs toward the mouth of the slip. PCB values also appear to be higher than expected on the west side of the harbor- this may be due to the resuspension and movement of sediments by boat traffic. Sediments from three stations in the harbor with varying levels of PCB contamination were incubated at 8°C and 22°C for periods of O to l2 months. Data from these experiments indicate that anaerobic dechlorination of PCBs probably occurs in harbor sediments and that 50 percent dechlorination of many congeners occurs in less than 30 days. The disappearance of PCBs appears to be a function of substrate level and of temperature. The decrease in concentration for 20 tri-, tetra-, and pentachlorobiphenyls was faster at the higher temperature. Concomitant with disappearance of more highly chlorinated PCBs, a lower weight congener (a mono, or dichlorobiphenyl) increased in concentration.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-061
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- In Situ Reclamation by Chemical Means: A Feasibility Study
HWR86-011
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Peyton, Gary; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- LeFaivre, Mary; Illinois State Water Survey
- Smith, Michelle; Illinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- Cleanup of ground water contaminated by organic chemicals that adsorb to aquifer solids may require decades if the water is pumped to the surface to be treated by conventional technologies. In situ treatment means treatment of the contaminant while it is still in the aquifer. It could conceivably take place at the rate at which the treatment can be transported to the contaminant. Although in situ biotic processes appear promising in many aquifer reclamation applications, chemical in situ reclamation using free-radical processes represents a complementary, and in some respects more general, method of destroying organic contaminants in aquifers. This feasibility study has demonstrated that chemical in situ aquifer reclamation can be feasible in at least some situations. In one experiment, 58 ppm (in the pore water) of benzene, used as the model contaminant, was 62% destroyed when the experiment was terminated at the end of two months. Reactive free radicals were generated from more stable water-soluble reagents which are pumped to the contamination region. The rate of generation of free radicals was not predictable from batch solution kinetic studies, but was accelerated, apparently due to the presence of promoter substances formed in the reaction of free radicals with soil material. The presence of 50 ppm alkalinity had no detrimental effect on the process.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-028
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- Phase II: Ground-Water Contamination Source Assessment in the Rockford Area, Illinois
HWR86-012
Start: 10/15/85 - Completion: 6/30/86
Investigators
- Wehrmann, Allen; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Berg, Richard; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Holm, Thomas; Illinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- PURPOSE: Conduct a Comprehensive ground-water quality investigation of the Rockford area in northern Illinois by quantifying the hazardous materials in the ground water in the most vulnerable areas. The project will also develop a method to investigate other regional ground water contamination problems in the State. DELIVERABLES: Summary report of information on ground-water quality and hydrogeology of the region including a conceptual model of the ground water system.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-027
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- Spray Dryer Spent Sorbent Hazardous Waste Fixating and Cementitious Properties
HWR86-013
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Schultz, Tim; University of Illinois (PI)
- Berger, Richard; University of Illinois
- Fishbein, Kenneth; University of Illinois
- Project Summary
- The primary purpose of this project was to develop a use for the spent sorbent from a spray dryer flue gas desulfurization system. In addition to spent sorbent, fly ash was included in the utilization schemes because it is a byproduct of coal combustion and because it is a pozzolan. It would be helpful to find uses for these two substances and thus decrease the amount of land needed for their disposal and help offset the costs of flue gas desulfurization. Uses have previously been proposed for cementitious systems similar to spent sorbent and fly ash, and two seemed the most promising: (l) use as a low grade cement, and (2) use as a hazardous waste fixation/solidification agent. Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) was the primary criterion for using the two as a low grade cement; strength and fixating ability was the criterion for using them as a hazardous waste fixating/solidifying agent. Because the spent sorbent and the fly ash were obtained independently, many blends of the two were tested, as well as the materials alone. Cement was added to some samples (9% by weight on a dry basis) to test the effect of spent sorbent on the well-known interactions between fly ash and cement and also to increase strength and fixating ability. Without cement, neither the spent sorbent, the fly ash, nor any blend of the two developed enough strength to be useful in construction. However, small amounts of spent sorbent (2-6% by weight) had a very positive effect on samples of fly ash and cement, increasing the strength of these samples as much as 120%. These effects are probably catalytic and were observed at all cure times. The greatest strength was found after 28 days of curing with a blend containing 50% spent sorbent and 50% fly ash with cement (the strength was 590 psi). This could mean that there are other beneficial interactions in addition to the catalytic effects among spent sorbent, fly ash, and Cement. Without cement, the spent sorbent fixed lead immediately (i.e., with no curing time), cadmium after 7 days of curing, and chromium after 14 days. (Fixed was defined as having a concentration in the leachate less than 100 times the interim drinking water standard.) When cement was added to the spent sorbent, all three metals were fixed immediately. The strength of the spent sorbent samples did not differ greatly from those prepared with ordinary tap water. Fly ash, and one blend of 98% fly ash and 2% spent sorbent, fixed the lead and the cadmium immediately and the chromium after 14 days of curing when cement was added, all three metals were fixed immediately. The strength of these samples was much greater than the strength of the same samples prepared with ordinary tap water. As before, the spent sorbent had a positive effect on the strength of the fly ash/cement system, but this time the effect was more pronounced. Both the increased strength of these samples and the more pronounced effect of spent sorbent could have been because of pH (the heavy metal solutions were acidic) or to the presence of certain anions (chromium and lead were added as the chloride and cadmium as the bromide).
- ISTC Notes
- RR-033
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- Potential Hazardous Material Contamination of Illinois Water Supply Lakes
HWR86-014
Start: 9/1/85 - Completion: 7/1/87
Investigators
- Plewa, Michael J.; Institute for Environmental Studies (PI)
- Johnson, Gary V.; Institute for Environmental Studies
- Minear, Roger; Institute for Environmental Studies
- Project Summary
- The benefits of this research to the State of Illinois and to the Hazardous Waste Research and Information Center (HWRIC) is the development of a risk assessment model that would be able to predict for humans the risk of genetic damage upon exposure to ionizing radiation or mutagenic hazardous wastes. Data from calibrated short-term genetic assays are used to evaluate the hazardous waste, complex environmental mixtures, or specific exposure agent. These data shall be used to statistically estimate dose-response curves that will be mathematically transformed by the particulars of the proposed model and a risk value shall be calculated. These values will be transformed in terms of mrads of ionizing radiation. This value can be compared to the risk tables in Abrahamson et al. (1984), and Abrahamson (1984). Thus, a quantitative measure of genetic risk due to human exposure of mutagenic environmental hazardous wastes in terms of mutation induction or cancer incidence can be established. This risk assessment model will be based on empirical laboratory analysis, standardized to ionizing radiation and extrapolatable to human beings with experimentally determined confidence limits. This may be one method, albeit a limited one, of rank ordering areas in the State of Illinois of hazardous waste contamination and human exposure into a series of priority levels so that limited funds allocated for site clean-up can be most effectively used.
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- Geochemical Interactions of Hazardous Wastes with Geological Formations in Deep-Well Systems
HWR86-015
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Roy, W.R.; Illinois State Geological Survey (PI)
- Dickerson, D.R.; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Griffin, R.A.; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Krapac, I.G.; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Mravik, S.C.; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Project Summary
- Geochemical interactions of two liquid hazardous wastes with geologic materials from deep-well injection zones in Illinois were investigated by conducting laboratory studies. The liquid wastes included a dilute inorganic acid and a concentrated alkaline brine-like solution. The wastes were mixed with disaggregated core samples of two injection formations, the Mt. Simon Sandstone and Potosi Dolomite. Interactions were also studied with the Proviso Siltstone, which is considered part of a confining layer at two deep-well facilities in Illinois. The core samples were mixed with each of the liquid wastes for 15 days. These batch-mixing experiments were conducted under low-oxygen conditions in pressure vessels that were simultaneously heated and pressurized to simulate subsurface conditions at three temperatures and pressures (298 K and 0.1 MPa, 313 K and 6.0 MPa, and 328 K and 11.,7 MPa). Additional experiments were conducted by diluting the wastes (1:1, vol/vol) with a connate formation brine to simulate 4 the mixing zone in an injection scenario. The gas and liquid phases were analyzed to determine reaction products. Thermodynamic modeling, coupled with mineralogical data, was applied to derive reaction mechanisms. The acidic waste was neutralized when reacted with the dolomite and siltstone via carbonate dissolution with the concomitant generation of dissolved carbonate species and carbon dioxide. The acidic waste was partially neutralized by the sandstone via the dissolution of clay minerals and ion exchange, augmented by the dissolution of a small amount of dolomitic material. With pH used as the hazardous criterion, the alkaline waste remained hazardous after reacting with the formation samples at 298 K and 0.1 MPa and 313 K and 6.0 MPa. At 328 K and 11.7 MPa, the waste-formation mixtures were not hazardous by definition, but remained highly alkaline. The silica solid phases of the Mt. Simon Sandstone and Proviso Siltstone dissolved in the alkaline waste. The Potosi Dolomite was the least reactive of the three formations. In some cases, solution equilibria could be modeled using the thermodynamic principles of dissolution precipitation of mineral phases. In other cases, empirical laboratory--based investigations are needed to assess the chemical interactions between injected wastes, injection formations, and associated formation waters.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-032
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- Central Recovery Facility for Electroplating Wastes
HWR86-016
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Huff & Huff, Inc. (PI)
- Project Summary
- Since new regulations for treatment of wastes from electroplating and metal finishing are soon to go into effect the state of Illinois is assessing the feasibility of the implementation of a Central Recovery Facility to remove and recycle metals from sludges and wastewaters from affected industries. HWRIC [now ISTC] plans to (jointly with the Energy and Environmental Affairs division of ENR fund) a study designed to characterize the needs to the mental finishing and electroplating industry in the Chicago area and to analyze the economic feasibility of and interest in such a facility.
- Special Waste (Brief title)
HWR86-017
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Garrison (PI)
- Reddy
- Assessment of the Ecotoxicological Hazard of Sediments in Waukegan Harbor, Illinois
HWR86-018
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Ross, Philippe; Illinois Natural History Survey (PI)
- Burnett, LouAnn; Illinois Natural History Survey
- Henebry, Michael; Illinois Natural History Survey
- Wang, Wuncheng; Illinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- Waukegan Harbor, on the western shore of Lake Michigan 30 miles north of Chicago, received large inputs of PCBs between 1948 and 1971, much of which remains in harbor sediments. To evaluate the environmental hazard of these sediments, 24 samples were examined for PCB concentrations and acute invertebrate, community, and plant toxicity. Total PCB concentrations in sediment samples ranged from 5 to 17,251 mg/kg, in agreement with ranges reported in previous studies. All but three stations are above the "sate" level of 10 mg/kg recommended by Mason and Hanger (1980). There is a general gradient of decreasing PCB concentration with increasing distance from the head of Slip 3. In three acute bioassays (Microtoxw bacterial test, Selenastrum capricornutum algal bioassay, Panagre/Ius redivivus nematode growth and development test) sediment elutriates from the 24 stations sampled showed moderate to extreme overall toxicity and at least one highly toxic response from each station. All nematode tests were run at 10% elutriate, and the levels of mortality observed at this concentration (up to 97%) are extraordinarily high. In analyses of bioassay response with PCB concentrations, only the total number of positive tests per station produced a significant correlation. While the harbor is clearly severely contaminated with PCBs, high overall toxicity is not restricted to areas with high PCB concentrations. Other factors (oils and grease, lead, aluminum, etc.) may be involved in producing these toxic responses. PCB contamination in Waukegan Harbor sediments produced adverse effects in protozoan community bioassays. When exposed to sediment elutriates, mature communities exhibited a reduction in number of species. Colonization of fresh substrates showed significant responses at elutriate concentrations only one-fourth as strong as those required to affect mature communities. Phytotoxicity tests that rely on direct contact between plant root systems and contaminated sediment represent an alternative approach to toxicity assessment of these solid substances. Phytoassay methods included tests of duckweed, lettuce, and millet. Nineteen of the 21 sampling stations showed significant phytotoxicity to millet (P < 0.05). Duckweed exhibited no adverse reaction to the sediments, and the lettuce root elongation test failed to show harmful effects from the sediment, with the exception of samples from Station E. Because of the highly toxic nature of sediments at many stations, even some with only moderate PCB levels, a more thorough investigation of other contaminants should be performed before the cause of the toxicity in the harbor sediments can be determined. This investigation should include analyses for lead, aluminum, and oils and grease, and an expansion of the community-level bioassays to include more stations.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-018
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- Optimal Time For Collecting Volatile Organic Chemical Samples From Slowly Recovering Wells
HWR86-019
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Chou, Sheng-Fu; State Geological Surveys (PI)
- Griffin, Robert; State Geological Survey
- Herzog, Beverly; State Geological Survey
- Valkenburg, John; State Geological Survey
- Project Summary
- Determining the optimum time to sample slowly recovering wells for volatile organic compounds was the objective of this research. Three hundred samples from 11 wells finished in fine-grained glacial tills were analyzed for up to 19 volatile organic compounds. Each well was sampled before purging, and at intervals up to 48 hours after well purging. This combination of purging and sampling was conducted three to five times on each well. Samples were collected with dedicated point-source PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) bailers equipped with bottom-emptying devices designed for collecting samples for volatile organic chemical analysis. The wells were easily evacuated with a bailer because they were finished, at depths less than 40 feet, in materials with hydraulic conductivities of between 1x10^-6 and 7x10^-5 cm/sec. Results of the volatile organic chemical analyses were examined using a general linear model and the Tukey honestly significant difference test to determine whether the changes in chemical concentrations with time after purging were statistically significant. At the 95% confidence level, there was no significant difference in concentrations in samples collected any time after we" purging; however, samples collected 4 hours after purging had slightly higher concentrations than samples collected earlier or later during well recovery. Concentrations of volatile organics were significantly lower before purging than after purging. Samples collected before purging and 24 hours after purging also were analyzed to determine whether purging affected nonvolatile organic compounds. The results were analyzed using the pairwise t-test on the concentration data. This test showed that concentrations were statistically greater after purging.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-058
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- Determination of Sediment Toxicity in Waukegan Harbor Using Phytoassay Methods
HWR86-020
Start: 3/15/86 - Completion: 5/15/86
Investigators
- Wang, Wucheng; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Project Summary
- The purpose of this research proposal is to assess the toxicity potential of sediment samples using direct phytoassay methods. Bottom sediment is generally considered a sink for environmental pollutants. However, various natural or artificial actions can cause sediment to resuspend and transport and thus create secondary pollution effects. In this study, sediments from Waukegan Harbor, high on the list of Superfund sites, will be investigated in the form of slurry using the duckweed reproduction test and the millet root elongation test. The results of these phytoassay tests will be compared with the results of other tests, using bacteria, algae and nematodes, which are currently being conducted by the Natural History Survey. This information will be used to assess the accuracy of the direct phytoassay methods in determining sediment toxicity potential.
- Extrapolation… Promutagens/Procarcinogen
HWR87-021
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Johnson (PI)
- Plewa
- Investigation of the Hydraulic Effects of Deep-Well Injection of Industrial Wastes
HWR86-022
Start: 6/1/86 - Completion: 5/31/87
Investigators
- Mehnert, Edward; Illinois State Geological Survey (PI)
- Brower, Ross; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Gendron, Craig; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Project Summary
- A numerical modeling study was conducted to investigate the hydraulic effects of liquid waste injunction on an injection system. The site investigated was a chemical refinery with an operational Class I well and an observation well, both completed in Devonian Limestone. Input data for the model were obtained from available records and field investigations.
The regional geologic investigation indicated that the injection system (defined here as the injection zone and its associated confining units) was laterally continuous. The hydraulic response of the injection system was numerically modeled under two injection scenarios: average historical injection rate and maximum average permitted rate. For both scenarios, pressure buildup from waste injection during the simulated 30-year injection and 30-year post injection periods did not approach the pressure calculated to be necessary to initiate or propagate fractures in the injection system. Therefore, injecte4d waste would be contained, and waste injection at the site and for the scenarios modeled would not endanger human health or the environment.
This analysis assumes that hydraulic conductivity remains constant; however, the formation of brucite within the injection zone may invalidate this assumption and the preceding analysis. Brucite formation within the injection zone requires additional study.
The model was also used to investigate the response of the injection system when a hypothetical conduit was introduced. This hypothetical conduit connected the uppermost injection zone with an overlying aquifer. Differences in head buildup were not monitorable in the injection well or in an observation well completed in the injection zone. Monitorable head differences were observed only in the overlying aquifer, when the hydraulic conductivity of the hypothetical conduit was greater than or equal to 1x10^-10 m^2.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-051
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- Feasibility of Land Application of Soils Contaminated with Pesticide Waste as a Remediation Practice
HWR86-023
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Felsot, Allan; Illinois Natural History Survey (PI)
- Liebl, Illinois Natural History Survey
- Project Summary
- The feasibility of cleaning up soil contaminated with pesticide waste by removing it from the contaminated site and applying it to cropland was examined at the Galesville Chemical Company (ccc) in Piatt Co., Illinois. Soil contaminated with the herbicides alachlor, atrazine, metolachlor, and trifluralin was excavated and applied to an adjacent field divided into corn and soybean plots. Soil was applied in amounts equivalent to an application rate of 3, 7.5, or 15 lbs alachlor per acre (1X, 2.5X, and 5X recommended rates, respectively). Dissipation of residues, phytotoxicity to crops and weeds, bioaccumulation in grain, and quality of shallow groundwater were monitored after application of the contaminated soil. These data were compared to data obtained when herbicides were freshly sprayed at similar concentrations. Dissipation of herbicides in plots treated with contaminated soil was slower than previously reported in the literature. No dissipation of herbicides was seen in waste piles 6 months after excavation. Some phytotoxicity to soybean was noted as a result of 5X treatments of waste soil, but herbicide freshly applied in the same amounts caused more damage. Greenhouse bioassays with diluted waste soil showed little phytotoxicity to corn or soybeans; however, a very high bioactivity against weed species was found. Residues did not bioaccumulate significantly in grain, and no difference in recovery of herbicides from samples of shallow groundwater was found among treatments.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-021
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- Historical Assessment of Hazardous Waste Management in Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois, 1890-1980
HWR88-024
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Colten, Craig; Illinois State Department of Energy and Natural Resources (PI)
- Samsel, Ted; Illinois State Department of Energy and Natural Resources
- Project Summary
- Madison and St. Clair counties contain large areas of land underlain by sand and gravel aquifers, which are highly susceptible to contamination from land-buried hazardous materials. In addition, heavy industries were very active in the two-county area during the first third of this century. This combination of circumstances warranted an historical investigation to determine the possible extent of past hazardous waste--related activity that may continue to affect current residents of the area. A thorough review of archival records provided sufficient information to reconstruct the past industrial geography of the two-county area, the history of waste management and public water supplies, and the sequence of surface alteration. Jointly, this collection of information permitted the mapping of zones of possible human exposure during much of the last 100 years. Cartographic analysis of the map series suggests that there was little residential or commercial intrusion on former disposal grounds, but that contamination of public water supplies may have occurred in the past and may occur in the future.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-030
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- In Situ Bioreclamation of Contaminated Groundwater
HWR88-026
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Rittmann, Bruce; University of Illinois (PI)
- Bae, Wookeun; University of Illinois
- Odencrantz, Joseph; University of Illinois
- Valocchi, Albert; University of Illinois
- Project Summary
- This report summarizes the results of a research project aimed at developing a better mechanistic understanding of the phenomena controlling in situ biological activity. A methodology involving laboratory--column experiments and computer modeling was utilized to investigate the formation of biologically active zones (BAZs) when a limiting electron acceptor (NO3-) is injected along the flow path and the secondary utilization of trace--level pollutants contained in the water flowing through the BAZ. Laboratory experiments conducted in a unique one-dimensional porous--medium column demonstrated the relationship between lateral injection of NO3' and the location and extent of BAZs when acetate was present as the sole carbon source. BAZs established and sustained by acetate and NO3' were able to degrade trace--level halogenated compounds. Carbon tetrachloride was nearly completely removed, while bromoform, dibromomethane, trichloroethene, and tetrachloroethene were removed to lesser degrees. Trichloroethane was slightly removed. Dichlorobenzenes, previously thought to be refractory in denitrifying conditions, were removed by 20-30% during their passage through the BAZ. The fundamental phenomena of BAZ formation and the utilization of limiting, nonlimiting, and secondary substrates were expressed quantitatively in a computer model that coupled principles of one-dimensional solute transport and steady-state--biofi1m kinetics. A new, highly efficient solution algorithm was developed to solve directly for the steady-state profiles of the limiting substrate and biofilm mass, as well as for non-limiting and secondary substrates. The predictive ability of the model was verified by successful simulation of the laboratory experiments using independently determined kinetic parameters. The verified model was used to illustrate two possible strategies for field bioreclamation. First, the ruse of multiple injection points can decrease aquifer clogging potential by spreading out the extent of the BAZ. Second, injection of a supplementary carbon source can extend the length of the BAZ in order to achieve greater removals of secondary substrates.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-031
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- Levels of PCBs and Trace Metals in Crab Orchard Lake Sediment
HWR87-027
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Kohler, Christopher; Southern Illinois University (PI)
- Call, Todd; Southern Illinois University
- Heidinger, Roy; Southern Illinois University
- Project Summary
- Concentrations of trace metals and PCBs in six species of fish, zooplankton, macrobenthos, sediment, and water were studied in Crab Orchard Lake, Williamson County, Illinois. Eleven sites were chosen throughout the lake, including one site (site 10) near an abandoned dumpsite of a former electrical transformer manufacturing facility. PCB levels in the selected components from site 10 were considerably higher than the other sites. Thirty-eight percent (17/45) of fish fillets from various species at this site exceeded the 2.00 mg/kg FDA guideline for PCBs. PCB concentrations in fish were variable, and little relationship existed between age or size and concentrations in most species. Common carp and channel catfish had higher PCB levels than the other species examined. Trace metals were low in fish and other components analyzed and were comparable to literature values for the midwestern United States. Mercury was the only trace metal to exhibit a significant positive relationship with age or size of fish. Mercury was also the only trace metal to exhibit biomagnification. Omnivorous species contained higher levels of the other trace metals.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-043/RR-072
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- Hazardous Waste Planning Model Application to the State of Illinois
HWR87-028
Start: 9/1/87 - Completion: 12/1/87
Investigators
- Levine, Margo E,; Temple, Barker & Sloane, Inc. (PI)
- Hulse, Anette; Temple, Barker & Sloane, Inc.
- Project Summary
- The first major project component is the development of a hazardous waste flow database. During this exercise data are developed that describe the amounts, types, and locations of wastes generated and the method of handling and the location of the handling facility (TSD). These data are typically developed using the generator and TSD annual reports filed with the State. They are also developed in close cooperation with the State. The next major effort involves the characterization of the areas generating or receiving hazardous wastes in the study area. Communities in proximity to one another are "clustered" together The clusters are then assigned representative environmental profiles covering their air, ground water, and surface water environments. The representative environments affect the nature of the pollutant dispersion that will be calculated when assessing health risks. Exact population profiles for each cluster are also determined from census data. Once the waste flows and environmental characterizations are known, health risks can be calculated. Releases of pollutants due to spills, leaching, and residual emissions are estimated. The releases are translated into ambient concentrations and finally into individual and total population health effects (up to seven) based on exposure.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-016
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- Solute Effects in Aquifer Cleanup/Hazardous Waste Treatment by Oxy-Radical Processes
HWR87-029
Start: 7/1/86 - Completion: 6/30/87
Investigators
- Peyton, Gary; Office of Environmental Chemisty (PI)
- Smith, Michelle; Office of Environmental Chemistry
- Project Summary
- Ground water which has been contaminated by improper disposal of organic chemicals is usually cleaned up either by air stripping or granular activated carbon adsorption, both of which still leave a pollution problem when "treatment" is completed. Several Illinois Superfund sites are candidates for cleanup of ground water, and Illinois EPA is now facing the problem of how best to clean these sites, using as much on-site technology as possible. Oxy-radical processes have been shown to be powerful methods for the destruction of organic compounds in water. Photolytic ozonation, in particular, has been proven effective for the complete conversion of organic compounds to carbon dioxide and water, organochlorine to chloride, etc. However, some solutes present in ground water (e.g. sulfate, phosphate, and bicarbonate) are known hydroxyl radical scavengers and may interfere with treatment, if present in high concentrations. On the other hand, the scavenging products, which are radical anions, are known to react preferentially with some organic compounds. The purpose of the research was to investigate the extent of natural solute interference/enhancement of important treatment reactions, to determine concentration ranges in which the effects become dominant upon the kinetics of oxy-radical treatment processes, and to identify any classes of compounds for which treatment reactions may actually be enhanced by the presence of such solutes.
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- A Preliminary Environmental Assessment of the Contamination Associated with Lake Calumet, Cook County Illinois
HWR87-030
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Ross, Phillippe; Illinois Waste Management and Research Center (PI)
- Demissie, Misganaw; Illinois Waste Management and Research Center
- Henebry, Michael; Illinois Waste Management and Research Center
- Murphy, Thomas; Illinois Waste Management and Research Center
- Risatti, Bruno; Illinois Waste Management and Research Center
- Project Summary
- An environmental profile of Lake Calumet (Chicago, Cook Co., IL) was constructed from a review of technical reports, newspaper articles, and historical studies. From this profile, the need for a more complete study of the contamination of the Lake Calumet area was recognized. In Fiscal Year 1987 (FY'87) the Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Hazardous Waste Research and Information Center (HWRIC), funded a multidisciplinary study involving researchers from the Illinois State Natural History (INHS), Geological (ISGS), and Water Surveys (ISWS) and DePaul University. The FY'87 study focused on the various basins within Lake Calumet proper. Study objectives were: (1) determination of the horizontal distribution of metals and organic contaminants in lake sediments; (2) study of the physical transport of contaminants by surface water and ground water; (3) investigation of the fugacity of selected organic compounds in sediments and water; (4) determination of microbial degradation rates of toxic organic compounds; (5) estimation of metal bioaccumulation rates in macrophytes; and, (6) assessment of overall sediment toxicity by laboratory and field bioassays. Sediment samples were collected at 33 stations within the lake. Principal findings of this study are: (1) concentrations of toxic metals and organics are generally far above background levels and higher than in nearby water bodies; (2) surface drainage into the lake is entirely through man-made channels; (3) wind-driven resuspension of sediment particles is continual; (4) methane production in sediments confirms the presence of anaerobic microbial communities, which are more numerous in near-shore areas; (5) macrophyte species known to be bioaccumulators of heavy metals were found; (6) all sediment sampling stations produced toxic responses in single--species bioassays, with over half the stations classified as "highly toxic"; and, (7) community-level bioassays showed toxic effects at 71% of the stations. These results suggest that Lake Calumet is a severely disturbed ecosystem that may present a danger to the surrounding community. The investigators recommend further research in the areas of sediment chemistry and toxicology, groundwater hydrology and chemistry, sediment resuspension, historical loading (isotope studies), bioaccumulation, literature and database searching, atmospheric deposition, and risk assessment. In particular, the database should be expanded to include stations from wetlands, ponds, and small streams within the Lake Calumet drainage basin. The level of effort required to respond to all of the above recommendations would be considerably higher than that allotted in FY'87.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-019
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- Refining the Degree of Hazard Ranking Methodology for Illinois Industrial Waste Streams
HWR87-031
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Plewa, Michael; Institute for Environmental Studies (PI)
- Ades-McInerney, Diane; Institute for Environmental Studies
- Minear, Roger; Institute for Environmental Studies
- Wagner, Elizabeth; Institute for Environmental Studies
- Project Summary
- This project was conducted by the Institute for Environmental Studies of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign under contract to the Hazardous Waste Research and Information Center (HWRIC), Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources. This research was a continuation of the project entitled Assigning a Degree of Hazard Ranking to Illinois Waste Streams (Plewa et al., 1986). Currently the Illinois Pollution Control Board is mandated to implement a degree of hazard system to evaluate Illinois Special Waste Streams by December 1989. The objectives of this project were, 1) to define a rational and empirically defendable foundation for the accumulative toxicity scoring graphs, 2) to transfer the database management system for degree of hazard evaluation from R:BASE 5000 to R:BASE System V, 3) to generate a series of interactive menu templates for entering data and conducting the degree of hazard evaluation, and, 4) to devise a formal procedure to employ national, toxicology and chemical databases for the periodic revision of the HWRIC Degree of Hazard Database. The results of this study clearly demonstrate that a degree of hazard evaluation can be conducted using IEPA Special Waste applications. The computerized Application Data Form is user--friendly. The program scans the application information and determines if a degree of hazard analysis can be conducted. The output indicates whether additional information is required or if the application is properly completed. The computer identifies the specific data deficiencies so that the waste generator is able to amend the application. When sufficient information is present, a degree of hazard evaluation is automatically conducted. lf the hazard category database contains sufficient information, a degree of hazard rank would be assigned to the Special Waste Stream. If the hazard category database does not contain the appropriate information, then the specific types of required information would be listed. This information would be provided to the waste generator as well as to the appropriate Illinois governmental agency so that staff could search the national databases and/or scientific literature and update the HWRIC Degree of Hazard Database. The objectives of this study have been completed and the system is available for implementation by the Illinois Pollution Control Board. A degree of hazard evaluation can be conducted in a consistently fair manner with a high degree of accuracy. Those waste streams that pose a significant threat to the public health or the environment would have to be treated and disposed of in an appropriate manner. Those waste streams that pose a low hazard could be candidates for deregulation. The degree of hazard approach permits an estimate of hazard based on scientific evidence. The degree of hazard evaluation as described in this study has the added benefit of being relatively rapid while reducing subjectivity in the decision-making process. Finally, the evaluation can be economically positive in that those waste streams that demand more costly disposal techniques may be identified and separated from those waste streams that pose little hazard to human health and the environment.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-013/RR-029
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- Sensitized Photodecomposition of Organic Compounds Found in Illinois Wastewaters
HWR87-032
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Larson, Richard; University of Illinois (PI)
- Project Summary
- Although some dissolved pollutants are susceptible to direct photodecomposition by simple exposure to sunlight, their photolysis is often facilitated by addition of photoscnsitizing additives. We report laboratory experiments that suggest that both organic and inorganic sensitizing agents may have potential usefulness for the treatment of some contaminated waters. Several triazine herbicides were rapidly photodecomposed in ferric perchlorate or sulfate solutions, and reducible compounds like nitrobenzene disappeared rapidly in ferrous ion-containing solutions exposed to Pyrex-filtered mercury arc light whose UV intensity was approximately twice that of sunlight. Although ferric ion was more effective than ferrous ion, both increased the degradation rate significantly. Photodegradation products of the atrazine/ferric iron system were the same as those for a Fenton reaction (known to involve HO), suggesting that the hydroxyl radical, HO, derived from the photoreaction of hydrated Fe", was the active reactant. In the absence of oxygen, the reaction rate decreased, it increased at higher added iron concentrations and decreased in natural freshwater samples (compared to the rate in distilled water), implying that some dissolved constituents found in natural waters have a retarding effect on the photodegradation by competing for HO. Riboflavin, when initially added at 5 MM to solutions of phenols or anilines (structurally related to common environmental contaminants) greatly accelerated the rate of their disappearance in the presence of light. The sensitized photolysis rates increased in the absence of oxygen, suggesting a mechanism involving direct energy or electron transfer between flavin excited states and acceptor molecules A preliminary kinetic model was developed to calculate loss rates. Riboflavin itself was rapidly converted to products which had variable efficiencies as sensitizers. The effects of organic and inorganic solutions on the desired photodecomposition processes vary greatly, but in many cases some common solutes strongly inhibit the reactions.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-045
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- Numerical Estimates of Potential for Groundwater Contamination from Land Burial of Municipal Wastes in Illinois
HWR87-033
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Hensel, Bruce; Illinois State Geological Survey (PI)
- Berg, Richard; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Griffin, Robert; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Project Summary
- This report quantitatively assesses the potential for groundwater contamination from land burial of municipal wastes in hydrogeologic situations common to Illinois. These ratings can be used for preliminary, regional feasibility assessments of site suitability for land burial of municipal wastes. The research also evaluates the appropriateness of IPCB's proposed compliance distance of 100 feet surrounding a landfill as a regulatory requirement for maximum leachate migration during a 1OO-year period. Sixteen hydrogeological scenarios were quantitatively ranked according to their potential for groundwater contamination. The conceptual models for these scenarios were based on geologic sequences in Illinois mapped by Berg, Kempton, and Cartwright (1984). The transport of six constituents [chloride, cadmium, chemical oxygen demand (COD), methylene chloride, trichloroethylene (TCE), and xylene] commonly found in municipal landfill leachate was mathematically simulated. Simulations for these 16 scenarios were performed using the Prickett Lonnquist Aquifer Simulation Model (PLASM; Prickett and Lonnquist, 1971) and the Random Walk contaminant transport model (Prickett, Naymik, and Lonnquist, 1981). The six chemical constituents exhibit a broad range of characteristics, with mobilities ranging from conservative (nonadsorbed, nondegraded, i.e., constituents for which movement is coincidental with groundwater) to very low, and toxicities ranging from highly toxic to nontoxic. Two landfill designs were incorporated into the conceptual models: a 1 O-foot-thick bottom liner with leachate head 10 feet above the liner and a 3-foot-thick bottom liner with a leachate collection system. The leachate collection system was simulated by setting head in the landfill at 1 foot. A constant initial concentration for each contaminant was used in all scenarios. These procedures allowed comparison of contaminant migration rates for the hydrogeological scenarios without introducing a bias related to the landfill design or its initial contaminant concentrations. The input parameters related to hydrogeologic and contaminant transport were obtained primarily from published sources. Some parameters, such as retardation factors, were calculated using common values cited in published sources. When a range of values was published for one parameter, the value that would cause the greatest migration or highest concentration was selected. Model predictions of contaminant migration were verified by comparing them with similar output from two different models.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-035
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- Field-Scale Evaluation of Aquifer and Wastewater Cleanup Using a Mobile Oxidation Pilot Plant (MOPP)
HWR87-034
Start: 10/1/88 - Completion: 9/30/89
Investigators
- Peyton, Gary; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Fleck, Michael; Illinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- Improper handling, storage and disposal of organic substances is responsible for a significant number of environmental contamination incidents in Illinois. Although many methods are available for the treatment of organic contaminants in industrial wastewater and contaminated ground water, most methods have drawbacks associated with them. Most treatment processes currently used for the cleanup of organic contaminants in ground water and industrial wastewater simply transfer the contaminant between media, rather than destroy it. There is a need for a treatment process which can convert hazardous organic chemicals to harmless by-products, is universally applicable to various organic contaminants, and is practical for use on dilute waste streams. Another desirable feature would be the ability to skid- or trailer-mount the process, to make it transportable for cleanup of contamination at remote locations. A group of treatment processes known as Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) rely on the generation of free-radicals in sufficient quantity to destroy organic contaminants in water. Examples of such processes are ozonation in combination with ultraviolet radiation (UV), ozonation in combination with hydrogen peroxide addition, and hydrogen peroxide in combination with UV. The effectiveness of these processes is due to the generation of hydroxyl radical, one of the most powerful known solution-phase oxidants. Because of this, the advanced oxidation processes have the capability to convert organic contaminants entirely to innocuous substances such as carbon dioxide. Although the advanced oxidation processes have been extensively studied in the laboratory, very few pilot or full-scale studies have been reported. Engineers have been understandably reluctant to specify AOPs in treatment process design, because reliable design, cost and operating information have not been readily available. The purpose of this project was to assemble a mobile pilot plant which can be taken to field sites and operated to provide the information needed to facilitate the acceptance of these clean treatment processes by engineers and administrators. This report describes the design and capabilities of the assembled Mobile Oxidation Pilot Plant (MOPP), as well as some preliminary results from limited testing.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-037
- Preliminary Treatability Study on Contaminated Groundwater
HWR87-035
Start: 8/15/87 - Completion: 8/31/87
Investigators
- Suidan, Merkam; Department of Civil Engineering (PI)
- Project Summary
- The objective of the proposed research is to conduct a preliminary feasibility study on the treatability of contaminated groundwater at the Taylorville Gasification site. The preliminary feasibility study will focus primarily on the effectiveness of the expanded-bed granular activated carbon anaerobic reactor in treating the contaminated groundwater. A secondary objective of this investigation will be to evaluate the treatability of the contaminated groundwater with activated carbon absorption.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-017
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- Phase II Development of the Multi-Option Model for Hazardous Waste Management:
HWR87-036
Start: 7/1/87 - Completion: 8/31/87
Investigators
- Bailey, Stephen; ICF Technology (PI)
- St.Cin, Carl; ICF Technology
- Tilly, Jean; ICF Technology
- Project Summary
- The purpose of the proposed project is to support the field readiness of two of the major components of the Multi-Option Model (MOM), a computerized hazardous waste management tool originally developed by the Maryland Hazardous Waste Facilities Siting Board. The MOM is designed to assist generators and State officials with the analysis of hazardous waste reduction, reuse, and treatment alternatives. The two components of the MOM involved in this project are the Waste Reduction Advisory System (WRAS) and the Treatment Storage Disposal (TSD) system. Upon completion of certain upgrades the WRAS and TSD will be significantly closer to readiness for field demonstration and use. Additional work is currently planned under USEPA sponsorship which, in conjunction with this proposed project, will further support the field readiness of these two MOM components. The overall objective of the proposed project is to upgrade and enhance certain elements of both the WRAS and the TSD. With respect to the WRAS the objective is to substantially upgrade the System's front-end questionnaire by adding a Waste Minimization Audit Checklist. This work would include 1) defining appropriate waste minimization topics useful to the organization of the WRAS, and 2) developing Audit Checklist questions and responses that will provide benefits to both industrial users and the State. The proposed project would enhance the TSD system by 1) adding a price query to allow waste management service price/cost comparisons, and 2) accounting for economies of scale for the transport of less-than-truckload waste quantities. The Illinois Hazardous Waste Research and Information Center is designed to provide a focal point for research, technical assistance, and information dissemination and to help reduce risks associated with hazardous waste practices. This project as proposed will result in demonstrable improvements to the overall usefulness of the MOM and will thus contribute to the mission and objectives of the HWRIC.
- Household Hazardous Materials and Wastes: Public Education, Participation in Collection Drives, and Amounts in Homes
HWR87-037
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Liebert, Roland; Survey Research Laboratory (PI)
- Project Summary
- The extent to which households use, store, and dispose of hazardous materials has become a matter of increasing concern but has rarely been assessed. This report provides an assessment of the first household hazardous materials publicity campaign and collection event held in Illinois. The collection event date was September 13, 1987, in Champaign County. This report describes survey results concerning the state of public awareness, use, and disposal of household hazardous materials prior to and immediately after the publicity campaign in Champaign County. Comparisons with the city of Decatur are included. A review of the mechanics of organizing the Champaign County collection event and the publicity for it is presented along with a summary of participant characteristics and the materials that they dropped off. A history of the collection drive movement and examples of other drives are also included. Results from the two surveys indicated that 30-40 percent of the urban households had heard about hazardous waste problems before the campaign and nearly 60 percent had heard about them after the event. Most of the public could assess hazardousness of materials reasonably well. Farmers were generally much better informed than were city dwellers. In all communities, the better-educated and established citizens were better informed about hazardous waste than were others and were more likely to become better informed during the campaign. While each farm household had on average over 26 partial or full containers of hazardous material, urban households had an average of 10 such containers at their homes. This came to an estimated total of over 390,000 partial or full containers at Champaign/Urbana homes alone. Established citizens, homeowners, and larger households had greater quantities. Environmentally inappropriate disposal of hazardous waste from homes exceeded an estimated total of 38,600 containers per year in Champaign/Urbana, 30,750 per year in Decatur, and 1,490 per year among Champaign County farmers. The inappropriate disposal of these containers from Champaign/Urbana would, if left uncrushed, fill a 74 to 158 cubic yard site. On public policy issues, overwhelming majorities in each community expressed support for various types of special household hazardous waste collection programs. The collection event was very successful in extending basic awareness and in reaching households with unwanted hazardous waste. The event drew only 0.7 percent of the city households but collected 7 percent of the quantity of hazardous waste improperly disposed of each year. The surveys also indicated a need for an educational program to reduce the production of hazardous waste by households. To fund these programs, the public favored either a special sales tax on hazardous materials or a surcharge on solid waste disposal in landfills.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-025/RR-026
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- Treatability of Contaminated Ground Water and Aquifer Solids at 'Town Gas' Sites, Using Photolytic Ozonation and Chemical 'In Situ' Reclamation
HWR87-039
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Peyton, Gary; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- LeFaivre, Mary; Illinois State Water Survey
- Smith, Michelle; Illinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- The feasibility of cleaning up contaminated ground water and aquifer solids from so-called "town gas" sites using photolytic ozonation and chemical in situ aquifer reclamation (CISR) techniques was investigated in the laboratory. At the actual site, coal was thermally oxidized to produce methane for municipal distribution. The degradation left a coal tar which, if released into the ground, could contaminate ground water and aquifer solids with a number of organic substances, including aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX), and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at environmentally significant concentrations. Photolytic ozonation was used to destroy BTX and PAHs in ground-water samples taken from the Taylorville "town gas" site, using a stirred-tank reactor in the laboratory. Ozonation was found to be as effective as ozone/UV for this treatment. This is often seen in natural waters, and it is thought to be due to the presence of natural "promoters" for the free-radical reactions that are largely responsible for the destruction of organic compounds during treatment. Estimated treatment costs were $4.05 per thousand gallons (Kgal) for destruction of BTX and PAHs by ozonation, and $2.57 per Kgal if the BTX was removed by air stripping prior to ozone treatment. A chemical in situ treatment method using persulfate as a source of free radicals destroyed organic contaminants that were adsorbed to the aquifer solids. PAHs were reduced by 34 percent after 12 days of treatment and by 52 percent after 40 days. Preliminary evidence suggests that mobilization of contaminants by oxidation of the natural and/or adsorbed organic matter associated with the solids may be important.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-048
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- Amendment: Assessment of Ecotoxicological Hazard of Waukegan Harbor Sediments
HWR87-040
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Risatti, Bruno; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Burnett, LouAnn; Illinois State Water Survey
- Ross, Phillippe; Illinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- A 1986 study funded by the Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources, through the Hazardous Waste Research and Information Center reported that total PCB concentrations in harbor sediments were found to vary from 5 to 17,251 ppm. The highest concentrations were found in Slip 3 near the PCB outfall from OMC and decreased away from the outfall into the outer harbor. Toxic responses were measured at various levels, but the magnitude of the total PCB concentration did not correlate with the magnitude of the toxic effect. That total PCB concentrations could not be directly correlated with toxic response was not surprising since aquatic ecosystems are seldom contaminated with a single class of chemical. Rather, there are a number of compounds and sources contaminating most systems. Any system near human activity will likely contain contaminating chemicals and their by-products. The major problem in such environments is to determine which specific components pose the greatest long- and short-term risks to biological systems. The question of which chemicals are present is secondary; the primary objective is to establish which compounds at what concentrations in a particular system pose the greatest risk. Waukegan Harbor has been exposed to a point source of PCBs, but it is possible they are not the only toxic compounds in the harbor sediments. A second study was initiated to determine the concentrations of several other contaminants in Waukegan Harbor sediments. Sediments were collected from 23 stations in the harbor and concentrations were determined for oil and grease and for 22 major, minor, and trace elements. In addition, specific lower weight PCB congeners reported to be toxic were chromatographically resolved, identified, and semi--quantified in sediment samples from five stations. A priority pollutant scan was made of sediments collected in proximity to two stations which had, respectively, high and moderate toxicity responses as reported in the previous study. Chemical analyses of the whole sediment allow an inventory of sediment contaminants to be constructed; however, biological availability cannot be determined from bulk material measurements. Sediment constituent mobility depends on many factors. Even though a sediment may be grossly contaminated, the conditions which control interaction between water and sediment may preclude significant movement into the water column and vice versa. Percentages of oil and grease were determined from all stations sampled in the harbor. Concentrations ranged from 0.3% to 5.19%, with the highest values occurring in Slip 3 and in the areas immediately outside the slip Average concentrations of nine metals in Waukegan Harbor sediments were compared with sediments from other commercial areas in the Great Lakes and to a pollution classification index for Great Lakes Harbor sediments. Waukegan Harbor sediments are heavily polluted with respect to cadmium (4 stations), copper (20 stations), manganese (14 stations), lead (21 stations), and zinc (13 stations) and moderately polluted with respect to iron (17 stations).
- ISTC Notes
- RR-052
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- Overview of the Multi-Option Model
HWR87-041
Start: 6/8/87 - Completion: 9/7/87
Investigators
- Ashbrook, Peter; University of Illinois (PI)
- Project Summary
- The Multi-Opt ion Mode l (MOM) i s an interactive computerized waste management tool originally developed by ICF Technology, Inc. for the Maryland Hazardous Facilities Siting Board and the USEPA. Its primary purpose is to assist generators and state technical assistance officials with the completion and analysis of technologies and methods for the reduction, reuse and treatment of solid and hazardous waste. Illinois Hazardous Waste Research and Information Center (HWRIC) contracted with ICF Technologies, Inc. for further development of two components of the MOM.
- ISTC Notes
- TN87-003
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- Assessment of Problems Associated with Landfilling or Land Application of Pesticde Waste and Feasibility of Cleanup by Microbiological Degradation
HWR88-042
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Felsot, Allan; Illinois Natural History Survey (PI)
- Case, Laurie; Illinois Natural History Survey
- Dzantor, Kudjo; Illinois Natural History Survey
- Project Summary
- During 1986 soil contaminated with high concentrations of herbicides from drainage of waste water was excavated and applied to an adjacent field in an effort to stimulate degradation of the pesticides. The field was divided into two plots that were planted with com or soybeans. As a continuation of this earlier study, part of the current project focused on monitoring herbicide residues in the land-applied soil during a second growing season. After two years of monitoring herbicide persistence and biological activity in the plots, it was concluded that prolonged persistence of herbicide residues in soil and crop phytotoxicity are potential problems with land application of herbicide waste. To improve the prospects for use of land application as a remediation tool and the possibility of augmenting biodegradation of pesticide wastes in soil, a series of laboratory experiments were designed to explore microbiological aspects of the persistence of high concentrations of herbicides in soil. Most of the studies focused on the alachlor, which is an acetanilide herbicide used in corn and soybeans. In laboratory experiments, alachlor was not degraded after simulated spills of 1000 ppm or 10,000 ppm. In contrast, 10 ppm and 100 ppm doses of alachlor were partially degraded into water-soluble metabolites Technical-grade alachlor and an emulsifiable concentrate formulation were metabolized similarly. Microbial populations and dehydrogenase activity in soil were reduced upon exposure to 1000 ppm or 10,000 ppm alachlor, and lack of degradation of these high concentrations was attributed to microbial toxicity from alachlor itself rather than additives in its formulation. Amendment of soils with ground corn or soybean stubble enhanced the dissipation of alachlor at a concentration of 100 ppm but not at 1000 ppm. Aged residues of alachlor at a concentration of 100 ppm degraded in soil as fast as or faster than an equal concentration of freshly applied herbicide. Inoculation of soil with a Fusarium sp isolate that could cometabolically degrade alachlor did not enhance the biodegradation of a 100 ppm dose. Future attempts at bioremediation of herbicide wastes in soil should focus on the use of biostimulation with nutrient amendments and extending the range of contaminant concentrations at which biodegradation will rapidly proceed.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-053
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- Determination of Heavy Metals on the Rock River Through the Analysis of Sediments
HWR88-043
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Landsberger, Sheldon; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Golchert, Brian; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Hopke, P.K.; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Project Summary
- Neutron activation analysis has been used to analyze sediment cores from the Rock River and two branches of Kent Creek, one of its tributaries, to determine the concentrations of thirteen heavy metals (Ti, Cu, V, Mn, As, Sb, Se, Cr, Ni, Sc, Fe, Zn, and Co) and two rare earths (Sm and La). The downstream sites of both the Rock River and the two branches of Kent Creek have elevated concentrations of several heavy metals including arsenic, antimony, and zinc. In addition, hundreds of parts per million of copper have been found in samples from the downstream site of the North Fork of Kent Creek. Toxicity tests of the sediments also indicate that the downstream sites are detrimental to life forms. Analyses of the data from the two branches of Kent Creek clearly indicate that heavy metal concentrations increase as the distance from the center of industrial activity (Rockford) decreases.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-040
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- Groundwater Monitoring and Modeling with Biodegradation of Organic Pollutants at Wilsonville Waste Disposal Site
HWR88-044
Start: 7/1/87 - Completion: 6/30/89
Investigators
- Chou, Shen-Fu; State Geological Survey (PI)
- Griffin, Robert; State Geological Survey (PI)
- Herzog, Beverly; State Geological Survey (PI)
- Project Summary
- The proposed project is a follow-up to previous studies at the Wilsonville hazardous waste site. This project uses an interdisciplinary team to evaluate the effectiveness of the clean-up at the Wilsonville site: evaluating contaminant migration and model development necessary to describe and simulate the process of contaminant transport in the subsurface. Very little ground water research has been accomplished on contaminant biodegradation that incorporates subsurface chemical and biological processes into predictive mathematical models. In order to address the range of transport problems in the field, a currently available solute transport model such as "Random-Walk" by Prickett et al., (1981) or "SEFTRAN" by Huyakorn et al., (1984) will be modified to include biodegradation terms. Factors which limit the extent and the rate of degradation of organic pollutants by adapted microbial communities will be determined and quantified and results obtained will be used to help devise microbial techniques for restoration of contaminated soil and subsurface/aquifer systems at the Wilsonville waste disposal site in the future.
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- The Activity of PCBs in Sediments and Water from Lake Calumet and Waukegan Harbor
HWR88-045
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Murphy, Thomas; DePaul University (PI)
- Arnold, Christopher; DePaul University
- Galinis, Debbie; DePaul University
- Project Summary
- Techniques were developed to measure the activity (fugacity; escaping tendency) of semi-volatile organic compounds, PCBs in this case, in water and sediment samples. The techniques were applied to samples from Lake Calumet and Waukegan Harbor. Knowing the activities of the PCBs in the samples permitted the following to be determined: (1) the thermodynamic sediment! water partition coefficient, Kd; (2) the direction of movement of compounds between the sediments and water; (3) the expected PCB concentrations in the water at equilibrium with the sediments; (4) the amount of PCBs evaporating per year from these bodies of water; and (5) an average partition coefficient for the PCBs present in each sediment sample, Kd*. The PCB activities found in the sediment and water samples from these two locations were very different, as expected. The Kds for individual PCB congeners were an order of magnitude higher or more for the Lake Calumet sediments. Significantly, the two samples from slip #3 in Waukegan Harbor, those closest to the past PCB discharge, showed the lowest average Kd (Kd*) -- the highest relative activity of the samples measured. There is considerable variability in the ratio of the concentration of the PCBs in the sediments to their activities, indicating that the PCB concentration is a poor estimator of partitioning (and toxicity due to equilibrium toxicity) for these samples. The dissolved concentrations (activities) found in the Lake Calumet samples indicated that they were close to equilibrium with the sediments. Calculations based on the water concentrations indicate that net transfer to the air is occurring from both locations, with an estimate loss of 1.4 kg/yr from Lake Calumet and 0.25 kg/yr from Waukegan Harbor (about 0.04 kg/yr from the contaminated slip #3). The water samples from Waukegan had much lower activities than the bulk sediments. The results also indicated that the composition of the surficial sediments in Waukegan Harbor is different from that of the bulk sediment samples collected. An unexpected finding was that the sediments collected from the vicinity of the PCB discharge to Waukegan Harbor were quite depleted in PCB congener #18, relative to congener #17 and other PCB congeners present. The reasons for this relative depletion are not known, but the absence of #18 now serves as a marker for the sediments in this area.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-039
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- Promising Oxy-Radical Processes for Hazardous Organic Compound Destruction
HWR88-046
Start: 7/21/87 - Completion: 6/30/88
Investigators
- Peyton, Gary; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Project Summary
- The proposed work is the continuation of prior studies on the use of oxy-radical processes for the destruction of hazardous organic compounds in water. Two processes, Photolytic Ozonation/Peroxidation (POP) and Chemical In Situ aquifer Reclamation (CISR) have been selected for further study on the basis of promising results. The POP process would find application for the in-plant treatment of industrial waste water and the on-site treatment of contaminated ground water when operated in a pump-and-treat (PAT) configuration. CISR is attractive when PAT technologies are ineffective, as in the case of a contaminant which is strongly adsorbed to the aquifer material. POP has been known since the early seventies as ozone UV, but the complex chemistry of the process has only recently been elucidated in this laboratory, allowing a logical approach to optimization of the process. As a result, studies funded by HWRIC are presently being conducted to determine the effect of non-target solutes on process efficiency. CISR, on the other hand, was only recently shown to be feasible, as a result of studies funded by HWRIC. The presently proposed investigation will confirm the general applicability of POP to most chemical classes of organic compound, and provide information about the degradation products which are formed. The latter is needed to predict the amount of ozone required for complete destruction of a given compound, as an aid to process optimization in pilot studies which will follow. This study will also include investigation of some factors which influence the rate and efficiency of free radical reactions during CISR. In particular, the nature and origin of a promoter which is apparently produced during the reaction will be investigated.
- Field Study of Transit Time of Water And Tracers Through a Soil Liner
HWR88-047
Start: 7/1/87 - Completion: 6/30/92
Investigators
- Cartwright, Keros; Illinois State Geological Survey (PI)
- Hensel, Bruce; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Krapac, Ivan; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Panno, Samuel; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Rehfeldt, Kenneth; Illinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- A soil liner, 7.3 x 14.6 x 0.9 meters, was constructed using full-sized equipment. The liner pond was filled in April 1988, and the liner has been monitored continuously. Water infiltrating the liner was monitored by three methods: a total water balance; four large ring, sealed infiltrometers; and 32 small ring infiltrometers. Analyses of the flux data from the ring infiltrometers showed that the small ring fluxes are log-normally distributed, and the small and large ring data formed two statistically distinct populations. Infiltration fluxes calculated for the large ring infiltrometers were an order of magnitude lower than the infiltration fluxes calculated\ using either the small ring or water-balance data for the first year. By the third year, however, the ring data formed a single population. Infiltration fluxes decreased each year. Average /infiltration fluxes of 1.3 x 10^-8 cm/s, 3.7 x 10^-8 cm/s, and 6.7 x 10^-8 cm/s were determined from the large and small ring infiltrometers, and water-balance data, respectively, during the third year of monitoring. Geostatistical analysis of the flux data measured by the small ring infiltrometers indicated that infiltration flux was unstructured (random) at a scale greater than 1.2 m. Determination of the best-fit model variogram indicated that the density of the sample grid for the small infiltrometers was sufficient to identify the variability of the infiltration flux over the surface of the liner. Kriged estimates of the annual mean infiltration fluxes of the liner quadrants were almost identical to the geometric mean of the infiltration fluxes. The implication is that the spatial variability of the infiltration properties of the liner was random on the scale defined by the locations of the small infiltrometers. Consequently, classical statistics could be used to estimate the mean infiltration flux for the liner. Calculations of the line(s hydraulic properties were made from 3 years of data on the small and large ring infiltrometer fluxes and water balance, and indicated that the average saturated hydraulic conductivity of the liner was approximately 2.4 x 10^-8 cm/s, 8.3 x 10^-9 cm/s, and 4.4 X 10^-8 cm/s, respectively. The estimated transit time of water throughout the liner ranged from 30 to 9 years, as determined from three different transit time equations. The Green-Ampt. transit time model predicted the most conservative transit time (9 years), and It appeared to have successfully predicted an early breakthrough in the northeast quadrant of the 6ner (within 3 months). Overall tension values in the liner have decreased with time, a trend reflecting the downward movement of water from the overlying pond. After 3 years of monitoring, tension values indicated that the liner is saturated below a depth between 51 and 69 cm; air is still trapped in the pores below a depth of about 33 cm; and the liner is tension saturated below 69 cm. The fact that tension values are lowest on the north side of the liner indicates that infiltration was greater than on the south side. An effective diffusion coefficient of 8 x 10^-6 cm^2/s was found to describe the tritium concentration profile at 168,475 and 700 days, after tritium was added to the finer pond.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-064
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- Chemical and Toxicological Analysis of Lake Calumet (Cook County, Illinois) Sediments
HWR88-048
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Ross, Philippe; Illinois Natural History Survey (PI)
- Burnett, LouAnn; Illinois Natural History Survey
- Henebry, Michael; Illinois Natural History Survey
- Project Summary
- Lake Calumet, located on Chicago's Far South Side, has been exposed to a wide range of industrial contaminants for approximately 110 years. Continued industrial activity and residues from past waste disposal practices, however, still threaten the Lake Calumet system. A study was initiated in 1986 by the Hazardous Waste Research and Information Center (HWRIC) of the Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources to Make a preliminary assessment of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that influence the environmental quality of Lake Calumet and the surrounding area and to predict the ecological effects of the contamination associated with lake sediments. Results of the preliminary assessment showed that high concentrations of anthropogenic metals and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were found in Lake Calumet sediments. These concentrations were generally higher than sediment samples in nearby waters. A majority of sediments were determined to be toxic by four biological screening assays Phvtvbucterium phvsphoreum, Selenustrum cupricornutum, Pumzgrellus redivivus, and a microbial community that colonized artificial substrate. The preliminary study concluded that Lake Calumet is a severely disturbed system. Continued physical alteration has changed the lake's shape, reduced its surface area, and destroyed much of the surrounding natural wetland areas. The current study addresses the recommendation from the preliminary study that chemical and toxicological analyses of Lake Calumet sediment should be continued. Special attention was paid to culverts and drainage ditches leading from past and current industrial or disposal sites into the lake and to the wetlands adjacent to the lake. Chemical and toxicological data from the sediments in the areas adjacent to Lake Calumet indicate that contamination and toxicity are concentrated in these areas, relative to the sediments collected previously from Lake Calumet proper. To determine if a pattern of toxicity or contamination existed in the Lake Calumet area, geographical distribution maps were constructed from data collected throughout the two-year project. The maps resembled "fingerprints" and identified areas of concern with regard to metal and PAH contamination and toxicity. The wetland areas east of Lake Calumet, and the drainage ditches west of the lake adjacent to the Calumet Expressway, warrant the most concern, based on these data. To best identify the contaminant sources and hazards impacting the Lake Calumet ecosystem and the Far South Side of Chicago, data should be collected and analyzed for the following environmental parameters: l) concentrations of harmful metals and organics in fish and waterfowl, 2) hydrogeological connection between wetlands, disposal sites, and the lake, 3) air monitoring to determine the contribution of atmospheric deposition of air pollutants to the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem, 4) details of the waste disposal sites (past and present) including geographic coverage and potential pollutant export, and 5) further analysis of the hydrological and contaminant connection between Lake Calumet and the very important waterways of Lake Michigan and the Illinois River. The data reported in this study are merely yardstick measures of the extent of the disturbance. It is imperative that further research be conducted to determine the most effective methods to reduce the environmental hazards associated with the Calumet region.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-036
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- Pollutant Transport to Lake Calumet and Adjacent Wetlands and an Overview of Regional Hydrology
HWR88-049
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Fitzpatrick, William; Illinois State and Water Survey (PI)
- Bhowmik, Nani; Illinois State and Water Survey
- Project Summary
- The transport of pollutants to Lake Calumet and adjacent wetlands was investigated by reviewing existing data and conducting field sampling and measurements. The regional hydrology and interactions with Lake Michigan were investigated to assess the impact of pollutants in the Lake Calumet environment on regional water resources. These studies were funded by the Illinois State Water Survey and the Hazardous Waste Research and Information Center. Five sources of inflow to Lake Calumet and the wetlands east of the lake were selected for detailed measurements of water discharge and sampling for laboratory analysis of suspended sediment, organic carbon, organic halides, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and zinc concentrations. Sampling and measurements were performed on approximately a monthly basis for one year. Principal findings of this study are: 1) The watersheds of Lake Calumet and the adjacent wetlands have been extensively altered by dredging, filling, and solid and liquid waste disposal activities. Shallow lakes and wetlands, once a prominent feature of the area, have been reduced to a few remaining areas. 2) Previous studies of the sediments of the lake and wetlands have shown concentrations of toxic metals and organic chemicals well above expected background levels and higher than those in nearby water bodies. Single species bioassay tests of the sediments have shown highly toxic responses at half of the sampling sites. 3) Water samples from tributaries of the lake and wetlands have shown levels of metals as high as 98 milligrams per liter (mg/l) zinc (well in excess of general use, secondary contact, and public water supply standards) and 65 mg/l chromium (well above the public water supply standard). 4) The inflow of toxic metals to the wetlands northeast of the lake was as high as 322 pounds per hour; over 99% of the total was from the sludge drying beds of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. 5) A site conveying discharge from a sewer and overland flow was measured as delivering 22,000 pounds per hour of sediment and over 7 pounds per hour of toxic metals to the lake. 6) Drainage from I-94 and adjacent landfill and roadside areas was the largest measured source of arsenic, lead and chromium to the lake, totaling over 4 pounds per hour on one date. 7) Composite toxicity bioassay results from four tributaries of the lake and wetlands indicate that three sites were rated highly toxic and one site extremely toxic. 8) Illegal dumping in the area is a threat to the water resources as well as to humans and native and migratory wildlife. 9) Present levels of water pollution generated in the area may threaten the quality of Lake Michigan. The effects of past pollution in the form of contaminated water, sediment, and soils in the region are continuing threats to the environment. Land and water pollution in the Lake Calumet area is a threat to humans who work, recreate, hunt, and fish in the area as well as to native and migratory fish and wildlife. Current C evidence suggests that pollutants from Lake Calumet may be delivered to Lake Michigan, the sole water supply source of millions of people in Illinois and bordering states. Tighter control of water pollution from landfills, sludge beds, and sewer outfalls must be implemented. Illegal dumping of solid and liquid wastes in the area must be stopped. Remaining wetland areas should be managed for the benefits of flood control, water quality, and wildlife habitat. Ignoring the continuing pollution of water resources in the area will further threaten the environment and humans in the region as well as increasing the eventual cost of correcting the problem. Therefore, in addition to more diligent enforcement of existing regulations, further research is warranted to determine the magnitude of present water pollution in the Lake Calumet area, the effects of past pollution, and the impact on regional water resources including Lake Michigan.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-050
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- Feasibility Study of the Conversion of the Kilngas Commercial Module in East Alton, Illinois to a Hazardous Waste Incinerator
HWR88-050
Start: 1/4/87 - Completion: 4/4/87
Investigators
- Peden, Jacqueline M.; Remediation Technologies, Inc. (PI)
- Project Summary
- The purpose of this proposal is to examine the feasibility of converting an existing rotary kiln coal gasification plant located in East Alton, Illinois, into a hazardous waste incineration facility. The coal gasification plant, known as the KILnGAS Commercial Module, has been in operation for the past five years. The plant is designed to handle high temperature processes and has a range of ancillary equipment available for solid materials handling, downstream gas processing/clean-up and process residuals management. This existing facility may provide the state of Illinois with the opportunity to rapidly expand its incineration capacity in response to the increasingly stringent regulatory requirements of both the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act and 1984 RCRA Amendments. The study will examine both the technical and environmental issues associated with the facility conversion. The technical review will focus on an examination of the kiln design and its capabilities to handle the hazardous wastes generated by the state of Illinois. The environmental review will emphasize the key facility permitting requirements associated with hazardous waste storage, hazardous waste treatment (e.g., incinerator Part B and the management of residual materials which will be produced by the incineration facility. These residuals include the incinerator ash, fugitive dust and/or volatiles and various wastewaters such as surface runoff and truck/container cleaning waters. The outputs of these reviews will be evaluated to provide an initial assessment of the feasibility of converting this gasification plant to a hazardous waste incinerator.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-034
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- The Potential Cost-Effectiveness of Hazardous Waste Reduction: The Implementation of Section 39 (h) of The Illinois Environmental Protection Act
HWR88-051
Start: 11/23/87 - Completion: 4/30/89
Investigators
- Ginsburg, Robert; Citizens for a Better Environment (PI)
- Learner, Howard; Business and Professional People for the Public Interest (PI)
- Frerichs, William; William W. Frerichs & Associates
- Jones, Robert; Gusiness for the Professional People for the Public Interest
- Project Summary
- The impact of the regulatory system governing hazardous waste generator's applications to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) under section 39 (h) of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act is examined. Section 39 (h), which was effective January 1, 1987, prohibits the land disposal of hazardous waste unless a generator can demonstrate that it is not economically reasonable or technologically feasible to recycle, reuse, treat, incinerate or neutralize the waste.
Supplemental permit applications received by the IEPA for 1986 and 1987 and associated data are examined to determine gross changes in the waste streams prior to and after the implementation of the law. Five categories of waste streams are examined in further detail: waste disposed in 1986 but not 1987, waste land disposed starting in 1987, waste which decreased in volume by more than 25% from 1986 to 1987, waste which increased in volume from 1986 to 1987 by more than 25%, and on-site disposed waste.
Off-site land disposal of hazardous waste decreased in both volume and number of waste streams from 1986 to 1987. On-site land disposal increased in volume. Waste streams going to treatment decreased by more than 50%.
Waste reduction, shifting among permits, out-of-state disposal, delisting and declaring wastes non-hazardous are all possible reasons for decreases in wastes.
Much of the data is ambiguous and individual waste streams are difficult to track though the tracking system.
There are legal foundations upon which technologically feasible and economic reasonable criteria can be developed.
- Computerized Waste Reduction Advisory System
HWR88-052
Start: 5/1/88 - Completion: 6/30/88
Investigators
- Cohen, Michael; Phase Linear Systems (PI)
- Project Summary
- The overall objective of the proposed project is to provide computer support to make programming and data changes to the WRAS, WRIB, and WRAC which PLS has recently upgraded.
PLS will make general programming changes as needed in response to comments and criticisms from users of the Waste Reduction Advisory System, including the Illinois HWRIC, the Users and Technical Information Board, and other state hazardous waste programs.
In addition to general programming changes, PLS will do any reasonable data editing that is needed on the WRAC question screens. including the topic definition screens and any help screens in the system.
- A Plan for Evaluation of the Occurrence, Transport, and Fate of Groundwater Contamination in the Lake Calumet Area
HWR88-053
Start: 3/1/88 - Completion: 6/30/88
Investigators
- Shafer, John; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Project Summary
- The Ground-Water Section of the Illinois State Water Survey proposes to develop, for the Illinois Hazardous Waste Research and Information Center (HWRIC), a plan for evaluating the occurrence, transport, and fate of ground-water contamination in the Lake Calumet area of southeast Chicago. The plan will be designed to address several ground-water issues including: 1) the existing ground-water chemistry in the area, 2) the physical interaction of ground-water with Lake Calumet and Lake Michigan, and 3) the impact of existing regulatory practices on the ground-water quality in the Lake Calumet area. This project will result in a written document, resembling a research proposal that describes all aspects of the Lake Calumet study plan. Background information along with problem identification, objectives, and methodology will be presented in the plan. A multiyear schedule will also be developed which shows the particular milestones to be reached during the actual conduct of the study.
- ISTC Notes
- TN88-010
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- Potential Impact of Waste Generation…
HWR88-054
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Unknown (PI)
- The Calumet Area Hazardous Substance Data Base: A User's Guide with Documentation
HWR88-055
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Samsel, Ted; Illinois State Museum (PI)
- Colten, Craig; Illinois State Museum
- Project Summary
- The Lake Calumet area of southeast Chicago has a lengthy history of hazardous materials-handling activity. Illinois State Museum staff consulted numerous sources and reviewed their contents to compile and produce an electronic data base which will enable researchers to determine where and when particular types of hazardous materials and, related activity occurred at specific sites. Archival records, regulatory files, and other sources collected by Museum staff contributed information to the data base. Once collected, the information was formatted for entry into the Illinois Geographic Information System (lGIS)--a computer system that enables the geographic and tabular data to be combined, recombined, and analyzed. Through commands on a terminal, users may conduct searches of the computerized data base to obtain information for various chemical contaminants, industrial waste disposal activity, or information related to selected parcels of real estate. This report provides instructions for the use of this system by the experienced ARC/INFO user, a summary of the data acquisition and entry procedures, and synopses of each data set.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-047
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- Engineering-Scale Demonstration of Thermal Desorption Technology for Manufactured Gas Plant Site Soils
HWR89-056
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Helsel, Richard; Illinois Hazardous Waste Research and Information Center (PI)
- Alperin, Ed; Illinois Hazardous Waste Research and Information Center
- Green, Arle; Illinois Hazardous Waste Research and Information Center
- Project Summary
- As part of a program to evaluate and develop technologies that are applicable for remediation of contaminated soils at manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites, pilot plant tests of a thermal desorption treatment technology were performed. Coal-tar-contaminated soil samples from three MGP sites were characterized, and bench-scale treatability tests were performed to establish treatment conditions to use for the pilot tests A series of 11 pilot tests were completed using an indirectly heated rotary desorber operating at 30 to 60 kilograms/hour of soil. Treatment conditions of 300°C and 100°C and soil residence times of 5 and 9 minutes were used. Residual concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed for all treated soil samples to determine treatment performance of the bench-scale and pilot plant test systems. Treatment efficiencies varied from 88 to greater than 99.9 percent, depending on treatment conditions. Total PAH concentrations were reduced to between 150 and 1 part per million (ppm) from initial levels of 2000 to 400 ppm. Temperature, residence time, and soil type all had a significant effect on treatment efficiency. Reasonable agreement was found among results from the static, batch, bench-scale test apparatus and the dynamic, continuous pilot plant This report presents the test results and describes the experimental procedures.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-038
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- Recycling of of Electric Arc Furnace Dust
HWR89-057
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Sresty, Guggilam; ITT Research Institute (PI)
- Project Summary
- Electric arc furnace (EAF) dust is one of the largest solid waste streams produced by steel mills, and is classified as a waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Successful recycle of the valuable metals (iron, zinc, and lead) present in the dust will result in resource conservation while simultaneously reducing the disposal problems. Technical feasibility of a novel recycling method based on using hydrogen as the reductant was established under this project through laboratory experiments. Sponge iron produced was too low in zinc, cadmium, and lead to permit its recycle, and nontoxic to permit its safe disposal as an alternative to recycling. Zinc oxide was analyzed to contain 50% to 58% zinc by weight, and can be marketed for recovering zinc and lead. A prototype system was designed to process 2.5 tons per day (600 tons/year) of EAF dust, and a preliminary economic analysis was conducted. The cost of processing dust by this recycling method was estimated to be comparable to or lower than existing methods, even at such low capacities.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-046
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- Pilot Program for Small Academic Science Departments
HWR89-058
Start: 8/11/88 - Completion: 6/30/91
Investigators
- Wesolowski, Wayne; Illinois Benedictine College (PI)
- Project Summary
- A Pilot Program for Small Academic Science Departments: Hazardous Materials and Government Regulations -An Impact Workshop Series
- Documentation of the Illinois Spills Database for the Preliminary Evaluation of the Risk of Accidental Spills of Hazardous Materials in Illinois Waterways
HWR89-059
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Demissie, Misganaw; University of Illinois (PI)
- Keefer, Laura; University of Illinois
- Project Summary
- This documentation is a guide to the structure and relational nature of the data files used in this project. Below are special notes to be taken into consideration when using the data files. It is strongly advised that a potential user of this data read the main report to fully understand the sources of the data, how it was developed into the present database and with what respect the data is being used. A reference to the main report is noted above most files for further information about the file development. There are three sets of data files for the ILLINOIS SPILLS DATABASE: Facilities and Terminals, Spills, and Water Withdrawals. Some of the data files have a set of related files that are used specifically for the different sources of data. Figure 1 shows a flow diagram, which illustrates how the files can be linked.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-002/RR-055
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- Assessment of the Impact of Byproducts of Hazardous Waste Disposal on Man and His Environement
HWR89-060
Start: 7/1/88 - Completion: 6/30/89
Investigators
- Plewa, Michael; University of Illinois (PI)
- Project Summary
- This interdisciplinary proposal seeks to merge mammalian cytotoxicity tests (Jeffery) with genotoxicity tests (Plewa) to produce an integrated system to assess health safety of byproducts of hazardous waste disposal. The system will be established in laboratory rats and, if successful, developed into a method for evaluating the safety of human exposure to byproducts of hazardous waste disposal, through blood analysis. Mammalian systems undergo oxidative stress in direct response to exposure to many toxic agents. Many other toxic substances alter the biochemical defenses against oxidative damage by lowering body stores of protective components such as glutathione (GSH). Under normal physiological conditions, radical damage precipitates oxidative stress which produces superoxide in a cell; this dismutates either spontaneously or with the aid of superoxide dismutase (SOD) to form H202 (Figure 1). This is immediately removed by catalase or peroxidase (GPX). The latter requires the cofactor GSH. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species have been implicated in the initiation and promotion of carcinogenesis, and in cell death (Kensler and Trush, 1984; Gerson et al., 1985). Oxygen radicals cause in vitro strand breakage of DNA and degradation of deoxyribose (Brawn and Fridovich, 1981). Many drugs causing DNA damage are proposed to act via production of oxygen radicals (Lown et al., 1982). Some mechanisms of DNA repair appear to require GSH (Revesz, 1985; Bertsche and Schorn, 1986). Thus, during oxidative stress one can expect not only lipid membrane oxidation with accompanying malfunctions, but also DNA damage. We intend to analyze for oxidative intermediates, protective enzyme amounts and DNA strand breaks, and determine to what extent we can sensitize the system by GSH depletion, to alert one to subthreshold levels of toxic byproducts of hazardous waste disposal. The primary goal of this project is to develop a mammalian assay to measure exposure to toxological agents released by hazardous waste facilities and further to aid in the evaluation of hazardous waste abatement technologies.
- Groundwater Monitoring Network Design at Hazardous Waste Disposal Site
HWR89-061
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Meyer, Philip; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Valocchi, Albert; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Project Summary
- The design of a monitoring network to provide initial detection of groundwater contamination at a waste disposal facility is complicated by uncertainty in both the characterization of the subsurface and the nature of the contaminant source. In addition, monitoring network design requires the resolution of multiple conflicting objectives. A method is presented that both incorporates system uncertainty in monitoring network design and provides network alternatives that are non-inferior with respect to several objectives. Monte Carlo simulation is the method of uncertainty analysis. The random inputs to the simulation are the hydraulic conductivity field and the contaminant source location. A transport model is used to generate a series of random plumes representing equally likely contamination scenarios. For each plume, the method finds the set of potential monitoring locations at which the plume is detectable. In addition, the area of each plume is recorded at the time when it reaches each potential monitoring location. This information is used to formulate one of two optimization models. The design objectives considered are (1) minimize the number of monitoring wells, (2) maximize the probability of detecting a contaminant leak, and (3) minimize the expected area of contamination at the time of detection. The network design method is applied to a generic problem. Results illustrate the tradeoffs between objectives and the configurations of non-inferior network solutions. The probability of detection is increased by using more monitoring wells or by locating the wells farmer from the source. The latter case results in an increase in the average area of the detected plumes. If monitoring is carried out very close to the contaminant source to reduce the expected area of a detected plume, a large number of wells is required to provide a high probability of detection. These tradeoffs are an important factor in network design unless the cost (as expressed by the number of monitoring wells) is of limited concern. The importance of using a sufficiently large number of plume realizations in the Monte Carlo simulation is demonstrated. Finally, a sensitivity analysis illustrates the importance of several model parameters, including the hydraulic conductivity field variance and correlation scale, the transverse dispersivity, and the size of the contaminant source.
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- Appications of Supercritical Fluid Processing to Environmental Control
HWR89-062
Start: 7/1/88 - Completion: 6/30/89
Investigators
- Eckert, Charles; Department of Chemical Engineering (PI)
- Leman, Gregory; Department of Chemical Engineering
- Tomasko, David; Department of Chemical Engineering
- Project Summary
- Environmental control and waste remediation are of immediate technological and political interest. One technology which has great potential is contaminant removal and separation with supercritical fluids (SCF's) or supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). We undertook a concerted effort to understand the phase behavior in solid-SCF-systems. We determined solubilities of relatively non-volatile solid compounds in supercritical fluid solvents, interpreted them in terms of solvent properties, solute properties, and the nature of the critical region. Co-solvents added to an SCF were shown to enhance solubilities and increase selectivities through specific interactions. Vapor pressure measurements and spectroscopic investigations also aid the understanding of solubility enhancement. Although equations of state are very popular for calculating phase equilibria they do not completely describe the solid-SCF system due to the molecular asymmetry of size and energy. The ability of supercritical CO2 to remove model contaminant compounds from GAC and subsequently drop out most of the contaminant in a liquid phase has been investigated in a pilot scale apparatus. Typical desorption profiles indicate an 85% removal of the compound from the carbon. The presence of water on the GAC was shown to inhibit slightly the efficiency of the desorption. Methanol was used as a co-solvent for a desorption of 2-chlorophenol in which the carbon showed a net weight gain. This indicates that although methanol can enhance the solubility of model compounds in an SCF the GAC has a strong affinity for methanol which competes with the solvation process. The desorption results have been interpreted with a generalized desorption-mass transfer model. The results of the pilot plant studies have been applied to the design of a fixed-site GAC regeneration unit consisting of a three element desorber with two stage flash separation. Optimization of the process centers around minimizing the cost of recycling the SCF through an efficient recompression scheme and cycle configuration in the desorber unit. An economic evaluation shows a processing cost of 1O.6¢/lb GAC which compares favorably with incineration. This non-destructive process allows re-use of the GAC reducing carbon replacement costs and significantly decreases carbon disposal by landfill or incineration.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-006
View publications from this project
- Characteristics of Atmospheric Sources of Toxic Volatile Organics
HWR90-064
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Scheff; University of Illinois at Chicago (PI)
- Development & Implementation of a Rapid, Cost-Effective Protocol for Biomonitoring of Toxicants
HWR90-065
Start: 11/1/88 - Completion: 6/30/90
Investigators
- Ross, Philippe; Illinois Natural History Survey (PI)
- Burnett, LouAnn; Illinois Natural History Survey
- Project Summary
- The proposed study has two principal objectives. The first is to complete the selection and refinement of a battery of toxicological screening tests for the assessment of pollutant discharge hazard from multi-media contaminant sources such as landfills. We are proposing to employ a series of rapid, cost-effective bioassays to monitor toxic release from landfills through seven pathways (media): leachate running off the surface of the site, surface water, groundwater, soils, sediments, airborne dust particles, and the aerial transport of volatile components. The project will begin with a brief period devoted to selection of test systems. Starting from a three-test battery already in use, other candidate test systems will be screened by literature review, user interviews, and strictly realistic cost analyses. Two to five promising systems will then be examined in laboratory tests to verify sensitivity, comparability, reliability, repeatability and response to use in a variety of toxicant pathways. The final test battery will then be tested in small-scale field hazard assessments with standards of known toxicity to assess control response and hazard response levels. The second objective is a validation of the method by assessing existing landfill sites. Experiments will be conducted at a landfill where contamination is suspected (Danville H. & L. No.1, Vermilion Co.), as well as one relatively "clean" site (Urbana, Champaign Co.). A systematic sampling grid will be imposed on each site, and resulting data represented in toxicity-contour maps.
- Geochemical fate of deep-well injected hazardous wastes
HWR88-066
Start: 1/1/89 - Completion: 12/31/89
Investigators
- Roy, William; Illinois State Geological Survey (PI)
- Krapac, Ivan; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Moore, Duane; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Seyler, Beverly; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Steele, John; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Project Summary
- The objectives of this proposed research project are to assess the application of chemical equilibrium models as predictive tools in deep-well injection scenarios, and to provide additional data and understanding of the geochemical interactions of injected wastes, formation brines, and injection formations. Essentially two tasks will be completed to accomplish these objectives. Task 1 is to conduct batch-interaction studies to determine reaction products and mechanisms of various waste-brine-formation systems. Task 2 is to conduct computer simulations of systems based on previously characterized wastes, brines, and formations; and to compare the predicted reaction products and mechanisms with experimental results. Upon completion of these tasks, an analysis of the feasibility of using chemical equilibrium models as predictive tools in deep-well scenarios will be possible. This proposed project will generate a technical report containing a summary of findings, and at least one peer-reviewed journal paper. This project will provide information that will be directly applicable to the needs of the Illinois EPA and the U.S. EPA in assessing permit applications for deep-well disposal. It will generate additional data on the geochemical interactions of a waste liquid currently injected in Illinois, and an analysis of the feasibility of chemical models to predict the fate of injected wastes.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-054
View publications from this project
- Analytical Support for Waste Minimization in Illinois
HWR89-067
Start: 3/1/89 - Completion: 6/30/91
Investigators
- Waren, John; Research Traibgle Institute (PI)
- Project Summary
- The Research Triangle Institute (RTI) completed two major surveys for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Office of Solid Waste (OSW): • National Survey of Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, Disposal, and Recycling Facilities (TSDR Survey); and • National Survey of Hazardous Waste Generators (Generator Survey). These surveys provide USEPA and other users with data on the generation and management of hazardous waste in the United States. Collected for the calendar year 1986, these data represent the most current data (organized in a comprehensive database) available on the generation and management of hazardous waste in all 50 states, including detailed data on hazardous waste minimization practices. This report presents analyses of hazardous waste generation, management, and minimization conducted by facilities located in the state of Illinois, based on the data collected in these two surveys.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-056/RR-059
View publications from this project
- Strategies for Photochemical Trtmt of Wastewaters Containing Haz Org Mat
HWR91-070
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Unknown (PI)
- Atmospheric Emission and Deposition of Agricultural Pesticides
HWR90-071
Start: 7/1/89 - Completion: 8/31/92
Investigators
- Sweet, Clyde; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Williams, Allen; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Project Summary
- The purpose of this project is to determine the fluxes of agricultural pesticide that escape from Illinois agricultural fields into the air, and to determine the magnitude of the wet and dry deposition fluxes by which the pesticides return to the earth's surface. With a knowledge of the emission and deposition fluxes and using published data on the amounts of pesticides applied, factors such as the transport distances, the atmospheric residence times, and an idea of the potential exposures resulting from agricultural pesticide applications can be made. The three herbicides atrazine, alachlor, and butylate are the chosen target compounds. Together these three compose about half of the total pesticide applied to fields in Illinois. Their vapor pressures (10^-2, 2x10^-5, and 3x10^-7 mm of HG, respectively), cover a wide range of volatility with atrazine being non-volatile, alachlor semi-volatile, and butylate volatile. The wide range of chromatographic column, so samples containing all three compounds can be analyzed in a single run on the GC systems we are using for their detection. The program is distinguished by three different experimental approaches that complement one another in determining the herbicide fluxes: measurement of the target compound concentrations in background air and rain water throughout the contract period, intensive air sampling over a treated field during the growing season, and chamber experiments for determining the emission and dry deposition of the target compounds.
- Enhancement of the Degradative Potential of Microbial Isolates Enriched From Herbicide-Contaminated Soil
HWR90-072
Start: 7/1/89 - Completion: 9/30/92
Investigators
- Felsot, Allan; Washington State University Food & Environmental Quality Lab (PI)
- Dzantor, E. Kudjo; Tennessee Valley Authority Biotechnology Group
- Vossbrinck, Charles; University of Illinois Department of Agricultural Entomology
- Project Summary
- Past studies have shown that extremely high concentrations of alachlor in soil can depress microbial biomass and bioactivity; consequently, degradation of alachlor is also inhibited. Studies were undertaken to further characterize the relationship between alachlor concentration in soil, dehydrogenase activity (as an indicator of microbial activity), and degradation rate. Alachlor initially inhibited soil dehydrogenase in soil at concentrations as low as 250 mg/kg with prolonged inhibition through at least 21 days occurring at concentrations equal to or greater than 750 mg/kg. The inhibition of soil dehydrogenase was associated with a prolonged persistence of alachlor beyond the previously reported ranges of half-life observed at normal field rates of application. Amendment of soil with com meal caused degradation of 10-250 mg/kg alachlor at rates substantially faster than previously reported for laboratory incubations. At alachlor concentrations equal to or greater than 750 mg/kg, dehydrogenase activities in amended soils surpassed levels in corresponding no-pesticide controls after 21 d; coincidentally, >50% of the initially added alachlor had degraded during the same period. These results suggested that stimulation of microbial bioactivity by addition of organic amendments may enhance cometabolism of high concentrations of pesticides in soil.
View publications from this project
- The Incorporation of Degree of Hazard Ranking System into the Illinois/EPA WRITE Program
HWR90-073
Start: 8/21/89 - Completion: 8/20/91
Investigators
- Minear, Roger; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Plewa, Michael; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Project Summary
- This project's objectives were to update the degree of toxic hazard data base, to assist HWRIC staff in developing waste stream sampling methods/preparation of the QAQC plan, to use the degree of hazard system as and aid in selecting industrial candidates for involvement in the WRITE Project (Waste Reduction Innovative Technology Evaluation), and to conduct degree of toxic hazard evaluations on the waste streams before and after the application of waste reduction technologies.
- Ecotoxicological Evaluation of Area 9 Landfill at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge: Biological Impact and Residues
HWR91-074
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- McKee, Michael; Southern Illinois University (PI)
- Project Summary
- Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge (CONWR) was created in 1946 and occupies 17,420 hectares in southern Illinois. Prior to 1946 the area was used as farmland and, during World War II, as an industrial area for the manufacture of munitions. Subsequent to 1946 other industries have utilized the area for manufacturing munitions, metal fabrication, plating, and the manufacture of printing inks and electrical components. Wastes from these industries were accumulated in several landfills on the Refuge. A statewide survey of liver metal contamination in hunter harvested white-tailed deer indicated significant elevation of nickel and lead concentrations in animals collected at CONWR (Woolf gg gl., 1983). Additionally, routine monitoring of fish from Crab Orchard Lake identified elevated levels of mercury as early as 1977 (Hite and King, 1977). These early studies sparked more definitive investigations that identified several sources of contaminants at CONWR. Preliminary assessments of the waste landfills indicated sufficient chemical hazard to warrant inclusion, in 1984, of several CONWR sites on the National Priorities List established by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) (O'Brien and Gere, 1988). Subsequently, a Remedial Investigation initiated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Sangamo Weston, Inc. was completed and released (O'Brien and Gere, 1988). The remedial investigation was an extensive analysis of the type, magnitude and distribution of contamination at 19 sites at CONWR. Seven sites containing various amounts of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury, magnesium, and cyanide were selected for remediation. They are: Area 9 Landfill, Area 9 Building Complex, Job Corps Landfill, Old Refuge Shop, Fire Station Landfill, Water Tower Landfill, and Area 7 Plating Pond. Human health hazards are low principally because six of the seven sites (Figure 1) are closed to the public. Five of the 7 sites, however, were identified to pose moderate or high risks to wildlife (USEPA, 1988). O'Brien and Gere (1988) established endangerment to wildlife at certain sites at CONWR using a risk assessment approach. The assessment of ecological risk can be separated into 3 components: exposure assessment, effects assessment and risk estimation (USEPA, 1989a; 1989b). Exposure to wildlife can be assessed by modelling uptake from environmental mediums, by measuring body burdens of chemicals in the field (Moriarty, 1988) or by measuring specific biomarkers which reflect exposure to a particular chemical (McCarthy and Shugart, 1990). Biological effects can be assessed by measuring levels of chemicals that produce changes in health and performance of individuals, populations or communities. Frequently used measures of biological effects include survival, growth, reproduction, population structure, community structure, and biomarkers of effects. Estimation of risk is calculated by comparing exposure and biological effects data. Two aspects of the ecological risk assessment performed by O'Brien and Gere (1988) need refinement in order to better define the extent of wildlife endangerment at CONWR. First, calculation of risk was based on exposure levels for wildlife predicted by modeling uptake of chemicals from soil (O'Brien and Gere, 1988, Exhibit D). No attempts were made to verify these levels of exposure in the field. Secondly, biological effects data used in risk calculations were based on biological effects in laboratory animals and may have little relevance to natural systems. The objectives of this research parallel these 2 aspects of the O'Brien and Gere risk assessment and attempt to refine the data used to calculate risk to wildlife.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-062
View publications from this project
- Improvements in the Solidification of Hazardous Inorganic Waste by Silica Fume (Microsilica)
HWR90-075
Start: 8/1/89 - Completion: 3/31/92
Investigators
- Bayasi, Ziad; San Diego State University (PI)
- Fuessle, Robert; Bradley University
- Lapayne, Jon; Bradley University
- Taylor, Max; Bradley University
- Project Summary
- Stabilization/Solidification (S/S) is considered the best demonstrated technology for certain hazardous waste before land disposal. Several commercial processes currently use cement-based or pozzolanic cement-based processes to stabilize the contaminant within a solid matrix. Recent progress in concrete materials has identified a variety of admixtures that improve different aspects of concrete behavior for hazardous waste disposal. One promising admixture is silica fume. The impermeability and strength of silica fume concrete can be respectively as high as 50 times and 2 times that of conventional concrete. Silica fume also improves the microstructure and resistance to freeze-thaw. These advantages make silica fume potentially advantageous for cementitious S/S. S/S with fly ash, silica fume, and cement kiln dust were compared using K06I waste. After preliminary experimentation, S/S with cement kiln dust was discontinued because of poor results. Various treatments were applied to investigate the effects on silica fume SIS and fly ash S/S. The range of treatments included different curing times: 1, 60, and 335 days; different curing conditions: air versus steam curing; and other additives such as accelerators and superplasticizers. The primary test for treatment effectiveness was the TCLP although selected samples underwent a dynamic, upflow, column leaching also. After one day cure, silica fume S/S was more effective over a wider range of mix designs. After 60 days of treatment, fly ash S/S was more effective, but later after 335 days, silica fume S/S was more effective. These results indicate an extremely slow reaction within the stabilized matrix. In order to enhance the treatment effectiveness in the short term, one of two accelerators, Daraset or Daraccel, was added to the mix design. For I-day cure, neither accelerator significantly altered the effective S/S by silica fume but both accelerators greatly improved the poor nickel stabilization by fly ash. After 60 days, accelerators did improve both fly ash and silica fume S/S compared to that without accelerators. Over all samples, a comparison of cumulative frequency plots show little difference between silica fume S/S and fly ash S/S for lead, chromium, and nickel. The plot for cadmium shows marked improvement when silica fume is used instead of fly ash.
View publications from this project
- Improved Quantitation of Organic and Inorganic Carbon in Soils and Aquifer Materials
HWR90-076
Start: 9/1/89 - Completion: 6/30/92
Investigators
- Caughey, Michael; Illilnois State Water Survey (PI)
- Barcelona, Michael; Western Michigan University
- Project Summary
- Effective environmental management decisions require timely, reliable data at an appropriate level of detail. The quality of environmental assessments, such as estimates of the degree of aquifer contamination by organic wastes, depends on the accuracy of the analytical data upon which those assessments are based. Often the organic contaminants in environmental samples are highly complex mixtures that require multiple analyses to identify and quantitate individual compounds. While such specific information is sometimes necessary, it can take time to acquire and interpret. Less specific measurements, such as total carbon (TC) and total organic carbon (TOC), provide initial estimates of the seriousness of newly discovered contamination problems. The non-specificity of elemental carbon determination can be particularly valuable for monitoring the effectiveness of remediation efforts. Biological and chemical remediation produces new chemical species with properties substantially different from those of the original contaminants. In spite of such changes in chemical composition, TOC values can still gauge the extent to which organic contaminants have been removed or mineralized by the remediation process. Previously published round-robin results have shown that different laboratories may report significantly different values for the carbon content of split samples of aquifer materials. The focus of this research was to identify the major causes of such analytical carbonate acidification processes were found to be particularly crucial in achieving reproducible results. Practical considerations, including safety, cost and time requirements were also considered. Initial work involved determining the best way to grind and dry samples while minimizing analyte losses and contamination. Quantitative carbonate acidification was total inorganic carbon (TIC). In teh course of this project we prepared and analyzed more than 47 individual subsamples of aquifer materials from five field locations in Illinois and Michigan to determine the non-volatile TC, TOC, and TIC (Appendix A). Overall, more than 500 analyses of these real-world samples were performed in order to test method precision. Mean RSD values for all three types of analysis are well within accepted limits for environmental analyses. Intra- and inter laboratory comparisons of analytical results were also conducted. Based upon our results, we recommend a step-by-step procedure designed to improve the sensitivity, accuracy and reliability of non-volatile carbon analyses of samples of soils and aquifer materials. These recommendations can be applied successfully in a number of environmental, geochemical and agricultural research areas.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-017
View publications from this project
- Guidelines and Methods for Conducting Property Transfer Site Histories
HWR90-077
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Colten, Craig; Illinois State Museum (PI)
- Mulville-Friel, Diane; Illinois State Museum
- Project Summary
- Recent passage of the Illinois Responsible Property Transfer Act (PA 85-1228) and its amendments (PA 86-679) has sharpened public interest in the environmental liabilities associated with the transfer of real estate. The state law, which became fully effective in 1990, requires individuals involved in certain types of property transactions to tile "disclosure documents" with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and local county recorders. The purpose of these documents is to "ensure that parties involved in certain real estate transactions are made aware of the existing environmental liabilities associated with ownership of such properties." The intent is to protect the so-called "innocent property buyer" and to encourage remediation of environmental contamination. Illinois State Museum staff, with support from the Hazardous Waste Research and Information Center, conducted an extensive literature review and a series of personal interviews to: a. examine the history of hazardous material use in Illinois. b. determine what the private sector standards were for conducting site history components of site assessments and gauge the initial response to the Illinois Property Transfer Act in the real estate trade. c. develop guidelines for preparing effective site histories. d. compile recommendations for possible improvements to the current - legislation. The research suggests that there was more than a century of unregulated use and disposal of hazardous materials in Illinois. Yet, current methods used to compile site histories discount this significant aspect of industrial activity. The private sector is fairly well informed about the new legislation which requires reporting on past land use activities, but they are confused about the specific reporting requirements and feel there was inadequate financial support for the act's implementation. Practitioners report that private sector standards for documenting environmental conditions are much more rigorous than those imposed by the disclosure document, and consequently, the new legislation has not interfered with real estate transactions. The disclosure document, as currently worded, is unlikely to assist in the discovery of contaminated land and cannot be used as a due diligence defense. If the state law is intended to alert innocent property buyers to potential environmental liabilities, there is room for substantial improvement, particularly in terms of the site history. This can be done with minimal burden on the real estate industry by providing support to the agencies that must manage and dispense the records crucial to due diligence investigations.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-049
View publications from this project
- Demonstration of Hydraulic Fracturing
HWR90-078
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Unknown (PI)
- Kinetics of Reductive Dechlorination of Trichloroethane (TCA) by Anaerobic Biofilms
HWR90-079
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Rittmann, Bruce; Northwestern University (PI)
- Wrenn, Brian; EPA
- Project Summary
- Reductive dechlorination, in which cleavage of carbon-halogen bonds is accompanied by electron transfer to the carbon molecule, is a critical mechanism for the anaerobic biodegradation of highly chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons The concentrations of primary electron-donor and -acceptor substrates, which control the intracellular availability of electrons, can affect the rate of dechlorination reactions A mechanism- based model that describes the effects of primary electron donors and acceptors on the kinetics of reductive dechlorination was developed and tested with 1,1,1-trichloroethanc (TCA) and anaerobic biofilm reactors. The model is based upon the hypothesis that the rate of reductive dechlorination is controlled by the intracellular concentration of a reduced metalloenzyme, whose concentration is controlled by the external concentrations of electron donors and acceptors. Experimental results with methanogenic and sulfate-reducing biofilms confirmed the predictions of the mechanistic model First, Monod kinetics represented the rate of TCA degradation when concentrations of the primary donor and acceptor were constant. Second and most importantly, the Monod kinetic parameters depended on the concentrations of the primary substrates. The apparent maximum specific rate of TCA biodegradation, q(m,ap), and the half-maximum-rate concentration, K(ap), increased as the concentration of the primary electron donor increased The primary electron--acceptor substrate increased K(ap), but had no effect on q(m,ap). These results provide a quantitative tool for controlling the rate of reductive dechlorination in biological treatment of reactors and in situ bioremediation.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-071
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- Industrial Waste Reduction Policy Analysis Report
HWR90-080
Start: 12/4/89 - Completion: 6/30/90
Investigators
- Carlson, Lon (PI)
- Mikucki, Walter (PI)
- Project Summary
- This project was to complete chapters III, VI, and V of the report summarizing the analysis of industrial waste reduction policy that is being conducted for the Hazardous Waste Research and Information Center. The report is entitled: "An Economic Study on Proposed IPCB Regulation R86-9: Hazardous Waste Prohibitions."
- ISTC Notes
- RR-044
View publications from this project
- Chap. II: Overall Proj. Mgmt Industrial WR Report
HWR90-081
Start: 12/4/89 - Completion: 6/30/90
Investigators
- Research Triangle Institute (PI)
- Project Summary
- Research contract funded for the purpose of preparing Chapter II, reviewing and commenting on Chapters III, IV, and V, and providing support for Chapter VI as well as provide overall project management and review on Industrial Waste Reduction Policy Analysis.
- Air Concentrations of PCBs and Metals at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
HWR91-082
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Vermette, Seven; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Cochran, Jack; Illinois State Water Survey
- Willet, MaryAnn; Illinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and metals were measured in the air at one background and three PCB-contaminated sites in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Total PCBs averaged 0.19 ng/m^3, with higher total PCB concentrations observed during the summer 0.24 ng/m^3, and lower total PCB concentrations observed in the winter 0.10 ng/m^3. The Olin site (PCB-contaminated surface soils) reported an average total PCB concentration of 9.9 ng/m^3, while the adjacent landfill site (PCB-contaminated deeper soils) reported an average total PCB concentration of 611 ng/m^3. Within each site total PCB concentrations increased as air temperatures increased. PCB congener-specific determinations revealed a unique PCB signature for air above the landfill. The landfill signature confirmed that air samples collected at the background site were, from time-to-time (due to northwest winds), impacted by the PCB-contaminated landfill. The decrease in air concentrations between the landfill and background sites suggests that the dilution of PCBs in the air is rapid. The average background concentrations are well below all occupational standards and ambient air guidelines and show acceptable lifetime (70-year) inhalation cancer risks (3 to 6 x 10^-7). Airborne PCB concentrations monitored over the Olin and Landfill sites show greater risks. The air concentration of particulates and 18 metals, including many identified as soil contaminants, provide no indication of a local source of contamination.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-063
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- X*TRAX Laboratory Treatability Study of Jet Fuel Contaminated Soil from Chanute Air Force Base Near Rantoul, Illinois
HWR91-083
Start: 9/4/90 - Completion: 8/31/91
Investigators
- Ogle, Russel; Chemical Waste Management, Inc. (PI)
- Romzick, Peter; Chemical Waste Management, Inc.
- Swanstrom, Carl; Chemical Waste Management, Inc.
- Project Summary
- Chemical Waste Management, Inc. (CWM) conducted a laboratory X*TRAX treatability study on a fire training area jet fuel contaminated soil from Chanute Air Force Base (AFB) near Rantoul, Illinois. The CWM X*TRAX patented process is an innovative thermal desorption technology which volatilizes organic compounds by indirectly heating the feed material in an inert atmosphere rotary dryer and condenses the organics separate from the remaining solids. The feed material chemical concentrations were significantly reduced by the X*TRAX process. The treated soil does not exhibit the federal toxicity characteristic for benzene. Removal of oil and grease and all volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds detected exceeded 99 percent. The cost for treatment with the X*TRAX process is considerably lower than for treatment using incineration. The Chanute AFB jet fuel contaminated fire training pit soil is a suitable candidate for X*TRAX treatment. In general, the X*TRAX process is a suitable and economical alternative treatment technology for other petroleum contaminated soils in Illinois.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-003
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- Use of Landfarming to Remediate Soil Contaminated by Pesticides
HWR91-084
Start: 8/20/90 - Completion: 12/20/92
Investigators
- Felsot, Allan; Illinois Natural History Survey (PI)
- Frank, James; Andrews Environmental Engineering, Inc. (PI)
- Bicki, Tom; University of Illinois
- Mitchell, Kent; University of Illinois
- Dzantor, Kudjo; Illinois Natrual History Survey
- Project Summary
- Landfarming is an old technology used to clean up municipal sludges, wastewater, and petroleum refinery sludges, it has been applied recently to remediate herbicide contaminated soils excavated from agrochemical retail facilities in the Com Belt This project tested the effectiveness and environmental safety of landfarming by using 30 m^2 plots outfitted for collection of runoff and leachate. Degradation and phytotoxicity of herbicides following landfarming of waste-contaminated soil (=landfarmed plots) was compared to degradation and phytotoxicity of the same compounds following spraying (=sprayed plots) The landfarmed soil was taken from the site of a pesticide warehouse tire; the soil contained alachlor, trifluralin, atrazine, and metolaehlor Three rates of application were made based on a nominal 1X, 5X, and 1OX rate of alachlor application, which was the most prevalent herbicide contaminant Herbicide residues in landfarmed plots degraded at a similar rate to residues in sprayed plots within the first 100 days after application, but degradation slowed appreciably thereafter No excessive phytotoxicity was noted if landfarmed herbicides were applied at IX rates. Cumulative runoff and erosion of residues at the IX rate of application was similar between treatments, but at the 5X and 1OX rates, higher loads of herbicides were generated by the landfarming plots than by the sprayed plots Detections of herbicides in lysimeter collected soil-water were infrequent, concentrations were very low and did not correspond to mode of application. The concentrations of herbicides in the runoff water were not high enough to produce adverse toxic effects in two types of aquatic bioassays. With the exception of trifluralin, herbicide residues in soybeans were well below established tolerances, trifuralin residues did violate the established tolerance in some samples but were unrelated to treatment Com meal affords the opportunity to enhance the degradation of herbicide residues during landfarming.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-019/RR-070
View publications from this project
- Determination, Implementation & Evaluation fo Lab Waste Minimization Opportunities
HWR91-085
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Unknown (PI)
- Automated Database Tracking of Chemical usage
HWR91-086
Start: 9/15/90 - Completion: 9/14/92
Investigators
- Morgan, Bill; University of Illinois (PI)
- Paint Waste Reduction and Disposal Options
HWR91-087/088
Start: 1/1/91 - Completion: 8/31/92
Investigators
- Sliwinski, Ben; Research Associates (PI)
- Warren, John; Reaserach Triangle Park (PI)
- Turner, James; Research Triangle Park
- Wright, Milton; Research Triangle Park
- Project Summary
- The manufacture and use of paints and coatings is an important part of the Illinois economy. Illinois is among the top five states in the production of paints and coatings. In addition, most Illinois manufacturing industries and many of the small businesses, such as automobile body shops, use paint in their operations. Furthermore, households and residential/commercial painting contractors use large quantities of paint. Both the manufacture and use of paint result in the generation of significant quantities of waste. The wastes generated occur in solid, liquid, and gaseous form and, because of the nature of paint, are hazardous or toxic in many cases. The Illinois General Assembly amended the Solid Waste Management Act in 1989, directing the Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) to • "conduct a study to develop cost-effective, environmentally sound, and technically feasible waste paint disposal options for small businesses, including at least painting contractors, auto body shops, and households;" and • "[develop] an effective public education program to inform small businesses and households about the best available waste paint reduction and management options." (Public Act 86-1026) ENR is directed to "report to the Governor and the General Assembly on its activities with recommendations for legislation or regulations necessary to address the reduction and management of paint waste." This report was prepared to meet this requirement. Throughout this report, the term "waste" is used to refer to all nonproduct outputs from manufacturing or using paint. This definition of waste includes releases to the air, water, and land. It also refers to waste generation before any treatment or recovery activities. In this report, the wastes associated with paint manufacture and use are broadly referred to as "paint-related waste."
- ISTC Notes
- TR-007/RR-060/TR-008
View publications from this project
- Waste Management Survey of Illinois Higher Education Institutions
HWR91-089
Start: 1/2/91 - Completion: 6/30/96
Investigators
- O'Rourke, Diane; University of Illinois - Chicago (PI)
- Burris, Jane; University of Illinois - Chicago
- Project Summary
- This project conducted a waste management survey of Illinois higher education institutions. The goal was to obtain previously unknown information about the state of waste management at institutions of higher education in Illinois, including such basic information as: Is there a person or committee responsible for solid/hazardous/other waste management? What are the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of those persons? Do they meet on a regular basis? Do these people handle or are they aware of all of the waste generated by the campus? In addition, the survey gathered more detailed information about the institutions, their waste management programs and generation sources, and their needs for assistance.
- Demonstration of Hydraulic Fracturing to Facilitate Remediation
HWR91-090
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Murdoch, Larry; University of Cincinnati (PI)
- Kemper, Mark; University of Cincinnati
- Narayanaswamy, Mohan; University of Cincinnati
- Wolf, Allen; University of Cincinnati
- Project Summary
- Sand-filled hydraulic fractures were created at three sites to investigate their effect on in situ remedial efforts At a site contaminated with volatile organic compounds, fractures were created to enhance the effectiveness of soil vapor extraction (SVE), whereas at another site contaminated with diesel fuel, hydraulic fractures were created to improve the rate of delivery of nutrients for in--situ bioremediation Another site, which was uncontaminated, was utilized to study air flow in the vicinity of hydraulic fractures. All of the sites were underlain by over-consolidated silty clay glacial drift. Conventional wells were installed at each of the sites to act as controls and comparisons were made between the performance of fractured and conventional wells. Comparisons of well discharge, suction head distribution, and contaminant mass removal rates were made at the SVE sites. Comparisons of injection rates, pressure head distribution, bioactivity, soil moisture, and biodegradation rate were made at the bioremediation site. Results indicate that hydraulic fractures increase the recovery rates and area affected by SVE During SVE, volumetric discharge and mass recovery rates from fractured wells were roughly an order of magnitude greater than those from conventional wells In addition, the areas affected (as indicated by suction in the subsurface) increased from less than l-5 m from a conventional well to more than 6-10 m from a fractured well. Similar changes in volumetric discharge and area affected by a well were observed at the contaminated and uncontaminated sites. The fractures also improved the performance of bioremediation. The rate of injection of a solution of hydrogen peroxide and nutrients into a fractured well was two orders of magnitude greater than into a conventional injection well. Soil moisture content, bioactivity, and the rate of degradation of BTE in the vicinity of the fractured well were also greater than in the vicinity of the unfractured well.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-068
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- Technology Transfer to Ade Pollution Prevention and Waste Management
HWR91-091
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Gwiasda, Victoria; UIC Survey Research Laboratory (PI)
- Project Summary
- A survey of Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) in Illinois is being conducted to determine the industries that would benefit most from pollution prevention. The survey will sample POTW operators to determine the industrial pollutant types and volumes that cause their facilities the most problems. It will also assess the status of pollution prevention technical assistance currently provided to POTWs and their industrial customers, and identify the technical areas where HWRIC's (ISTC's) expertise could be beneficial.
- Household Pets as Monitors of Lead Exposure to Humans
HWR92-092
Start: 8/1/91 - Completion: 8/31/96
Investigators
- Buck, William; University of Illinois (PI)
- Berny, Phillippe; University of Illinois
- Cote, Louise-Marie; University of Illinois
- Project Summary
- A study was conducted to determine the health effects of lea d-contaminated soils in dogs, cats and children residing near a secondary lead smelter. The sample sizes were 84 dogs and 26 cats in 80 households with a total of 198 humans. Animals living outside, exposed to soil, were more at risk of having a high blood lead concentration (ELC) than pets living inside The strongest correlation between children and pets sharing the same household was between younger children (~6 years of age) and indoor animals The likelihood of finding someone in the household with a high BLC was significantly increased when a pet was found to have a high BLC. However, the range of BLC was fairly small compared to those found in previous studies (< 5 to 28 µg/dl in pets, and 1 to 13 µg/dl in humans). Thus, the overall risk from lead contamination in this study appeared limited. The most significant changes in blood or serum biomarkers in either dogs or cats was reduced 8-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity (ALAD), while free erythrocyte protoporphyrin was increased only when BLC was above 20 µg/dl. The following conclusions were made 1) Dogs and cats in the household are more at risk than their owners of having high BLC when exposed to a similar environment 2) Soil lead concentrations should not be the major parameter used to estimate the risk of increased lead exposure to humans or their pets, since many other factors influence the bioavailability of lead, e.g., soil characteristics (pH and cation exchange capacity), lead particle size and chemical form, lifestyles of both animals and humans 3) Monitoring dogs and cats would be a cost-effective way to predict risks to humans, if any, associated with a lead-contaminated environment.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-069
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- Evaluation of Fe Oxide-Coated Ganular Activated Carbon for Removal and Recovery of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) form Aqueous Solution
HWR92-093
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Wang, T.; Illinois Institute of Technology (PI)
- Anderson, Paul; Illinois Institute of Technology
- Chandra, K.; Illinois Institute of Technology
- Project Summary
- A composite solid, prepared by precipitating an Fe oxide onto granular activated carbon (GAC), was evaluated as an adsorbent for Cu(II) and Cr(VI) in aqueous solutions. Relative to adsorption onto uncoated GAC, increasing Fe oxide coatings decreased adsorption capacities for Cr(VI) In contrast, Cu(II) adsorption capacity increased as the amount of Fe oxide increased, from about 14 mg/g for GAC to 5 mg/g for GAC coated with 37 mg Fe oxide! g GAC Tests in a column process for Cu(II) removal demonstrated that the composite adsorbent could be reused through at least 15 adsorption and desorption cycles Although a fraction of the adsorbed Cu(II) was retained by the solid, there was no apparent loss in adsorption capacity Treatment of low concentration solutions was effective, a 100 µg Cu(II)/L solution was reduced to no more than 3 µg/L through 1000 bed volumes processed Removal of complexed metals depends on the characteristics of the complex However, even when all the Cu(II) was complexed by EDTA, breakthrough was retarded, probably by adsorption onto exposed GAC.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-067
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- Exposure Impact of Fly Ash Disposal on Plant Development
HWR92-094
Start: 10/1/91 - Completion: 6/30/95
Investigators
- Rayburn, A. Lane; University of Illinois (PI)
- Project Summary
- The coal industry is of tremendous importance in the state of Illinois. Much of the coal that is mined in Illinois is used in coal-fired power plants for the production of electricity. In order to meet continually tightening air pollution standards, particulates and sulfur oxides must be removed from the flue gases. The particulate residue of combustion of coal that enters flue gas is termed fly ash. The removal of fl ash from flue gas results in a vast amount of fly ash accumulated as waste. Ten to twenty percent of coal will be converted to fly ash upon combustion. The smallest power plants produce approximately 200,000 tons of fly ash a year. Although fly ash is not yet considered hazardous waste, its status as a non-regulated waste is changing. As the status of fly ash waste is being re-evaluated, the long term ecological and environmental health risk of fly ash needs to be addressed. The overall goal of this study is to determine if fly ash used as a soil amendment results in subtle changes in the genetic composition of organisms that accumulate over time.
The specific objectives of the proposed research are: 1) to determine if exposure to fly ash and its leachates results in detectable abnormalities in the genetic material of maize cells and 2) to determine if long term exposure over multiple generations to fly ash and its lechates results in a build up of genetic abnormalities in maize that could prove harmful to the treated populations.
- Stabilization of Arsenic Wastes
HWR92-095
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Taylor, Max; Bradley University (PI)
- Fuessle, Robert; Bradley University
- Project Summary
- Arsenic and barium in an actual DOO4/DOO5 waste was stabilized for up to 540 days, the duration of project experimentation. Various stabilization designs were used to define a range of designs that are effective over the long term for a wide range of binder and waste compositions. This robust design is essential for practical stabilization because of the nonhomogeneity of industrial hazardous wastes. The effectiveness of stabilization designs was determined primarily by TCLP. Dynamic column leaching, scanning electron microscopy and calorimetry were also performed and reinforce conclusions. Data analyses included mass balance and correlation studies among the metal concentrations that permit a characterization of elements leaching from the binders and/or waste. Ferrous sulfate was the stabilization reagent preferred over ferric sulfate and aluminum sulfate. Excessive sulfate did appear to slow down cement hydration with possible deleterious effects over the long term. Arsenate stabilization was more easily accomplished compared to arsenite. Aeration and/or chemical oxidation may be used to oxidize arsenite to arsenate for improved stabilization.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-073
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- Measurements of Indoor Toxic VOC Concentrations Attributed to the Residential Storage of Household Products
HWR92-096
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Sweet, Clyde; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Cappo, Kevin; Illinois State Water Survey
- Geier-Wilson, Rose; University of Illinois
- Gordon, Jeff; University of Illinois
- Rose, William; University of Illinois
- Vermetter, Stephan; Buffalo State University
- Project Summary
- Breathing indoor air is an important exposure route and human health risk factor for many toxic chemicals. In this study, the concentrations of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated by the storage of hazardous household products (HP) were measured in an experimental test house and in three actual residences. Experiments in the test house indicate that high concentrations (>100 ng/L) can develop in areas where HP are stored and in attached living areas. The concentrations of individual VOCs in the residences were influenced by stored HP but were also affected by differences in air infiltration rates, temperature, volatilization from building materials, and the presence of other sources such as freshly dry-cleaned clothes or emissions from showers. When infiltration rates in the test house were matched to those measured in the actual residences, the range of measured toxic VOC concentrations was similar. It was concluded that storage and use of HP in homes and in attached storage areas can cause a significant elevation in the levels of toxic VOCs in indoor air and that the test house reflects conditions found in homes in Illinois. It is recommended that the amount of HP stored in the home be minimized by purchasing only the amount of product needed for a particular job. If HP materials must be stored, it should be in an area separate from the living area with high infiltration rates.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-074
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- Speciation and Mobilization of Toxic Heavy Metal Ions by Methanogenic Bacteria
HWR92-097
Start: 1/1/92 - Completion: 3/30/93
Investigators
- Foster, Mark; University of Illinois (PI)
- Conver, Shawn; University of Illinois
- Dayton, Tressia; University of Illinois
- Koropchak, John; University of Illinois
- Niederhoffer, Eric; University of Illinois
- Rodabough, Allyson; University of Illinois
- Project Summary
- Methanogenic archaea were used as a model system for exploring the effects of toxic heavy metals (THM) on biological systems The three major goals were (1) to determine whether toxic heavy metals would affect the growth of methanogens, (2) to evaluate the ability of methanogens to solubilize inorganic precipitates of THM, and (3) to quantify the binding affinity of methanogen cell surfaces for THM. In summary, the methanogens studied were killed by > 25 µM Cd2+, Hg2+, or Pb2+ The ICP-AES studies supported our findings of a small tendency for methanogens to solubilize cadmium, from cadmium sulfide, and a moderate ability to bind Cd2+ at the cell surface Methanogens appeared to be capable of transporting THM in the environment. This work suggested that appropriate containment procedures for toxic wastes be developed Methanogens may be useful for incorporation into barrier technologies for the generation of clean water. Finally, THM-resistant methanogens should be developed for their use in the degradation of toxic organic wastes that also contain THM to prevent the premature killing of the active biological agent.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-066
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- An Investigation of Column Flotation Technologies for the Pretreatment and Volume Reduction of Fine Contaminated Soils and Sediments
HWR92-098
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- FitzPatrick; Northwestern University (PI)
- Use of Char for Management of Paint Processing Waste
HWR92-099
Start: 3/1/92 - Completion: 8/31/93
Investigators
- Kruse, Carl; University of Illinois (PI)
- Carlson, Stephen; University of Illinois
- Demir, Ilham; University of Illinois
- Kalis, Edward; University of Illinois
- Kim, Byung; University of Illinois
- Rostam-Abadi, Massoud; University of Illinois
- Salmeen, Irving; University of Illinois
- Project Summary
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and paint sludge are generated by painting operations at automobile assembly plants. This study's goal was to demonstrate that paint sludge can be converted to adsorbents for the capture of VOCs. Combining coal with paint sludge was projected to improve the adsorbent quality and might improve economics show a significant "economy of the scale of operation". The Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) made a series of activated carbons from 1) dried paints, 2) overspray paint materials captured at an assembly plant, 3) coal and 4) with mixtures of paint products with coal. Adsorption capacities of the ISGS carbons were determined in the Ford Research Laboratory with p-nitrophenol as a model adsorbate. Char making, or carbonization as it is often called, is the very old process of heating an organic substance in the absence of air to drive off the noncarbon components, primarily compounds of oxygen and hydrogen. Carbohydrates (a shortened version of carbon hydrates) derive their name from the early observation that they leave carbon when dehydrated by heating in the absence of air or by chemical agents such as sulfuric acid. Organic substances that do not melt, such as wood or nut hulls, produce a porous charcoal of the type marketed for use in home cooking grills. Removing carbon from a char by gasification enlarges the pore sizes and alters the pore size distribution resulting in activated carbons that have high internal surface areas. These activated carbons or those produced by chemical activation are the materials used in adsorption processes. Initial charring of dry paint demonstrated that the product was not a carbon with appreciable surface area. Additionally the paint material went through a melting stage during charring. ISGS researchers turned then to chemical activation with potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a means of making an activated product. Properties of the control char derived from Illinois coal approximated those of Calgon Corporation commercial carbons. Carbon black and titanium dioxide (TiO2) are pigments in automotive black and white paints, respectively. White paints generally have much higher ash contents than black paints. The ash content of black paints from the two manufacturers in this study were quite different suggesting some noncarbon black pigment was used. The lower the ash content of the adsorbents made, i.e. the more carbon, the better were the adsorbent properties. There was no evidence that ash-forming materials assisted in pore development. The quality of sludge-derived adsorbent was between those of adsorbents derived from black and white paints. Blending coal with white paint improved the adsorption capacity of adsorbent. The results of the tests completed on the adsorbents made in this study warrant further study, both technical and economic. Tests using p-nitrophenol to compare adsorption properties of paint-derived adsorbents with those of commercially available adsorbents are being extended at Ford to include selected paint solvents. Confirmation at this level may justify larger scale production of the adsorbents for testing at a scale that provides information useful for preliminary economic calculations.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-018
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- State Science is Essential
HWR92-101
Start: 6/1/92 - Completion: 8/31/95
Investigators
- Johnson; Nature of IL Foundation (PI)
- Project Summary
- The project goal is to plan and develop a traveling exhibit that will highlight the activities of the State Surveys and Hazardous Waste and Research Center.
- LUST Remediation Technologies
HWR92-102
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Wolterink; Perino Technical Services, Inc. (PI)
- Project Summary
- Releases from leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs) are potential sources of underground water supply contamination in the United States. The water supplies remain at first of contamination as long as the contaminated solid remain at place. This volume presents an overview of ten currently or potentially available techniques on issues such as relative cost, ease of implementation, and permitting. The emphasis is placed on the effectiveness of each technique depending on the particular circumstance on the site.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-023, RR-065, RR-076
View publications from this project
- Toxicity Characteristic Leachibility Procedures (TCLP) Analysis of Pesticides
HWR92-103
Start: 6/15/92 - Completion: 8/15/92
Investigators
- Goetsch, Warren; Illinois Deparetment of Agriculture (PI)
- Project Summary
- In Response to the 1990 amendments to the Illinois Pesticide Act, the Department of Agriculture embarked on a study to assess the extent of pesticide contamination at retail pesticide storage, mixing and loading sites. Part of this study is to define what is considered contamination and to determine the appropriate assessment techniques and remediation technologies to use at the 19 sites visited. One remediation effort is land application of contaminated soil to crop land. Before this process can be used, it must be subjected to and pass the Toxicity Characteristic Leachability Procedure (TCLP) analysis. The Department of Agriculture selected the most contaminated samples from the 19 sites that were investigated to perform the TCLP analysis.
- Industrial Waste Disposal Before 1970
HWR93-105
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Colten, Craig; Illinois State Museum (PI)
- Skinner, Peter; New York Department of Law (PI)
- Project Summary
- The goal of this work was to analyze the framework within which chemical manufacturers made decisions for discarding unwanted by-products. The framework consisted of several key elements and numerous smaller contributing factors. Of primary importance was the composition and volume of waste products. The increasing volume of chemical wastes during the twentieth century created increasing pressure on waste generators to find inoffensive and safe means of disposal. Likewise, the development of toxic and persistent by-products called for a higher degree of control. Waste treatment technologies developed in response to, although generally somewhat behind, the demands of industry and society. Treatment involved processes of isolation, alteration, or destruction and were selected based on a multitude of variables. Local environmental conditions, scientific understanding of both chemical and environmental processes, and management decisions. An analysis of these factors, and additional influences on management decisions such as economics, internal policy, and social responsibility, could dispel much of the confusion surrounding the fragmented legal presentation of past waste management capabilities and practices. It could lend insight to the modus operandi of chemical waste producers and provide a clearer understanding of the unfortunate sequence of events that produced thousands of Superfund sites across the country. During the first two thirds of this century, chemical producers have followed three somewhat distinct phases of waste management. Initially, the policy of isolation was fundamentally sound. Given the relatively small quantities of hazardous by-products, manufacturers were sensible to seclude their operations and thereby minimize off-site nuisances and damages. Isolation did not hold up under the encroachment of expanding urban land uses and chemical producers turned to waste treatment. New technologies provided treatment for most of the most troublesome wastes and techniques were available for treating most harmful chemical wastes by the early 1950s. Nonetheless, installation of treatment equipment ran far behind the available technology. Thus, treatment, although available, was an unrealized solution to waste management. During the 1950s, increasingly stringent water pollution laws prompted manufacturers to return to isolation of chemical wastes. Engineering skills existed to evaluate sites and provide secure disposal sites, but seldom did waste disposers utilize the range of capabilities available to them. The repeated failure to provide long-term encasement or trusteeship for hazardous chemical wastes is not a reflection' of inability. It is a clear indication that waste managers did not act in accord with existing standards or simply sought to shift the responsibility to unqualified parties. The huge number of Superfund sites does not reflect ineptitude or ignorance, rather illustrates a pattern of corporate decisions that embraced low-control options. Although treatment of many wastes was a difficult and expensive process, practices employed were not characteristic of the level of technical problem solving capabilities within the industry. This analysis demonstrated that, given contemporary levels of knowledge, technology, and legal liability, there were inexplicable lapses in responsible waste management choices. Conversely, there were numerous success stories as well-examples of manufacturers that selected appropriate means to ensure long-term control over hazardous waste.
- ISTC Notes
- (previous work RR-001)
- Determination of Animal Hazards from PCB-Contaminated Air & Soil Samples from Crab Orchard
HWR93-106
Start: 8/17/92 - Completion: 12/31/95
Investigators
- Hansen, Larry; University of Illinois (PI)
- Vermette, Stephen; University of Illinois
- Project Summary
- Three matrices were sampled from the Sangamo Electric Landfill located on the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Southern Illinois. The samples were extracted and refined for biological testing. The refined soil extract contained 47, 0.76 and 0.05 mg/ml polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), respectively. The PCB congener profiles neither resembled commercial mixtures nor were limited to congeners normally considered to be present in the food chain. Tri- and tetraCBs dominated the PCB profile in the soil and air extracts, while the dust extract contained a higher proportion of Tetra- and pentaCBs. The summed TCDD equivalencies (TEQs) of the soil, dust and air extracts were 0.62, 0.51, and 0.11 micro grams TCDD per mg PCB, respectively. The air and soil extracts were most effective in causing head loss and dopamine depletion in planarians, while the air and dust extracts caused an increase in whole body serotonin. In the female rat integrated endocrine disruption assay (FRIEDA), all extracts induced P450s and depressed serum thyroxine to similar degrees. The low TEQ air extract had a mild biphasic uterotropic effect, while the soil extract was uterotropic only at twice the highest PCB dose of the air extract. When the TCDD-like compounds were partially removed from the soil extract, this extract also had a mild uterotropic effect at lower doses. TCDD TEQs are valuable predictors of a specific set of responses, but the risk assessment of environmental mixtures of chlorinated aromatic compounds must consider multiple mechanisms and histories of exposures to labile compounds which may cause persistent or delayed effects.
- Remediation of Pesticide- Contaminated Soil by a Combination of Compost Addition and Planting
HWR93-107
Start: 9/1/92 - Completion: 12/31/94
Investigators
- Cole, Michael; University of Illinois (PI)
- Liu, Xianzhong; University of Illinois
- Zhang, Liu; University of Illinois
- Project Summary
- Pesticide-contaminated material was obtained from five locations to four agrichemical retail facilities in Illinois. The physical, chemical, and microbial attributed that may limit bioremediation of the materials were identified. Limitations included inappropriate pH values for good plant growth or microbial activity, high soluble salts content, high bulk density, low organic matter content, low plant nutrient availability, low microbial activity, and the presence of phytotoxic organics in addition to identified herbicides. In an effort to improve physical properties and increase microbial activity and plant growth in the contaminated matrix, the material was mixed with uncontaminated soil or with mature yard waste compost to determine the impact of compost compared to soil on plant establishment and growth, rhizosphere populations, development of soil microbial populations and activity, and herbicide degradation. Plants were established and grew well in pesticide-containing soil when consideration was given to compatibility between plant herbicide tolerance and the specific herbicide(s) present. Rhizosphere furgal and bacterial population developed to values that are typical for uncontaminated soil. Soil bacterial populations were significantly higher in compost-containing mixes when compared to contaminated soil alone, while populations in soil mixes were not affected by any treatment. Fungal populations were significantly higher in planted mixes in unplanted mixes with compost than they were in contaminated soil alone. Microbial activity, as measured by dehydrogenase activity, was significantly higher in compost-containing mixes than in soil mixes. Planting contaminated material with a herbicide-tolerant plant species or a combination of planting and compost addition results in significant increases in herbicide degradation in the contaminated materials. The results strongly suggest that remediation of herbicide contamination at agrichemical retail facilities can be achieved quite rapidly and at moderate cost.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-077
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- Pollution Prevention and Business Management: Curricula for Schools of Business and Public Health
HWR93-108
Start: 10/15/92 - Completion: 8/31/94
Investigators
- Bierma, Thomas; Department of Health Sciences, Illinois State University (PI)
- Waterstraat, Francis; Department of Health Sciences, Illinois State University (PI)
- Project Summary
- These instructional modules are based on the premise that sustained economic development is dependent upon sustained protection of the environment. They also reflect the fact that preventing waste is far more cost effective than managing the waste once it is generated. Pollution prevention not only offers businesses a competitive opportunity, it is a natural extension of sound management practices. Incorporating pollution prevention into business management and government regulation will enhance long term economic prosperity.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-024 and TR-025
View publications from this project
- Course in P2
HWR93-110
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Noll (PI)
- Anderson
- An Analysis of Munic. SW Reduction Opportunities in Industrial/Commercial Distribution Networks
HWR93-111
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Snyder (PI)
- Treatment of Spent Chemical Oxygen Demand Solutions for Safe Disposal
HWR93-112
Start: 6/1/93 - Completion: 8/31/94
Investigators
- Holm, Thomas; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Project Summary
- The chemical oxidation demand (COD) test is used in numerous laboratories to characterize waste water and effluent. The COD reagent contains high concentration of H2SO4 and Hg2+ and Cr2O7(2-) salts. All treatment methods must first neutralize the H2SO4 and, if necessary, reduce the Cr2O7(2-) to Cr3+. Neutralizing the acid and adjusting the pH and pH>5 causes the precipitation predicted by chemical equilibrium calculations. Adjusting the pH to a value greater than 7 causes Cr(CH)3 precipitating, which reduces the soluble Cr concentrations to less than 100 µg/L (a reduction of greater than 99.999%), in fair agreement with chemical equilibrium calculations. A method for precipitating the Hg as HgS is reported. Excess Na2S is added to precipitate HgS then Excess Zn2+ is added to precipitate the excess S2-. The Hg concentration in the filtrate is reduced to less than 3 µg/L (a reduction of greater than 99.999%). There is no detectable odor of H2S. The mixed precipitate (HgS, ZnS, and Cr(OH)3 can be sent to a commercial Hg reprocessor.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-020
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- Effect of Chemical Immersion on Interface Strengths of Hazardous Waste Landfill Liner
HWR93-113
Start: 6/1/93 - Completion: 6/30/96
Investigators
- Stark, Timothy; University of Illinois (PI)
- Project Summary
- This project researched durability of soil-geosynthetic liner systems in order to increase longevity of the system through better manufacturing and governmental legislation.
- Overcoming Barriers to Pollution Prevention in Small Businesses: Applications in the Metal Parts Fabrication Industry
HWR93-114
Start: 6/1/93 - Completion: 12/31/94
Investigators
- Bierma, Thomas; Illinois State University (PI)
- Waterstaat, Francis; Illinois State University (PI)
- Project Summary
- The purpose of this research was to answer two fundamental questions: 1. Why is business adopting pollution prevention (P2) so slowly despite the financial and environmental benefits of P2 and the extensive promotion efforts of federal, state and local government? 2. What strategies could be used to significantly accelerate the adoption of P2 by business? The researchers employed telephone and personal interviews to study small businesses in metal parts fabricating (MPF) industry in the state of Illinois. The researchers found that the business conditions are very good for P2 diffusion, but the diffusion is limited. MPF managers are demanding manufacturing innovations, but they are not seeking P2 innovations. Current formal and informal industry communication channels are not promoting P2, while government efforts to promote P2 are having limited effect. Results suggest that there are three primary reasons for these problems: 1. For technology transfer, MPF managers utilize a small network of trusted business acquaintances to obtain data on new technologies. These trusted business acquaintances within the manager's "comfort zone" include suppliers, competitors, customers and contracted business associates (i.e. accountants, attorneys, etc.). Government programs (including those promoting P2) are in the MPF managers' "danger zone", and managers actively avoid contact with such groups. 2. MPF managers do not recognize the financial benefits of P2, due to limited accounting systems which do not track waste costs. 3. The P2 language is not consistent with business language, resulting in the P2 promotion information being misinterpreted and misunderstood by the MPF managers. The researchers provide a number of recommendations for improving P2 promotion which include revising accounting methods, utilizing existing individuals in the MPF managers' "comfort zone" to promote P2, and changing the P2 language.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-075
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- Development of an Activated Carbon Fiber Cloth Adsorption/Regeneration System to Recover and Reuse Toxic Volatile Organic Compounds
HWR94-115
Start: 10/1/93 - Completion: 3/31/96
Investigators
- Rood, Mark; University of Illinois (PI)
- Carmichael, Kelly; University of Illinois
- Larson, Susan; University of Illinois
- Lordgooei, Mehrad; University of Illinois
- Project Summary
- Many anthropogenic chemicals released into the atmosphere are toxic and can cause adverse effects on human healthy. Under the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment (CAAA), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) established Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards to reduce emissions of industrial toxic materials. these regulations have encouraged the development of new technologies to capture and recover toxic chemical vapors from industrial gas streams. In this research, a new activated carbon fiber cloth (ACFC) absorber coupled with an electrothermal regenerator and a cryogenic condenser was designated and developed to efficiently capture and recover toxic volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) from simulated industrial gas streams. The system was characterized for adsorption by ACFC, electrothermal desorption, and cryogenic condensation to recover acetone and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). Acetone was listed as a TVOC at the initiation of this project, has large emissions to the atmosphere, and is good surrogate for either TVOCs. Results for research pertaining to acetone are also reported have. Results for research pertaining to acetone are also reported here. ACFC demonstrated good performance characterstics due to its high adsorption capacity, faster adsorption and desorption rates, zero ash content, and desirable electrical conductivity for an efficient electrothermal regeneration. The adsorption throughput ratios (TPRs) averaged from 65% to 89% for an effective bed length of 18 cm, a packing density of 94 mg/g and ACFC content of 27 g and 19 g. During electrothermal regeneration, supersaturated effluent vapor was produced in a very short time and low consumption energy (e.g. 63% by volume acetone was generated in 5.4 min with a consumption energy of 1 KJ/g-acetone/g-carbon) while heat loss to the carrier gas stream was not appreciable. Generating a concentrated vapor during a short time period by electrothermal regeneration reduces the size of operating cost of the cryogneic condenser. Cryogenic treatment of the effluent gas stream condensed TVOCs to concentrations to meet MACT standards. The Net present Value analysis of the entire system including the adsorption, desorption and condensation processes indicated good prospects for economical recovery of the TVOCs. Sensitivity analysis showed the effect of component cost on the total break-even price of recovered acetone. Reducing the adsorption cycle time reduced the total cost and made the total cost less sensitive to changes in ACFC price. Experimental evaluation of the system and preliminary economic analysis provide encouraging results for developing a pilot-scale system for further analysis.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-081
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- Toxic Heavy Metals in Biodegredation and Bioremediation Technologies
HWR94-116
Start: 10/1/93 - Completion: 8/31/96
Investigators
- Koropchak, John; Southern Illinois University (PI)
- Niederhoffer, Eric; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (PI)
- Project Summary
- The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge (CONWR) faces severe problems associated with contamination from a combination of toxic heavy metal ions (THMs) and toxic organic compounds. It is necessary to gain a molecular-level understanding of how anaerobic microorganisms cope with THMs, and whether they spread them, in order to understand how THMs impact the biodegradation and bioremediation technologies used to clean up organic pollutants. The goal of the project is to develop THM-resistant microorganisms that are useful for THM pollution abatement, particularly for organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorofluorocarbons(CFCs). The researchers are worked to isolate THM-resistant mutants of extremely thermophilic (heat-loving) methanogens (bacteria that synthesize methane from hydrogen and carbon dioxide) and other anaerobic bacteria. The work involves studying the binding and uptake of THMs to wild-type methanogens and addressing the effects of THMs on the detoxification pathways common to anaerobic bacteria. During the past year they have characterized THM-resistant mutants of methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum Marburg and having begun to assess the ability of this strain to activate aromatic hydrocarbon and halogenated organic molecules in the presence of THMs. Part of this work involves isolating and characterizing outer membrane proteins from these strains.
- Pollution Prevention For Chemical Processes: A Handbook with Solved Problems From the Refining and Chemical Processing Industries
HWR94-117
Start: 10/15/93 - Completion: 8/31/94
Investigators
- Allen, David; University of California, Los Angeles (PI)
- Rosselot, Kirsten; University of California, Los Angeles (PI)
- Project Summary
- With the Toxic Pollution Prevention Act of 1989 (P.A. 86-914, as amended), Illinois lawmakers targeted pollution prevention as the method of choice for managing pollution. In order to promote the management of waste problems through prevention instead of end-of-pipe controls, regulatory and industry personnel require training on (1) measurement of pollution prevention, (2) the benefits of pollution prevention strategies as opposed to control strategies, (3) making economic comparisons between pollution prevention and end-of-pipe controls, and (4) the needs of a facility that is implementing a pollution prevention project instead of an end-of-pipe control strategy. In addition, there is need for open-ended pollution prevention design problems in upper division engineering courses, in part to satisfy accreditation requirements. This project will address these needs through the development of a handbook directed at practicing environmental professionals and advanced engineering undergraduates. The handbook will be divided into three major sections. The firsts section will provide an introduction to pollution prevention at industrial facilities; the second section will describe successful engineering design tools for pollution prevention, focusing on the refining and chemical processing industries. The third section will consist of several in-depth case studies comparing pollution prevention with end-of-pipe methods. Each case study will contain background material and three levels of questions with solutions: a set of discussion questions for non-technically trained personnel, a set of quantitative problems that illustrate engineering principles, and a set of open-ended questions for students in upper-division engineering courses. (The product of the proposed project was a handbook in camera-ready format, entitled "Pollution Prevention for Chemical Processes: A Handbook with Solved Problems from the Refining and Chemical Processing Industries".)
- ISTC Notes
- TR-022
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- Air Sparging Investigation at Mattison Machine Works, Rockford, IL
HWR94-118
Start: 5/2/94 - Completion: 12/31/95
Investigators
- Davis, Thomas; Fehr-Graham & Associates (PI)
- Davis, Quentin; Fehr-Graham & Associates
- Project Summary
- This Proposal is to determine quantitative relationships which can be used when designing an air sparging system. The effectiveness of air sparging at varying distances from the injection point, and the effectiveness of air sparging at varying depths of injection will be measured and related to the properties of the aquifer. A nest of six sparge points will be placed together at varying depths, and closely monitored by four piezometers at varying distances from the nest of sparging points. These piezometers will monitor the effects of sparging at differing depths and air injection rates. At a minimum, the optimum design for a sparging system should be obtained for the Rock River alluvium and similar aquifers. An empirical relationship is the second objective of this project, so that remedial system designs can be optimized under a wide range of site conditions.
- Enhancement of BTEX Biodegration Rates Under Iron-Reducing Conditions
HWR94-119
Start: 6/1/94 - Completion: 12/31/95
Investigators
- Kelly, Walton; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Machesky, Michael; Illinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- This project was designed to examine the efficacy of stimulating iron-reducing bacteria to biodegrade BTEX in situ. We prepared a series of anoxic microcosms using samples taken from a contaminated aquifer to investigate reaction processes and rates in the laboratory. Bacterial culture and the compound of interest were added to an enrichment solution that had been filtered and sparged of O2. Three live bottles and one killed control were sampled at each time step. All four compounds degraded under the experimental conditions of this study. Calculated rate constants give relative disappearance rates of Toluene > ethylbenzene >o-xylene > benzene. In most of the experiments, the degradation was accompanies by increases in Fe(II) concentrations, strong circumestantial evidence for bacterial iron reduction. Production of Fe(II) tended to lag behind the degradation of the compound by a few days. The amount of Fe(II) produced was positively correlated with the relative degradation rates of the compounds, i.e., the amount of Fe(II) produced was toluene > thylbenzene > o-xylene > benzene. However, in some of the experiments, little or no Fe(II) production was observed. In these experiments, BTEX degradation occured more slowly, and lower redox anaerobes, possibly fermenters, were presumed to be responsible. Based on the results of this study, the monoaromatic hydrocarbons, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o-xylene, biodegrade under iron-reducing conditions and EDTA is effective at keeping ferric iron in solution and available to microorganisms. In situ biodegradation of these compounds coupled with iron reduction appears to be a promising bioremediation technique.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-080
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- European Starlings (Sturnus Vulgairs): Avian Model and Monitor of Contaminant and Remedial Effects at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
HWR94-120
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Halbrook, Richard; University of Illinois (PI)
- Arenal. Christine; Halbrook, Richard; University of Illinois
- Woolf, Alan; Halbrook, Richard; University of Illinois
- Project Summary
- Accumulation and effect of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and heavy metal concentrations in avian species were evacuated at a Superfund site located at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois. European starlings (Sturmus volgaris) were monitored at 12 nest boxes constructed at each of 4 study and 2 reference sites. Adult starlings were observed in the field to assess possible contaminant effects on nest attentiveness behavior, and the number of eggs and chicks surviving to 15 days per nest were recorded. Fifteen-day-old chicks were necropsiedand kidney tissue was analyzed for mercury, cadmium, and lead concentrations. Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethlase (EROD) activity was measured in liver tissue, and PCB (Aroclor 1254) and 34 chlorinated bipheyl congener concentrations were measured in while body carcass samples using gas chromatography. Differences (P < 0.05) among study and reference sites were found for Aroclor 1254, quantified C3s, and EROD activity. Pre-remediation cadmium concentrations at the metals site differed from concentrations at reference sites, but post-remediation cadmium concentrations did not. Effects included a reduction (P < 0.05) in nest attentiveness behavior and increased chick mortality between PCB and reference sites. Nest attentiveness behavior also was reduced at the metals site compared to reference sites. There were no differences among study and reference sites in number of eggs laid and percentage of eggs hatched. Greater tissue concentration of contaminants in starlings collected at study sites may also have greater body burdens of metals and PCBs, and may suffer adverse nesting and behavior effects demonstrated similar to those observes in this study. This study also demonstrated that staling nestlings are good indicators of local contamination, as well as, of the effectiveness of remediation. Additional research is needed to further evacuate some effects identified in the current study including: determination of adult versus chick contribution to decreased feeding activity, objective measurement of the increased boldness in adults at contaminated sites, and investigation into environmental contaminants near the Annex reference site as potential causes of observed reduction in hematologic values and increases in liver weights at that site.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-084
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- Synthetic Studies of a Water Soluble and Recyclable Organotin Reagent
HWR95-121
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Gaston, Rick; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (PI)
- Project Summary
- Synthesis of a water-soluble recyclable organostannatrane has been accomplished via a straightforward three-step synthesis. The organostannatrane exhibits excellent water-solubility (0.33 M) and can be recovered from aqueous solutions via removal of water in vacuo. The compound can be readily converted by standard transformations into reagents suitable for Stille cross-coupling reactions. The reagent can also be transformed into a reactive, water-soluble organotin hydride.
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- High Rate Bio-Oxidation of Dichoromethane by Dentrifying Bacteria
HWR95-122
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Freedman, David; Clemson University (PI)
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- Innovative Evaluation Methods for Bioremediation
HWR95-123
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Hollander, David; Northwestern University (PI)
- Rittmann, Bruce; Northwestern University (PI)
- Seagren, Eric; Northwestern University (PI)
- Stahl, David; Northwestern University (PI)
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- Accelerated Aging of Stabilized Hazardous Wastes
HWR95-124
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Fuessle, Robert; Bradley University (PI)
- Taylor, Max; Bradley University
- Project Summary
- In Illinois, about 40 million gallons of hazardous waste are treated before land disposal every year. Stabilization is well-known, accepted, and economical treatment for certain hazardous wastes. It is likely that stabilization before landfilling will continue to be accepted by EPA and BDAT (best demonstrated available technology) for a significant fraction of hazardous wastes. Stabilizating consists of adding cement to waste with pozzolans and various proprietary additives to capture or immobilize contaminants within a solid matrix by physical and/or chemical means. The treatment effectiveness of stabilization is specified in terms of the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP). Shortly after stabilization, TCLP tests are performed periodically until treatment standards are satisfied. The implicit assumption is that S/S forms do not degrade upon long-term curing. Issues such as volume efficiency and treatment versus dilution are also important. Some designs improve stabilization with curing age since wastes frequently retard cement hydration reactions. In other designs, the continuing chemical changes taking place may render stabilization ineffective in the long term. As the cement-based stabilization matrix cures, physiochemical and morphological changes occur rapidly at first and continue more slowly for years. Alkali-aggregate reactions and sulfate damage are long-term degradative processes in concrete. The hazardous components of the wastes involved may also interfere with long-term quality stabilization. The focus of this research is the development and understanding of an acceleratedmethod that will provide a testing procedure for early detection of stabilization subject to long-term failure, allowing a landfill operator to predict the long-term treatment efficacy of the stabilized waste. The reliability of an accelerated test is based on its ability to predict the TCLP of naturally-cured mature stabilized forms. The physical and chemical microstructure of the accelerated and natural forms should also be comparable. This research has characterized a range of mix designs and their long-term treatment effectiveness for K061 waste. The range of mix designs selected for research falls between their extremes of stabilization that are effective for up to two years and totally inadequate S/S that exceeds TCLP standards at any age. Comparisons of TCLP of short-term accelerated samples with naturally cured samples over the long-term did not yield consistent results. Heat curing by itself will not provide a cure method that yields results predicting future treatment performance. For many stabilized samples, a lower rate of metal release during column leaching indicated a more effective stabilization according to TCLP results on older samples. The metal release rate during column leaching can be used as a qualitative indicator to compare how two different mix designs may perform in TCLP tests at later ages.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-082
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- Total Cost Assessment Catalyzing Corporate Commitment to Pollution Prevention in Illinois
HWR95-125
Start: 2/21/95 - Completion: 6/30/96
Investigators
- White, Allen; Tellus Institute (PI)
- Savage, Deborah; Tellus Institute
- Project Summary
- Since the late 1980s, both regulatory and market forces have been moving firms to rethink their pollution management practices. Despite these trends, however, the pace of conversion to a more preventive mode of environmental management has been slow, and many seemingly profitable pollution prevention (P2) opportunities remain unexploited. If many P2 investments in fact are in the best interests of a profit driven firm, why does such underinvestment in prevention persist? The answer is arguably two-fold: (1) organizational characteristics of the firm; and (2) economic/financial barriers. This report focuses primarily on the latter explanation, i.e., that P2 investments may be unable to compete with other potential uses of limited capital because they are disadvantaged by standard project financial evaluation techniques. Environmental accounting (EA) is a broad term that is used in three areas: national income accounting, financial accounting and management accounting. In managerial accounting, the focus of this study, EA comprises the identification, compilation, analysis, use, and reporting of environmental cost information, primarily for internal purposes, i.e., for use within the company. It is in the last context that EA has enormous potential to help business strengthen its pollution prevention practices and, in turn, its long-term competitiveness. One EA method, Total Cost Assessment (TCA), is an approach to removing potentially unwarranted and misleading financial barriers to environmental investment. For this project eight firms in the Illinois printing and chemicals industries were selected for collaboration on Phase I case studies. These firms of widely varying size were chosen to represent a cross-section whose current capital budgeting and project evaluation practices capture the spectrum of those found in Illinois. The collaborating firms' views and practices were evaluated using the responses to written questionnaires on a variety of topics and the results of on-site interviews and follow-up conversations. While the sample, of course, is not statistically significant, the field data revealed different company views and practices concerning: • explicit commitment to environmental policy and objectives • environmental management approach • types of environmental projects and investments considered and implemented • financial analysis procedures • receptivity to TCA • the types and relative importance of internal and external barriers and incentives to adoption of TCA approaches. From the larger sample of firms, a subset of three firms was selected for a further in-depth case study based on a pending or recently completed environmental project. For two of these Phase II case study projects, we assembled cost to perform two different financial analyses for each project, one using the company's standard financial analysis methods and one using a Total Cost Assessment (TCA) approach. The goal was to compare the data collection and analysis process as well as the final results for the TCA approach vs. the conventional approach. Data were analyzed using Tellus Institute's P2IFINANCE software system. The third case study focused on using EA and TCA cost inventory and allocation principles for the assessment of the case study firm's current methodology for calculating a "cost of waste" for its various product lines. In coordination with an ongoing facility effort to perform a comprehensive, P2-focused technical and cost evaluation of a particular product line, we performed a constructive critique of the existing allocation methods by estimating several representative costs with a different approach, for comparison to the firm's original estimates. As the Phase I and Phase II case studies were performed, a parallel task took place: the assessment of internal and external barriers and incentives to adoption of TCA methods in industry. The case study results, a review of existing literature and previous related research all contributed to this evaluation.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-030
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- Characteristics and Treatment of the Dental Waste Water Stream
HWR95-126
Start: 10/1/94 - Completion: 9/30/97
Investigators
- Cailas, Michael; University of Illinois Chicago (PI)
- Drummond, James; University of Illinois Chicago
- Ovsey, Victor; University of Illinois Chicago
- Wu, Tung-Yi; University of Illinois Chicago
- Project Summary
- Dental amalgam consists of approximately equal parts mixture of metallic mercury and an alloy powder consisting of silver, tin, copper and zinc. Amalgam has been used extensively as a tooth filling material, accounting for 75% of posterior restorations. The waste material from dental offices generated during restorative dental procedures contains amalgam. The uncontrolled discharge of this waste into the sewer system from a large number of dental units (i.e. dental clinics), will increase the mercury load to treatment facilities and could eventually contribute higher potential mercury exposure as well. The main objective of this project was to characterize the properties of the dental waste (DW) stream. This was accomplished by collecting more than 90 DW stream samples from various clinics and quantifying the mercury and silver content of their two major waste components: a) the solid waste (SW) retained on the in-line vacuum trap (also known as a chair-side trap), and b) the DW water (DWW) which has the potential to be discharged into the sewer system. On a conservative median basis, the DW stream has the potential to generate as much as 1,297 mg of mercury and 833 mg of silver per day per dental unit (i.e., chair). The majority of this toxic and recyclable waste material is generated at the in-line vacuum trap in the form of a solid waste (i.e., SW component). This waste has the potential to generate 799 mg of mercury per day per dental chair and 533 mg of silver per day per dental chair. The DWW component has the potential to generate 497.9 mg of mercury per day per dental chair and 300 mg of silver per day per dental chair. To assist the development of effective removal/recovery/reuse procedures for this waste stream, predictive regression models for the amount of mercury and silver generated from the major components of the DW stream were established.
The other major objective of this project was to assess the relative effectiveness of removal procedures for mercury and silver in the DWW component. The present study found that gravitational settling under quiescent conditions for a 24-hr period has the potential to remove more than 99% of the total mercury content of the DWW component. This operational, simple and cost effective procedure is recommended for providing the majority of mercury reduction by weight. Further reduction of the mercury content of the residual DWW (after settling), is accomplished by applying a coagulation- flocculation/filtration approach. The present study found that on a cumulative basis the overall mercury removal potential of a settling/coagulation-flocculation/filtration treatment approach for the DWW component is likely to be more than 99.9%.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-097
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- An Innovative Technology for the Beneficial Reuse of Ash Residue
HWR95-127
Start: 3/1/95 - Completion: 6/30/96
Investigators
- Sylvester, Edmund; NexTech Industries, Inc. (PI)
- Project Summary
- This study involves investigating an innovative technology for encapsulating coal-derived ash residue in a thermoplastic matrix. It will determine the feasibility of the beneficial reuse of ash residue as a reinforcing agent in radically different polymers and define the property enhancements thereof. For this research, ash residue samples will be collected and characterized, particle size distribution will be defined, diverse polymers will be compounded with the ash residue at different fill levels, samples of the reinforced polymers will be extruded and differences in product performance between the ash-reinforced polymer alloy and base resin thermoplastic will be evaluated. The expected result of this study is the discovery of the beneficial reinforcing effects of ash residue in diverse polymer resins. Given the anticipated low cost of ash as a raw material feed stock, the successful project will lead to the eventual development of a commercial plant to produce uniquely different and competitively priced polymer composite alloys incorporating ash residue as a reinforcement agent as well as to process and market ash as a reinforcing agent for the plastics industry. The net benefits of the technology are threefold. One, the amount of landfilled ash will be reduced. Two, the lower cost, new reinforced polymer alloys will be available to the commercial sector. Three, if the performance of the ash residue as a filler is as good or better than other fillers currently produced from scarce natural resources, the net economic and environmental costs of producing these similarly performing fillers will be lowered.
- ISTC Notes
- Note: NexTech Industries, Inc. was unable to complete the project. The project was canceled with no research completed.
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- Effects of Chronic Oral Dosing of Bismuth Alloy, Iron or Lead Shot on Reproduction
HWR95-128
Start: 4/1/95 - Completion: 8/31/96
Investigators
- Buck, William; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Duncan, Karen; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
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- Remediation of Petrol Contaminated Soils: Composting, A Better Way
HWR95-129
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Perino, Janice; Perino Technical Services, Inc. (PI)
- Project Summary
- This study will provide a basic outline for using bagged-composting remediation (BCR) to make it more accessible to a wider variety of users. BCR uses existing, relatively simple technology in an efficient manner without huge costs, space, permitting, and other prohibitive requirements. Composting for leaking underground storage tank (LUST) sites is usually conducted in open or static "windrows". Structurally firm material and water are often added to the contaminated soils to improve handling and biodegradability. The drawbacks to conventional methods of composting include: large land requirements, high operating and maintenance costs, weather related control problems and permitting requirements. Containment systems for composting have potential for remediation of impacted soils at LUST sites at costs significantly less than landfilling or other technologies while avoiding the limitations of conventional composting. A landfill in the Taylorville area is the site for testing BCR using five bags with both gasoline and diesel-contaminated soil.
- Polution Prevention Through Innovative Supplier Contracts: Strategies for Small Business
HWR95-130
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Bierma, Thomas; Illinois State University (PI)
- Waterstraat, Francis; Illinois State University
- Project Summary
- Bierma and Waterstraat present a comprehensive "How To" report on Chemical Supply Contracts. The Report includes topics such as "Why it's time to Change Your Chemical Managment Strategy", "The Real cost of Chemicals", "Chemical Impact Worksheet", and "Inherently wasteful relationships". Bierma and Waterstraat also include 4 case studies on shared savings.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-031
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- East St. Louis Urban Ecology Project
HWR95-131
Start: 6/1/95 - Completion: 6/30/96
Investigators
- Reardon, Kenneth; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Project Summary
- This project funded two urban neighborhood planning seminars to help local leaders address the lack of jobs and high poverty in East St. Louis during the late 1990's.
- Development of a Sensitive Bioassay to Detect Exposure to Environmental Estrogens
HWR95-132
Start: 12/1/95 - Completion: 6/30/98
Investigators
- Dean-Colomb, Windy; University of Illinois (PI)
- Jeffery, Elizabeth; University of Illinois (PI)
- Project Summary
- An overwhelming volume of evidence has emerged on the estrogen-like effects of many chemicals released into the environment. Because environmental estrogenic pollutants can jeopardize the continuation of affected life forms by disrupting reproduction, concern has focused on the impact of such compounds on human and wildlife health. We have developed a bioassay for determining estrogenicity of compounds that can serve as a sensitive biomarker of estrogenicity in serum from humans and wildlife. This assay depends upon the measurement of two plasma proteins, angiotensinogen and ceruloplasmin, which are synthesized in the liver. The assay is minimally invasive, requiring only 500 µL of serum. We have shown that estrogenic compounds upregulate mRNA synthesis for angiotensinogen and ceruloplasmin in cultured human liver cells. Furthermore, when ethinyl estradiol or diethylstilbestrol were administered to adult ovariectomized female rats, enhanced serum levels of angiotensinogen and ceruloplasmin correlated with increased weight of the uterus. We conclude that this non-invasive bioassay may be used in place of the classic uterotrophic assay, which requires ovariectomy prior to treatment with the test substance and death of the test animal at the time of analysis. We recommend that angiotensinogen, ceruloplasmin, and/or other estrogen regulated plasma proteins synthesized by the liver and immediately secreted into plasma can be used as effective, minimally invasive biomarkers for estrogenicity in humans and wildlife.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-086
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- Critical & Statistical Evaluation of Characterization Methods for Sites Contaminated…
HWR95-133
Start: 4/1/96 - Completion: 6/30/98
Investigators
- Barnhardt, Michael; Illinois State Geological Survey (PI)
- Keefer, Donald; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Project Summary
- Remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater requires accurate characterization of contaminant occurrence. In facilities that have been contaminated through multiple, discrete spills of unknown timing and quantity, the problems of characterization can be very difficult. Using a large data set of pesticide contamination in soil samples at two agrichemical facilities, we have explored the distribution of contamination, and have evaluated several methods for designing sampling strategies and evaluating sample results. In 1990, the Illinois Pesticide Act was amended to authorize the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA) to address agrichemical pesticide contamination at agrichemical facilities in Illinois. The Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) was contracted to assist the IDA in achieving this objective. Part of the effort between the IDA and ISGS resulted in a detailed investigation of soil contamination at two agrichemical facilities. This detailed investigation, called the 2-Site Study, resulted in depth-stratified, systematic samples (12.64 m square grid) of366 samples (from 107 boreholes) at one site (Site 23), and 325 samples (from 93 boreholes) at the second site (Site 28). Each of the samples was analyzed for a large suite of synthetic organic compounds; we evaluated the distributions of 55 of these analytes. The characterization objectives of the 2-Site Study focused on a characterization of contamination for four specific depths across each site. These broad objectives resulted in sample sets with a large number of results reported as below method detection limit (BMDL). These BMDL results created problems in estimating the median, mean and variance of the distributions. Box plots were used to display the contaminant frequency distributions in a way that could accommodate the BMDL values. The box plots showed that all of the concentration distributions were right skewed. Even when plotting the data on a logarithmic axis and only considering values greater than the method detection limit (MDL) the plots were generally-right skewed. Because the censored nature of the data prevented accurate calculations of the median and mean, we calculated the 95th and 99th percentile values for each analyte. At Site 23, only 18 analytes had 95th percentile values that were greater than the MDL, and 36 analytes with a 99th percentile value above the MDL. At Site 28, these numbers are 19 and 32, respectively, for the 95th and 99th percentiles. A layer-by-layer evaluation of the data showed that the vast majority of contamination was limited to the surface layer at both sites. Contamination was so widespread in the surface samples that one or more analytes were detected in all but 7 samples at Site 23 and 12 samples at Site 28. In the C-layer sample results, mean and maximum values indicated that contamination at Site 23 was less frequently detected and, when detected, the concentrations were generally lower than at Site 28. In the D-layer sample results contamination at Site 23 was more frequently detected but concentrations were still lower than at Site 28. The concentration patterns were consistent with conceptual models oftransp0l1 that included more uniform transport through the sandy materials at Site 23 and more restrictive and preferential transport through the fine-grained materials at Site 28. While statistical descriptions of the frequency distribution of the compounds provide some insight to their pattern of occurrence, they do not provide any insight to the spatial distributions of concentrations. We used inverse distance cubed interpolations of contaminant concentrations to explore the spatial distributions of several compounds. The surface-layer interpolation maps illustrate several points about contaminant distributions near land surface at these two facilities. Concentrations detected in high-risk functional areas (e.g., mixing, loading, washing areas) were larger and more variable than concentrations in low-risk functional areas (e.g., parking, equipment storage areas). These maps clearly illustrate the nearly ubiquitous occurrence of contamination in the surface layer. The maps also illustrate the continuity of both high levels of contamination in high-risk functional areas and the low levels of contamination in low-risk functional areas. The maps of C-layer contamination show some differences between Sites 23 and 28. In most of the Site 23 maps there appears to be a weak spatial correlation with surface-layer maps. These maps also suggest that contaminant concentration in C-layer samples is related to the overlying functional areas. At Site 28 there is no apparent correlation between the surface-layer and C-layer concentrations. This is noteworthy because the first two or three samples in each boring were collected consecutively. This lack of continuity suggests that only a fraction of the contaminant mass is moving downward, and the transport appears to be predominantly vertical, possibly along discrete preferential pathways. While many of the C-layer detections at Site 28 underlie high-risk functional areas, this relationship is not as strong as either the surface-layer detections at Site 28 or the C-layer detections at Site 23. The D-layer maps show little detection at either site. At Site 23 there is some apparent correlation to overlying functional areas. At Site 28 the detections appear randomly distributed. One of the most difficult issues that all characterization efforts must address is the determination of an appropriate sampling strategy. In addition to a well-reasoned preliminary conceptual model of contaminant distribution, the sampling strategy needs to be determined based on a clear understanding of the characterization objectives and the methods that are available for interpreting the results. We identified three major types of characterization objectives: contaminant detection; statistical estimation; and, spatial characterization. Upon reviewing the literature and talking with State regulators we felt that a more integrated discussion of the major types of characterization objectives and their requisite sample design characteristics was warranted. Contaminant detection objectives focus exclusively on the determination of whether contamination is present within the site, or a specified portion of the site. Systematic sampling with a gridded layout was identified as an ideal design for contaminant detection objectives. From the literature, we demonstrated that the sample spacing directly affects the size of contaminated zones, or hot spots that can be identified with a given certainty. As an example, using the grid spacing from the 2-Site Study (12.64 m) and a detection probability of 99%, we could detect hot spots that were 9.20 x 7.36 m or larger. With this same spacing, there was only a 30% chance of detecting hot spots that were 4.41 x 3.53 m. The results from the 2-Site Study suggest that while this systematic strategy is crucial for being able to 21 quantify the uncertainty of a given sample set, contaminated hot spots appear to be too small in the subsurface to allow sampling with an meaningful confidence of detection. In other words, because of the high cost of sampling and the potential for small hot spots, detection characterization will likely always be highly uncertain at depth. Statistical estimation objectives focus on the use of various statistics, calculated from sample results, to estimate and make inferences about the contaminant concentration distributions. The use of statistical methods with sample data can result in very erroneous results if sample designs are not statistically -based. We found systematic and stratified systematic sample designs to be best suited to statistical characterization of contamination at multiple spill facilities. We identified four issues related to sample collection and data interpretation that receive inconsistent attention in the literature yet were important for accurate statistical characterization at multiple spill sites. These issues include: subsampling; composite sampling; treatment of skewed distributions; and, the use of probability models. Using some simple published methods, we used information on the concentration variance of three compounds to evaluate sample size requirements and estimate uncertainty under statistical estimation objectives. Using one method, we showed how it would take over 11,000 samples to be 90% confident that the mean concentration of atrazine was predicted within 50 micro grams per kilogram. If we allowed a larger estimation tolerance the sample size requirements dropped dramatically. With 16 samples we could be 80% confident of estimating the mean of metolachlor within 2000 micro grams per kilogram, which is about one third of one standard deviation. Using another method which allowed for the estimation of an additional uncertainty measure, sample size requirements quadrupled. We also demonstrated a method for evaluating the uncertainty of the variance estimate, used in the above sample size calculations. Spatial characterization objectives address evaluating the extent, or spatial distribution, of contamination; particularly in unsampled locations. We used a qualitative, graphical method for illustrating the effectiveness of different sample sizes for characterizing contaminant distributions at Site 28. We also discussed two major interpolation approaches used in spatial characterization: deterministic and probabilistic. Given the nature of the variability in contaminant concentrations at these two sites, and the need to satisfy detection and statistical estimation objectives with the same data set, systematic and stratified systematic designs were found to be superior to other sample designs. While recognition of these three types of objectives helps in evaluation of suitable sample designs, the sampling objectives and the target populations for sampling can evolve as characterization efforts proceed. While this evolution is recognized in the literature, State regulators suggested this often seemed to confuse consultants at multiple spill sites. To develop a characterization strategy that is compatible with the three types of sampling objectives, systematic or stratified systematic designs should be used. To ensure that sampling strategies are efficient and adaptable to a site specific contaminant distribution, we believe a different approach is needed for defining the target populations at various stages of the effort. Rather than utilize the typical approach of defining the target population as the set of all samples within a specific depth of the site, or portion of the site, we recommend limiting the target population to only include the set of samples within the contaminated zone, or hot spot. Because the extent of the hot spots will only be known as sample results are analyzed, we recognize that some samples will need to be collected outside of the target population. To accommodate this evolution of objectives and obtuse target populations, we propose modifying conventional statistical designs to create an incremental stratified systematic sampling design. This design would typically begin with contaminant detection objectives, followed by a second iteration targeting hot spots identified in the first round. Later sampling iterations would focus on either increasing the resolution of hot spot characterizations, or further evaluation of areas with an insufficient number of samples. This approach offers the advantages of being able to quantify the characterization uncertainty at any iteration. It also allows for the use of all prior sample results, while allowing the discarding of most or all BMDL results.
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- Creation of an Interactive On-Line Pollution Prevention Manual
HWR96-134
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Butner, Scott; Battelle Memorial Institute (PI)
- NORBIC-HWRIC Joint Project
HSW96-135
Start: 5/15/96 - Completion: 8/31/96
Investigators
- Bufalini, Carl; NORBIC (PI)
- Project Summary
- ORGANIZATION HISTORY In 1975, several Chicago manufacturers founded the North Business and Industrial Council (NORBIC) as an economic development organization to assist in the retention, expansion, and development of successful business and industry, primarily on Chicago's north side. Specifically, NORBIC serves over 1700 manufacturing companies representing over 300,000 jobs. The Illinois state Chamber of Commerce estimates that the average manufacturing job supports an additional 3.2 jobs in other areas. NORBIC's mission statement remains: The purpose of the North Business & Industrial Council is to assist in the retention, expansion, & development of successful business and industry in our service area. NORBIC is committed to becoming the number one provider of client-driven services to foster business growth. To assist companies in their efforts to succeed, and in direct response to identified needs, NORBIC has developed the following programs: Illinois FIRST, Focused Industry Retention Support Team; Industrial Retention & Expansion Program; Small Business Development Center; International Trade Center; NAFTA Opportunity Center; Procurement Technical Assistance Center; Model Industrial Corridor Project; Technical Assistance Program. As new business needs arise, NORBIC develops new resources and programs to address such issues. One such need currently not met through NORBIC's existing programs is that of environmental remediation assistance and pollution prevention assistance.
DESCRIPTION OF NEED An area of concern for the companies in the NORBIC service area is information on how to access technical assistance and/or information on pollution prevention/waste minimization. Many of the small businesses do not have the knowledge, resources, or work force to determine the pollution prevention opportunities in their companies. NORBIC in partnership with HWRIC would provide an environment to assist these companies, through workshops or on-site demonstrations. With NORBIC's strong standing in the community and respect from its members, it is felt that companies would be more receptive to participating in workshops or on-site demonstrations.
PROPOSAL NORBIC is proposing to work with HWRIC, in conjunction with its Environmental Integration Program and Clean Manufacturing Program. The scope of work is as follows: 1 NORBIC staff will conduct an industry specific survey developed by HWRIC. The survey will collect data on waste management practices, pollution prevention concerns, and compliance issues. The results of the survey will be used to develop workshops for the specific industrial sector. 2 NORBIC staff will identify (from the survey or NORBIC database) and contact companies which are interested in obtaining information about pollution prevention technical assistance services. 3 NORBIC staff will assist in the marketing of focus group meetings to identify sector needs for workshops and onsite (at an appropriate facility) demonstration of pollution prevention techniques. 4 NORBIC will provide a contact list for a telemarketing effort. The telemarketing will be done by an outside agency. 5 NORBIC will determine the demand from the NORBIC membership and/or non-membership for HWRIC personnel to be available at NORBIC offices, at least one day per information to interested parties. 6 NORBIC will continue a HWRIC reference library and clearinghouse at the NORBIC office. The information in the library is available to area businesses. The materials will be distributed to businesses as deemed appropriate by NORBIC.
- Activated Carbon Absorption/Regeneration System: Recovery & Reuse of Toxic Organic Compounds
HWR96-136
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Rood, Mark; University of Illinois (PI)
- Project Summary
- Continuation of HWR94-115: see project HWR94-115 for more information and publications
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- Novel Treatments for Resource Recovery & Waste Treatment in Printed Circuit Board Mfg.
HWR97-137
Start: 9/30/96 - Completion: 6/30/97
Investigators
- Gula, Michael; Eichrom Industries, Inc. (PI)
- Project Summary
- In 1995, operating under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between Argonne National Laboratory, Wayne Circuits, Inc. and Eichrom Industries, Inc., a process was devised to treat and recycle printed circuit board waste by Argonne scientist's. The purpose of the project was to transfer the knowledge learned about treating this waste that had been developed in the laboratory to an operating pilot unit in service in the Wayne Circuits manufacturing facility. The objective of the study was to gain sufficient operating experience treating plant waste to determine process limitations and what features would be required to convert the process from pilot-scale to plan-operating scale. At the time of the trial, Wayne Circuits was generating approximately 10,000 gallons of hazardous waste per week from their manufacturing processes. The hazardous waste was an aqueous solution of copper which can be recycled back into circuit production and other toxic metals such as lead which can be isolated to reduce the volume of hazardous waste needed for disposal. The treated waste water can then be discharged to city sewer plant. The process developed by Argonne scientists and implemented at the site utilized two technologies. First the waste was treated via a solvent extraction process. The primary characteristic of solvent extraction is that a selective organic extractant is put into contact with the aqueous waste. Through mixing, the organic extractant selectively sorbs the copper from the aqueous phase. The phases can then be separated due to their different densities. A strong (2M) sulfuric acid solution was sufficient to strip the copper from the organic phase, which could then be reused. By repetitively contacting the same strip solution with additional loaded organic phase, the concentration of copper in the acid solution could build to a concentration where recycling is worthwhile. Once the majority of the copper was extracted from the waste it could then be economically treated via selective ion exchange. A particular media, Eichrom's Diphonix resin, is known for its ability to sorb metals from liquid solutions without accumulating non-regulated species such as calcium, magnesium and sodium. This feature of selectivity makes the accumulation of relatively low concentrations of metals viable. The cost of using Diphonix resin as the primary remover of copper was determined to be technically feasible; however it is uneconomical due to the volume of waste solution that would be produced from frequent resin regenerations.
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- Removal of Metallic Impurities in Chromium Plating Solutions by Electrocoagulation
HWR97-138
Start: 6/4/97 - Completion: 12/31/99
Investigators
- Lalvani, Shashi; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (PI)
- Donepudi, S.; Master Guard Corporation
- Mandich, N.V.; HBM Electrochemical & Engineering Co.
- Wiltowski, T.; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
- Project Summary
- Metallic impurities such as Ni, Fe, Cu ions in chromium plating solutions can be removed by electromigration followed by electrodeposition or coagulation using a porous pot, suspended in the bath and containing a lead cathode. In the same process, Cr (Ill) is oxidized to Cr (VI) at the insoluble lead anode leading to regeneration of the plating solution. Previous research and data from industrial operations have indicated the "porous pot" method could be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method to continuously separate impurities and recycle spent chromium solutions. However, no data are available that relate the various concentrations of impurities to the extent and the rate of their removal. This investigation focused on the use of five suitable catholytes for the removal of impurities. Up to 60% nickel and 52% iron removal were observed in orthophosphoric acid and sodium monophosphate catholytes respectively. In addition to these two electrolytes, chromic acid appears to be a most suitable catholyte for purification when more than one metallic impurity is present in the spent solution. The rejuvenated chromium solution was used to make chromium deposits on various substrates. The deposits obtained from the rejuvenated solution were found to have microstructure and hardness and corrosion resistance properties similar to those obtained from freshly prepared solutions. These deposits had hardness and corrosion resistance properties far superior to those obtained from contaminated plating solutions. The kinetics of metal impurity removal and regeneration of hexavalent chromium were studied using a mathematical model developed in this study. The model was validated against experimental data.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-092
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- Metal Distribution and Speciation at the DePue Wildlife Management Area
HWR97-139
Start: 6/4/97 - Completion: 1/31/01
Investigators
- Anderson, Paul; Illinois Institute of Technology (PI)
- Lee, Shinwoo; Illinois Institute of Technology
- Bunker, Grant; Illinois Institute of Technology
- Tannazi, Firouzeh; Illinois Institute of Technology
- Project Summary
- The objective of this study was to assess the distribution and speciation of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in soils of the DePue Wildlife Management Area (DWMA) near DePue, IL. More than 70 soil cores were collected at the site. These cores were subdivided and soils from several depths were analyzed to determine the total concentration of each metal in the soil. The sample scheme was developed so that the data would also be useful in a geostatistical assessment of the site. A subset of 14 cores was used to assess metal speciation based on an extraction process. Metal speciation in these same cores was also assessed using x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Mean concentrations from samples of each metal throughout the site were Cd = 45, Cu = 95, Pb = 210, and Zn = 2772 mg/kg. Speciation results suggest that Cd and Zn, which are substantially associated with exchangeable, iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) oxide, and carbonate fractions of the soil, probably exhibit the greatest mobility. In contrast, Pb and especially Cu are probably much less mobile because they have greater association with organic and residual phases of the soil. Changes in concentration with depth in the soil indicate that Cd and Zn and to a lesser extent Pb are enriched in the upper layers. The horizontal distribution of metals reveals a zone of higher concentration near the center of the northern boundary of the DWMA. The results are consistent with a conceptual model that describes how the flow of groundwater into and out of the DWMA determines metal mobility. Groundwater seeping into the site first mobilizes and then transports metals upward through the soil column. Metals that are transported to the surface can react with newly precipitated Fe & Mn oxides. As a result, within a soil column the upper soil layers become relatively enriched with metals. Looking across the horizontal surface of the DWMA, the lower elevations are exposed to more frequent flooding and metal concentrations in those areas tend to be higher.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-099
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- An Assessment of Metals Distribution and Transport in Groundwater Beneath the Diked Sediment Disposal Area, DePue Wildlife Management Area, Illinois
HWR98-140
Start: 9/3/97 - Completion: 8/31/00
Investigators
- Wehrmann, Allan; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Carr, Keith; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Holm, Thomas; Illinois State Water Survey
- Kelly, Walton; Illinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- Potential toxic metal (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu) contamination of groundwater at the periodically flooded DePue Dredged Sediment Disposal Area (DSDA), was assessed through the collection of groundwater and soil samples and water level data, geochemical modeling, and leaching and microcosm experiments. The median Zn concentrations in groundwater at three locations were between 2 and 5 mg/L. There was no evidence that contaminated groundwater has migrated offsite. Based on lake-sediment and soil data, the order of decreasing mobility in the site groundwater was Zn > Cu > Cd > Pb. Small amounts of Zn and Cd (< 2%) were leached from soil samples inside the DSDA in leaching experiments. About half of the dissolved Zn and Cd from groundwater samples can be accounted for by leaching, suggesting desorption was a major control for Zn and Cd. Chemical equilibrium calculations indicated that several reactions, including CdCO3 precipitation, co-precipitation of Zn with CaCO3, and sorption to ferric oxide, may retain the metals in the subsurface. Aqueous Zn concentrations were greatest in aerobic microcosms, lowest in sulfate-reducing microcosms, and intermediate in iron-reducing microcosms. Zinc would thus be expected to be most mobile in DePue soils during the early stages of flooding, when the soils are saturated but before conditions become anaerobic.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-110
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- Novel Technique for Resource Recovery & P2 in Chrome Plating Industry
HWR98-141
Start: 1/23/98 - Completion: 12/31/98
Investigators
- Schreiner, Alexander; Schreiner and Associates, Inc. (PI)
- Project Summary
- The objective of this project was to find a cost effective, user friendly method for removing iron and chromium (III) from chromium (VI) plating baths. The researcher planned to investigate two methods and combine them to meet the project goal. The first technology is an ion exchange resin, developed by Eichrom Industries, that has a high affinity for iron in acidic conditions similar to those of the chromium (VI) plating baths. The second is an electrochemical cell, developed by Armoloy of Illinois in cooperation with Schreiner and Associates, which converts chromium (III) to chromium (VI). The regenerated chromium (VI) could be recycled back into the chromium (VI) plating bath.
- Investigation of Metal Distributions and Sedimentation Patterns in Lake DePue and Turner Lake
HWR98-142
Start: 3/4/98 - Completion: 9/30/99
Investigators
- Bogner, William; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Cahill, Richard; Illinois State Geological Survey (PI)
- Project Summary
- Sediments in Lake DePue have received contaminants from industries, particularly zinc smelting, in and near the Village of DePue, Illinois, since the early 1900s. Elevated zinc and cadmium concentrations in the sediments of Lake DePue were noted in 1976. Accumulated sediment was dredged in 1983 to accommodate recreational activities on Lake DePue. In the summer of 1998, a lake sedimentation survey and sediment and water quality sampling were done at Lake DePue to determine current conditions and evaluate the impact of dredging on the lake. A total of 148 sediment samples were collected and analyzed for zinc, cadmium, and organic carbon content. Turner Lake also was sampled to determine background concentrations. Up to 33 samples were analyzed for mineral content, grain size, and major, minor, and trace elements. Sedimentation rates in Lake DePue were estimated by measuring the cesium-137 content in 8 cores collected along 8 transects that had been surveyed by the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) in 1975 and 1998. Zinc concentrations in sediment from Lake DePue ranged from 300 to 42,300 mg/kg compared with 155 to 427 mg/kg in Turner Lake.; cadmium concentrations in Lake DePue sediments ranged from 2 to 309 mg/kg compared with 2 to 8.5 mg/kg in Turner Lake sediments. Concentrations of zinc and cadmium were greatest in samples collected near the South Ditch. Copper and lead concentrations also were significantly greater in Lake DePue samples collected near the South Ditch than elsewhere in the lake. Concentrations of other metals were similar in Lake DePue, Turner Lake, and Peoria Lake. Long-term sedimentation rates from the lake survey (1903 to 1998) ranged from 1.4 to 2.6 centimeters per year (cm/yr). This is comparable to cesium-137 rates (1963 to 1998) of 1.6 to greater than 2.1 cm/yr. The area of the lake that was dredged has lost approximately one half of its water depth since dredging. The sedimentation rate is approximately 8 cm/yr in this area. The area of the lake that was dredged is trapping sediment that contains elevated level of metals coming from the South Ditch.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-098
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- Treatment of Metal-Contaminated Sediments with Hydroxyapatite and Soluble Orthophosphate
HWR98-143
Start: 6/19/98 - Completion: 6/30/00
Investigators
- Holm, Thomas; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Project Summary
- Soil from the diked sediment disposal area of the DePue Wildlife Management Area contains high concentrations of zinc (Zn) (up to 0.6% by weight) and other metals. Experiments were performed to evaluate the feasibility of immobilizing the metals in-situ using phosphate rock and soluble phosphate. Synthetic hydroxyapatite (HAp) was used as a surrogate for phosphate rock. Sequential chemical extractions were used to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. HAp reduced the extractable lead (Pb) by over 90%, but only reduced the extractable Zn and cadmium (Cd) by less than 25%. Soluble phosphate (added as KH2P04) produced no significant changes in the fractionation of Pb, Zn, or Cd. Acid treatment of the soil dissolved 40-¬60% of the metals in the soil and HAp was found to be an effective sorbent for Cd and Zn. Therefore, a two-step soil treatment was tried in which the soil was first acidified, HAp was added, and the excess acid was neutralized. There was no improvement in Cd or Zn immobilization.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-089
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- Analytical Speciation of Zn & Cd in the Sediments of Lake DePue
HWR98-144
Start: 4/23/98 - Completion: 5/14/99
Investigators
- Gaillard, Jean-Francois; Northwestern University (PI)
- Project Summary
- The chemical speciation of Cd and Zn in the sediments of Lake DePue (IL) was investigated using a multi-method approach. The various carrier phases for these two contaminants were observed by Analytical Electron Microscopy (AEM) and the coordination of the metals was determined by X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS). The observation micrographs, together with elemental analyses by Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS), of sediment and lake water particles reveal that Zn is associated with Fe, P, and S present in a variety of structures either of biological or inorganic origin. In contrast to Zn, which is almost ubiquitous in Lake DePue, Cd was not detected by EDS. The proportions of the various zinc coordination environment were quantified, in a first attempt, by the analysis of XAS spectra using the X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES). Near the contamination source Zn is found to be predominantly present in a hydrated state, and coordinated with phosphate, sulfide, carbonate, and sorbed by hydrous iron oxides. The relative proportion of these coordination shells vary with depth in the sediments reflecting diagenetic processes, and with distance from the source. A way from the contaminated area, the primary coordination shell is zinc-sulfide, a rather inert solid phase.
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- Concentrations of Selected Elements, Physical Condition, Reproductive Activity, and Demographic Patterns in Small Mammalas Inhabiting DePue Wildlife Managaement Area
HWR99-145
Start: 9/8/98 - Completion: 4/15/01
Investigators
- Heske, Jeffrey; Illinois Natural History Survey (PI)
- Caldwell, Kristi; Illinois Natural History Survey
- Levengood, Jeffrey; Illinois Natural History Survey
- Project Summary
- A total of 425 small mammals, primarily white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus, n= 365), and meadow or prairie voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus and M ochrogaster, respectively, n= 46), were captured during September of 1998 and 1999. Necropsies were performed on each specimen and livers and kidneys were collected from a subsample of specimens for determination of Ba, Cd, Cu, Pb, Se, and Zn concentrations using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy. Hg concentrations in liver tissue were determined using Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry. The white-footed mouse was the most abundant species captured at all sites and in both years. We did not detect differences in abundance, demographics, or reproductive activity among sites in this species that might be suggestive of population-level effects of contaminant exposure at DWMA. Adult male mice from DWMA and the adjacent floodplain reference site were in better physical condition (i.e., had higher body weight/body length index) than those from another bottomland area. Although somatic indices (organ weights as a proportion of body weight) were highly variable and we did not detect a statistically significant difference among sites, relative liver and kidney weights were lowest in both sexes from the two areas characterized by elevated concentrations of contaminants (DWMA and adjacent floodplain). Small mammals inhabiting the waterfowl impoundment at DWMA experienced greater exposure to Cd, Pb, Se, and possibly Hg (shrews) than those from the reference sites. Mean and/or maximum concentrations of Cd and Se in the tissues of small mammals from DWMA exceeded critical concentrations observed in experimental studies of laboratory mice and rats. The significance of the tissue Cd and Se concentrations we observed to the health and productivity of small mammals at DWMA are unclear as wild rodents may be less susceptible to detrimental effects of contaminant exposure than laboratory mice (Sawicka-Kapusta and Zakrzewska, 1994). With few exceptions tissue Pb concentrations were below published effects levels. Concentrations of Ba, Cu, Hg, and Zn in tissues of mice and voles did not vary appreciably among sites.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-101
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- Atrazine Removal Using Aquatic Plants : A Kinetic Approach
HWR99-146
Start: 11/15/98 - Completion: 6/30/00
Investigators
- Larson, Richard; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Sims, Gerald; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Project Summary
- Aquatic and terrestrial plants and microorganisms were screened to test their ability to remove the herbicide, atrazine, from the environment. Plants included hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), reed canarygrass (Phalarius arundinacea), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), and two varieties of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Microorganisms studied included a fungus of the genus Penicillium and an uncharacterized sample of neuston (floating microbial community) dominated by green algae. The atrazine-metabolizing fungus was found to afford a variety of as yet uncharacterized degradation products. An aquatic plant, hornwort, was found to take up atrazine from dilute aqueous solution (50 µg/L, 0.23 µM), a concentration typical of spring runoff in the northern United States. The rate of uptake was light-dependent, and even in the absence of plants atrazine was lost, due to induced photochemical reactions initiated by nitrate and an iron (III) complex in the nutrient solution used in the experiments. Breakdown products of atrazine in the presence of plants included deethylatrazine, deisopropylatrazine, and a glutathione conjugate of atrazine. Hydroxyatrazine was not detected. Autoradiography indicated that labeled material largely remained within the plant cells, indicating that microorganisms played a minor role in the disappearance of atrazine. The deethyl- and deisopropyl- derivatives were also formed by photochemical processes in the absence of plants.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-100
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- Continuation of DePue Biological Site Characterization Segment I (Water Foul) and Initiation of Segment II (Small Mammals)
HWR99-147
Start: 7/1/98 - Completion: 9/30/98
Investigators
- Levengood, Jeffrey; Illinois Natural History Survey (PI)
- Project Summary
- Continuation of HWR99-145: please see project HWR99-145 for more information and publications
- Comparison of Methods for Determination of Anaerobic Herbicide Fate in Flooded Soil
HWR99-148
Start: 1/1/99 - Completion: 6/30/00
Investigators
- Crawford, Jennifer; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Raskin, Lutgarde; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Simmons, William; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Project Summary
- Microbial populations in anaerobic soil-water microcosms were quantified in order to recommend the best procedure for studying anaerobic herbicide dissipation. Two different methods of establishing anaerobic conditions were used: (i) 30-day pretreatment of the microcosms with 1% glucose before herbicide addition, and (ii) preparation of the microcosms under anaerobic conditions. Nitrate and sulfate were added to half of the anaerobically-prepared microcosms to determine population changes under denitrifying and sulfate-reducing conditions. A portion of these nitrate + sulfate-amended microcosms were sterilized by autoclaving to study the effect of sterilization on the soil populations. Half of each of these four treatments received herbicide, and half did not, so that population changes resulting from herbicide addition could be assessed. Results showed that glucose-pretreated microcosms had a greater percentage of methanogens in the soil at the time of herbicide addition (35%) than the nitrate + sulfate amended microcosms (8%). The pretreatment influences the microbial characteristics of the system by creating a very reducing environment that represents conditions in soils which undergo extended periods of flooding (>3 wks). A typical soil to which herbicide is applied is primarily aerobic and may undergo periods of flooding and anaerobiosis due to heavy rainfall; however, the condition is short-lived (<3 wks) because the soil dries out. Soils that become anaerobic in this manner are not represented by the conditions created by glucose pretreatment. Thus, we recommend that the EPA change the design to include a more naturally-occurring anaerobic environment in fulfilling the anaerobic fate requirement for herbicide registration.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-090
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- Pollution Prevention Products for Illinois Dry Cleaners : Testing and Recommendations of Chemicals for Wetcleaning : A Report of the Center for Neighborhood Technology
HWR99-149
Start: 2/24/99 - Completion: 6/30/00
Investigators
- Star, Anthony; The Center for Neighborhood Technology (PI)
- Eyring, William; The Center for Neighborhood Technology
- Project Summary
- This report examines the wastewater from nine different products typically used in the wet-cleaning process. While several previous studies have indicated few or no problems with the wastewater associated with the wet-cleaning process, those studies have all examined single types of wet-cleaning setups (e.g., machines, detergents). This study analyses the wastewater from nine of the most commonly used wet-cleaning products to provide a broader overview of the characteristics of the effluent. Wet-cleaning is a range of techniques and technologies that use water as the primary solvent to clean clothes labeled "Dry Clean Only." Wet-cleaning is performed in a commercial setting with a system that utilizes water, specially formulated detergents, and precise control (either manual or computerized) over the mechanical action, water temperature and level, and carefully regulated drying. Wet-cleaning spotting is done by using products designed for the process that can be safely discharged to sewer systems. Pressing of wet-cleaned garments may be done either with conventional professional pressing equipment, or with tensioning finishing equipment and/or drying cabinets for greater productivity.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-106
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- Chemical Management: Overcoming Barriers to Diffusion
HWR99-150
Start: 1/12/99 - Completion: 6/30/00
Investigators
- Bierma, Thomas; Illinois State University (PI)
- Waterstaat, Frank; Illinois State University
- Project Summary
- Chemical management services (CMS) is an innovative alternative to traditional chemical supply, resulting in lower chemical costs and reduced chemical waste. However, we estimate that only 3%-6% of applicable companies have adopted CMS. This report identifies the most significant barriers to diffusion and provides a "Top 10" list of recommendations for strengthening and expanding the CMS industry. These 10 priority activities were derived from a comparison of the CMS and chemical industries (Part 1 of this report), and from an evaluation of the factors governing market demand for CMS (Part 2). The "Top 10" list represents broad initiatives for CMS growth; specific marketing activities must be developed by CMS suppliers, industry associations, and other organizations, such as Waste Management and Research Center (WMRC), that seek to accelerate diffusion of CMS.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-087
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- Microlubrication in Metal Machining Operations
HWR99-151
Start: 2/11/99 - Completion: 9/28/00
Investigators
- Machining Xcellence (PI)
- Project Summary
- Spent metal removal fluid (cutting fluid, lubricant, coolant, etc.) is a significant waste stream from the metal fabrication industry. The quantity of waste generated and the cost of fluid purchases could be reduced by microlubrication (minimum quantity lubrication, mist lubrication) methods of fluid delivery. In microlubrication, a fine cutting fluid mist is used, rather than the traditional method of flooding the cutting tool -- workpiece interface. The metal fabrication industry is concerned that the use of microlubrication might reduce tool life negatively impacting production and increasing manufacturing costs. The purpose of this research was to compare the performance (tool life) of cutting tools lubricated and cooled using microlubrication with that of cutting tools lubricated and cooled using traditional flood application. The performance difference identified is used to calculate and compare the economic impact of microlubrication versus flood application. Discussion is also presented comparing the effect of microlubrication and flood application on the cost of fluid purchased and disposal.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-096
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- Transport of Herbicides in the Upper Embarras River Watershed
HWR99-152
Start: 2/1/99 - Completion: 12/31/00
Investigators
- David, Mark; University of Illinois (PI)
- Cooke, Richard; University of Illinois
- Gentry, Lowell; University of Illinois
- Starks, Karen; University of Illinois
- Project Summary
- Water samples were collected throughout the Embarras River watershed above the Camargo gage in east-central Illinois from March 1999 through September 2000 to study the occurrence of herbicides, both parent compounds and metabolites. Hydrologic models were developed to predict the amount and source (surface and subsurface tiles) of flow during events. The herbicides atrazine, metolachlor, and acetochlor were the focus of the study because they are heavily used in Illinois and in this watershed, which is approximately 92% row crop agriculture (com and soybean). Water samples were collected based on flow from three subwatersheds of varying tile density and from the watershed outlet at Camargo. During the study, near record low flow totals occurred with no large spring events that are typically seen. As the rainfall rate was almost always less than the infiltration rate of the soils in the watershed, nearly all flow was from tiles during the sampling period, with only a portion of the watershed receiving surface runoff in late June of 2000. For atrazine and metolachlor, the first flow event of any size following applications in April and May caused the highest concentrations observed (typically called the spring flush). This demonstrated that these herbicides moved through the soils of the watershed and into tile lines and then the river. Concentrations (by immunoassay) of atrazine at Camargo peaked at 28 and 31 µg/L in 1999 and 2000, respectively, and metolachlor at 4 and 5 µg/L. The spring flush led to the highest concentrations of herbicides that were measured during the project in the Embarras River at Camargo. Metabolites of the chloroacetanilide herbicides were detected more often than the parent compounds, with metolachlor ESA (ethanesulfonic acid) detected most often (> 90% from all sites), and metolachlor OA (oxanilic acid) second (40 to 100% of samples at the four sites). Metolachlor ESA was found at concentrations of 1.2 to 3.9 µg/L at Camargo (outlet of watershed) and concentrations of this metabolite did not seem to be related to flow, suggesting that it is quite persistent and ubiquitous in the watershed studied. When summed, the median value of the three chloroacetanilide parent compounds (acetochlor, alachlor, and metolachlor) was 3.4 µg/L, whereas it was 4.3 µg/L for the six metabolites. Our pattern of concentrations differed among the three herbicides, with parent compounds > metabolites for acetochlor and alachlor, but ESA > parent compound > OA for metolachlor. These results support the importance and persistence of chloroacetanilide metabolites, although they were not as dominant as in the few previous studies that have analyzed for them. These metabolites have only recently been detected in surface waters, and there are no drinking water standards established for them. Whether chronic exposure to this chemical in combination with other herbicides causes adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems or human health is unknown.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-091
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- Exposure to Selected Elements and Health of Raccoons from Lake Depue
HWR99-153
Start: 2/1/99 - Completion: 10/15/00
Investigators
- Levengood, Jeffrey; Illinois Natural History Survey (PI)
- Amdor, Brett; Illinois Natural History Survey
- Hubert, George; Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- Lichtensteiger, Carol; University of Illinois
- Skowron, Loretta; Illinois Sate Water Survey
- Project Summary
- Previous studies have documented elevated concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead, zinc and other elements in soils and sediments in and around Lake DePue, Illinois, due to past zinc smelting operations. Concentrations of cadmium, zinc, and other selected elements in the blood, kidney, liver, and pancreas of were determined for 29 raccoons collected during 1999-2000, at Lake DePue, Illinois, and reference sites in Bureau (Donnelley Fish and Wildlife Area [FWA]) and Champaign (University of Illinois [UI] Farms) Counties. In addition to the collection of tissues for the determination of analyte concentrations, post-mortem examinations were conducted, portions of kidney, liver, and pancreas were preserved for histopathological examination, and blood was collected for clinical pathology. The objectives were to (1) compare concentrations of selected elements, with emphasis on cadmium and zinc, in tissues of raccoons collected at Lake DePue with those of raccoons from reference sites and previously reported values for raccoons from Illinois, (2) examine the health of raccoons from Lake DePue relative to specimens from reference sites, and (3) examine the potential risks to other species of special concern (i.e. mink and otter), based upon concentrations of contaminants in raccoon tissues and reported effects/tissue levels in these species. Raccoons from Lake DePue and Donnelley FWA had higher concentrations of cadmium and mercury in their tissues than those collected at UI Farms. These sites are located along a stretch of the Illinois River ranked eighth in priority among 336 Illinois water quality limited watersheds, due in part to "moderate" contamination with metals. Thus increased exposure to these metals may be the background condition for raccoons occupying this portion of the Illinois River. Raccoons from Lake DePue had greater exposure to selenium and zinc, and possibly cadmium and mercury, than did raccoons from both reference sites. Analyte concentrations for some tissue-element combinations exceeded the published concentrations in other mammalian species. However, these critical concentrations were deemed too low for raccoons, a species considered relatively resistant to the effects of contaminants, based on the lack of demonstrable health affects attributable to exposure to metals and other toxic elements. Although changes were observed in hematology, serum biochemistry, and tissue structure, the lack of a consistent pattern among sites and concomitant changes in other characters often associated with metal insult (e.g. packed cell volume [PCV], hemoglobin, hemosiderosis, and renal tubule damage) suggests that these changes were not related to heavy metal exposure. Additionally, the magnitude of observed changes in blood parameters, while statistically significant, was not considered clinically important. Although several histological tissue changes were noted, the changes observed were not cause-specific, could result from other insults (especially infectious), and were not consistent with collection site. Therefore, based on the parameters and individuals we examined, exposure to metals and other elements at the tissue concentrations we observed is not negatively impacting the health of raccoons. Estimated concentrations of elements in tissues of mink/river otter, based on concentrations observed in raccoons from Lake DePue and inter-specific comparisons in other studies, suggested that these species were not at risk of heavy metal intoxication at Lake DePue. However, the importance of the calculated cadmium and zinc values for mink and river otter are not known. Raccoons, and ostensibly mink and river otters, utilizing Lake DePue environs do not appear to be at risk from the exposure to the elevated concentrations of barium, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, selenium, and zinc present at this site. Previous studies have suggested that raccoons have greater accumulation of lead than mink. Assuming that concentrations of lead in the livers of mink are lower than in raccoons, lead levels in mink inhabiting the Lake DePue environs are expected to be lower than those observed in this species from other contaminated environments. Based on the concentrations of mercury we observed in raccoons in this study, and the relationship between mercury levels in raccoons and mink/river otters in previous studies, it does not appear that mink and river otters using Lake DePue would be at risk of mercury poisoning. The estimated liver selenium concentrations for mink and river otter were lower than in most other studies. The estimated concentrations of zinc in the livers of mink and river otters were higher than previously reported for these species. However, the importance of these tissue concentrations is not known.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-093
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- Measurement of Biomarkers for Environmental Estrogen Exposure in Raccoons
HWR99-154
Start: 4/1/99 - Completion: 6/30/00
Investigators
- Jeffery, Elizabeth; University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign (PI)
- Project Summary
- This project was conceived as a supplement to that of Dr. J. Levengood entitled "DePue WMA Biological Site Characterization: Segment Ill - Levels and Effects of Selected Metals in Raccoons". Dr. Levengood had proposed to collect plasma and harvest tissue from raccoons collected in the Lake DePue area, and compare xenobiotic metal levels in tissues from these animals with metal levels from a similar number of raccoons collected from a pristine reference area along the Illinois River. In this supplemental project, we proposed to measure biomarkers for estrogenicity in plasma of these same animals, and to confirm the results through quantification of an estrogen-regulated protein, complement C3, in uterine tissue from all females collected. Raccoons are particularly suitable biomonitors when considering contamination of an Illinois lake or waterway, because of their habits and abundance. We analyzed samples from raccoons located in polluted as well as pristine areas using the ceruloplasmin and angiotensinogen biomarkers developed in our lab. Increase in angiotensinogen was seen in raccoon living in contaminated areas suggesting exposure to estrogenic substances. However, no confirming increases were seen with ceruloplasmin. In addition, complement C3 was not detectable in uterine tissue of raccoons from either location. We conclude that elevated angiotensinogen levels indicate an adverse effect of the polluted environment, but that other markers did not confirm that this was due to estrogenic compounds.
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- Histoic Soil Samples
HWR99-155
Start: 5/15/99 - Completion: 6/30/99
Investigators
- Peck, Ted; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Wander, Michelle; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Project Summary
- An extremely valuable collection of archival soil samples protected in glass jars, which includes samples collected in the early 1900s before environmental intrusions, will be moved from Davenport Hall and a dilapidated building located on the South Farms this April. Even though these samples have great scientific value, the collection has been neglected for years. This is due to at least in part to the daunting size, limited access to, and knowledge of, the collection. A group of Field Books and Journals exist that chronicle assigned numbers and field notes about the collection and include analytical data; however, there is no key to relating information in the books to storage locations.
- Concentrations and Potential Toxicity of Metals and Ammonia in Peoria Lake Sediments and Pore Waters
HWR00-156
Start: 9/1/99 - Completion: 6/30/01
Investigators
- Machesky, Michael L., Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Holm, Thomas R., Illinois State Water Survey
- Shackleford, Dana B., Illinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- The concentrations and potential toxicity of several heavy metals (cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)) and ammonia in sediments and pore waters of Peoria Lake to 30 cm depth have been characterized. There was little previous information on Peoria Lake pore water chemistry prior to our study. Pore water measurements also included dissolved organic carbon and pH. Complementary sediment solid analyses included Acid-Volatile Sulfide (AVS) and Simultaneously Extracted Metals (SEM) concentrations. Sediment cores were collected in both April and October of 2000 to permit a first-order assessment of seasonal differences. Pore water ammonia concentrations were high, ranging from about 0.5-36.0 mg/L (as N), while overlying water concentrations in samples collected at the same time near the sediment-water interface (less than or equal to 15 cm) were much lower (less than or equal to 0.2 mg/L). Ammonia pore water concentrations generally increased with depth, and were higher in October than April. Pore water pH values ranged from about 7.5 to 6.8 and generally decreased with depth. These pH values were lower than those of the overlying water column (7.8-8.5). All sediment samples contained detectable AVS, indicating Peoria Lake sediments are strongly reducing, even in the top 6 cm. The AVS values ranged from 10-40 µmol/g and no significant seasonal changes were observed. The sum of HCl-extractable Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn (SEM) concentrations were less than corresponding AVS values in all sediment samples. Dissolved concentrations of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were low in pore waters (<15 µg/L), and these concentrations were generally lower than those of the overlying water column. The formation of sparingly soluble metal sulfides is at least partially responsible for the low pore water concentrations of these metals. Previous work indicates that for sediment solids with SEM
- ISTC Notes
- RR-103
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- Assessing Risks to Aquatic Resources of the Fox River Drainage : Availability of Aquatic Resources Data and Refining Predicted Distributions of Aquatic Species
HWR00-157
Start: 12/1/99 - Completion: 11/30/01
Investigators
- Levengood, Jeff, Illinois Natural History Survey (PI)
- Weicherding, Tari, Illinois Natural History Survey
- Project Summary
- A need exists for information which would facilitate rapid assessment of risks to aquatic life. This is especially time critical in areas such as the Fox River drainage where an expanding human population and rapid development threaten aquatic systems. We have been developing a GIS user interface created using GIS technology and expertise to enhance the ecological risk assessment by allowing rapid access to information on species distributions and ancillary information such as location of nature preserves, wetlands and streams, Toxic Release Inventory and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or "Superfund") sites. To date this pilot effort has involved the creation of predicted species distribution databases for a number of terrestrial and aquatic species known to occur in Kane, Du Page, Will, Kendall, Grundy, and Kankakee counties. The predicted distributions are based on locational data such as records from museum collections and habitat associations determined from scientific literature for each species. For terrestrial species, the habitat associations for each species were assigned to appropriate land cover categories from our most current vegetation classifications for determining predicted distributions. Through the development of this pilot project and discussions with Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Resource Review and Coordination staff, it became apparent that there is a need to further refine aquatic species predicted distributions (e.g. below the subwatershed level) to facilitate rapid assessment of potential risks to aquatic life in the event of a contaminant release or should a permitting issue arise. A comprehensive streams classification would allow the refinement the predicted distribution of aquatic species below the hydrologic unit level (1:250,000 scale). Our objectives in this portion of the pilot study were to 1) locate and map the locations of water quality monitoring stations and aquatic animal specimen collection sites in the Fox River drainage, 2) identify streams classification systems and utilize an existing classification to attempt to refine the predicted distribution of selected aquatic species inhabiting the Fox River drainage in our pilot area, 3) test the accuracy of predicted distributions for selected aquatic species using existing locality information from Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) aquatic collections, and 4) determine whether existing data are adequate to be incorporated into an eco-risk tool designed to predict the occurrence of aquatic species. There is continuing concern about degradation of water quality and related threats to the aquatic resources of the Fox River, amid increased development pressures in this area. Ammonia discharge and permitting issues pertaining to the Fox River and other Illinois waterways are controversial (e.g. see): http://www.elpc.org/forest/water/ammonia.htm). We evaluated ammonia nitrogen and unionized ammonia concentrations recorded in 1997 and 1998 at two water quality monitoring stations in the Fox River drainage. These concentrations were compared with critical concentrations of ammonia protective of aquatic life and allowable concentrations of ammonia nitrogen per state statute.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-088
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- Non-Cyanide Silver as a Substitute for Cyanide Processes; Effect of Barrel Design on Dragout Rate
HWRG00-158
Start: 1/15/00 - Completion: 6/30/01
Investigators
- Altmayer, Frank; Chicago Metal Finishers Institute (PI)
- Lindsey, Timothy; Waste Management and Research Center (PI)
- Hayes, Chris; Waste Management and Research Center
- Zak, Jeff; Chicago Metal Finishers Institute
- Project Summary
- 2 Reports: 1.) New barrels for electroplating have been developed and manufacturers of some of these newer designs have claimed significant improvements in drag-out losses by their new barrels. Since water consumption and waste generation are directly tied to dragout rate from processing solutions, it is clear that there is a need to produce a method of evaluating such barrels, so that the user minimizes pollution. This study, funded by The Illinois Waste Management Research Center produced a benchmark test to compare drag-out rates of plating barrels. The study used this test to compare two size ranges of plating barrels, small and large. For small barrels (6" x 12"), testing showed that a reduction in dragout rate, as high as 48%, may be achieved. For large barrels (16" x 36"), testing showed that a reduction as high as 44% may be obtained. A survey was conducted to determine the relative durability of the barrels under study. The survey indicated that some of the barrels that produce lower levels of drag-out (those using fine mesh) may unfortunately provide less service life, but other low dragout rate barrels offered service life that is similar to traditional barrels. 2.) Since the mid-1800s, silver has been deposited from a cyanide-based formulation on a commercial basis. Commercial non-cyanide silver plating solutions were first made generally available in the late 1970s, and yet today the vast majority, and nearly all commercial silver plating is conducted in formulations that contain cyanide. This study was conducted to determine if non-cyanide silver plating processes that have been developed in the last few years would be suitable replacements for cyanide based formulations. The study was to be co-sponsored by a Chicago area plater, who originally agreed to work with us in resolving commonly encountered complaints about these processes. Unfortunately, after a short period of time, this plater withdrew from the project, citing severe doubts about the potential for success. We were not able to interest any other silver plater to co-sponsor this project. We therefore conducted laboratory experiments on two commercially available processes to gather enough data that we could use to convince a plater to give the process a try.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-094/RR-095
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- Assessment of Risk of Mink Exposed to PCB's in the Lower Illinois River Watershed
HWR00-159
Start: 1/1/00 - Completion: 6/30/00
Investigators
- Halbrook, Richard; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (PI)
- Sheehan, Robert; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
- Project Summary
- Staff of the Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory recently used environmental contaminant concentrations in mink (Mustela vison) to monitor environmental health using Illinois watersheds as a geographical framework. Our results indicated elevated PCBs in mink collected from 6 watersheds with concentrations in those collected from the Lower Illinois River Watershed being the greatest (mean = 3.14 mg/kg, range non-detect - 12.30 mg/kg). Although we have no data to indicate that the mink from this watershed are adversely affected by PCBs, the concentrations measured in their tissues indicate potential environmental concentrations of concern and warrants additional study. The goal of the current study was to better define the sources and distribution of PCBs and to evaluate the potential for adverse effects in biota living in streams in the Lower Illinois River Watershed, with the emphasis being risk to mink reproduction. Sediment, crayfish (Cambarus sp.), and fish were collected from Hill, Palmer, Carr, and Fountain creeks where mink with elevated liver PCB concentrations have previously been collected. PCBs were quantified in only 2 of 3 red shiner fish composite samples (57 and 66 ppb) collected at the confluence of Hill and Palmer Creeks. Concentrations in all other samples (sediment, crayfish, and fish) were below our analytical detection limits (50 ppb). The current study did not provide information to indicate that PCBs in sediment or major aquatic food items are possible sources for PCB accumulation in mink collected from the Lower Illinois River Watershed. Quite the contrary, our results indicate that the creeks in our study do not appear to be a significant source of PCBs for mink. Because mink have a fairly large home range (1 - 5 km of stream length, EPA 1993) and their diet consists of terrestrial as well as aquatic food items, it would be necessary to evaluate habitats in other locations in order to determine the source of PCBs in the mink previously collected from the Lower Illinois River Watershed.
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- Validation of a Potential Biomonitor for Contaminated Sites. Effect of Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) Exposure on Fetal Development
HWR00-160
Start: 1/1/00 - Completion: 6/30/00
Investigators
- Segre, Mariangela; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Project Summary
- The pilot project proposed to devise an animal model to be used to assess the level of POP in contaminated sites during the process of remediation. POP resist degradation through physical, chemical, or biological processes. Some POP can disrupt normal biological functions, hormones, and other chemical messengers, which may result in potentially harmful effects. The effects of POP exposures are most significant in immature animals. Dr. Segre's laboratory has shown the negative impact on the immune systems of pups born from dams exposed to POP and could be measured up to 22 months of age. There are numbers of well-documented responses from exposure to POP, but the public health and ecological significance of these actions are poorly understood.
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- Mutagenicity and Fitness Impacts in Wild White-Footed Mice Due To Exposure to Environmental Pollutants
HWR00-161
Start: 1/1/00 - Completion: 6/30/00
Investigators
- Loew, Sabine; Illinois State University (PI)
- Project Summary
- The pilot project addressed the topic of assessing the wild white-footed mice for long-term exposure to heavy metals and PCBs and their biological effects of this exposure. Lab feeding trials on various organisms, including white-footed mouse, have demonstrated that exposure to heavy metals could lead to elevated mutation rates and a great range of fitness consequences, including morphological fluctuating asymmetry, reduced litter size, poor offspring growth and survival, and elimination of breeding by the second generation. Although recent studies on natural bird populations demonstrated that pollutants are likely to increase germline mutation rates in avian wildlife, our understanding of the adverse effects of contaminants on natural gene pools, especially in mammals remains extremely limited. Due to the limited applicability of lab research to natural populations and the multigenerational impacts of germline mutations, assessment of the threats to wildlife requires molecular analyses of animals exposed to contaminants in their natural environments. Minisatellite DNA shows hyper-sensitivity to genotoxic chemicals, and minisatellite DNA fingerprinting has been successfully used in detecting germline mutations in wild birds, hence is ideally suited to monitor the mutagenicity of genotoxins in natural populations. Contaminants may also impact the fitness of natural wildlife population. However, fitness consequences resulting from heavy metal contamination have rarely been addressed comprehensively in wild mammals, and have never been combined with an evaluation of genotoxic impacts for the same animals.
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- Historic Soil Samples- Building a Database
HWR00-162
Start: 1/1/00 - Completion: 6/30/00
Investigators
- Peck, Ted; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Wander, Michelle; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Project Summary
- The researchers have been working to salvage an extremely valuable collection of archival soil samples protected in glass jars. The collection includes samples collected in the early 1900s before current environmental intrusions. Thousands of samples were moved from Davenport Hall to an Illinois Natural History Survey barn. Approximately one third of those samples have been moved to a permanent facility where they have been described, cataloged and shelved. A second set of samples, located in a dilapidated building located on the South Farms, has been catalogued. Those samples and the rest of the Davenport samples will be moved into the permanent facility. The final electronic database will include information from the individual samples and an identifying code to link each sample to relevant written records.
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- Reuse of Electroplating Wastewater. An Investigation into Factors Affecting Reliability of Reverse Osmosis
HWR00-163
Start: 3/31/00 - Completion: 8/31/03
Investigators
- Cheryan, Munir; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Rajagopalan, Kishore; Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (PI)
- Project Summary
- Membrane filtration processes such as ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis are increasingly being recognized as important technologies that can reduce water usage in metal finishing industries. In particular, they have great potential in significantly reducing water consumption by at least 50% and perhaps as much as 90% by allowing recycling of treated electroplating effluent that is currently discharged. However, membrane technologies have not been widely adopted as yet. The fouling of the membrane by specific constituents in the effluent is widely perceived as a major deterrent to the widespread application of membranes. It limits the cost effectiveness of the technology as well as its robustness. The proposed research seeks to identify potential foulants in electroplating wastewaters and evaluate pretreatment technologies to minimize fouling and maximize productivity. In particular, it will focus on evaluating recent advances in immersed microfiltration systems for pretreating effluent wastewater followed by reverse osmosis.
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- In Situ Speciation of Mercury in Fish and Marine Mammals by X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy: A Preliminary Study
HWRG00-164
Start: 5/1/00 - Completion: 10/31/00
Investigators
- Bunker, Grant; Illinois Institute of Technology (PI)
- Project Summary
- The purpose of this pilot study was to determine detection limits of XAS for mercury in tissues using the best available x-ray technology at the BioCAT undulator beamline at the Advanced Photon Source, and to assess the extent to which speciation of mixtures can be assessed by Principal Components Analysis and related methods. These goals were achieved, and the results suggest some better alternative ways to address the scientific problem. Further studies appear to be warranted.
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- Total Cost Ownership for Metalworking Fluids
HWR01-165
Start: 1/1/01 - Completion: 6/30/03
Investigators
- Bierma, Thomas; Illinois State University (PI)
- Waterstaat, Frank; Illinois State University
- Project Summary
- Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have a significant need for chemical management services (CMS). However, financial barriers make traditional CMS programs unprofitable in smaller accounts. To overcome these financial barriers, CMS suppliers must enhance their revenues and reduce their costs, as well as overcome a number of non-monetary barriers. This will require significant changes in CMS programs for SMEs. Governmental and non-profit organizations can assist in this process. Specific recommendations are provided for CMS suppliers and other organizations interested in promoting the adoption of CMS. A case study provides an example of how a CMS supplier engaged a small facility in a profitable CMS account.
One of the greatest barriers to diffusion of CMS is customer confusion and uncertainty about how CMS differs from other chemical supply programs. A CMS "standard" is one way to reduce customer confusion and give CMS a competitive advantage over less economically- and environmentally-beneficial programs. A review of existing standards in other industries reveals five basic dimensions that must be considered in structuring a CMS standard. Three alternative structures for the CMS standard are proposed.
Metalworking fluids have a greater financial impact on a company than the purchase price alone. This is often called the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and has two components -- hidden costs and performance leverage - in addition to the fluid purchase price. Hidden costs arise from the fact that fluids must be managed, from purchasing and receiving, to plant floor clean-up, to waste treatment and disposal. Performance leverage results from fluids' effects on process performance, from machine tool life to product scrap and rework.
In this study, three plants using metalworking fluids were examined for fluid TCO. In all cases, annual fluid purchases were $100,000 or less. Results indicate that the ratio of annual hidden costs to fluid purchase costs ranged from a low of 1.5:1 to as high as 5.5:1 (this company spent approximately $5.50 managing fluids for every dollar of fluid purchased). The most significant components of TCO included chemical additives, electricity, spill management, and waste fluid treatment and disposal.
Tasks focused on evaluating several potential CMS partnerships. These are: 1. ADOP2T/CMS Demonstration Sites -- partnerships between WMRC, CMS suppliers and CMS customers to develop and display demonstration sites. As part of the ADOP2T program, CMS would be one of the pollution prevention "technologies" on display for other companies to see. 2. CMS/Technology Supplier Partnerships -- partnerships between CMS suppliers and organizations with expertise in P2 technologies. This would include not only WMRC but also commercial technology suppliers. The purpose is to accelerate the application of P2 technologies by providing technology expertise that may be lacking in CMS suppliers. 3. CMS "Users Group" -- partnerships between current CMS customers. The purpose is to share experiences with CMS, identify "best practices" in the use of CMS, and drive CMS suppliers to continue to improve CMS programs.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-105
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- Metal Working Fluid Recycling by Centrifugation, Filtration and Pasteurization: Assessing Environmental Benefits and Implications for Worker Health and Safety
HWR01-166
Start: 9/1/00 - Completion: 6/30/03
Investigators
- Clark, Mark; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Sanford, Robert; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Project Summary
- Large volumes of metal working fluids (MWF) are currently being used and disposed of on an annual basis. This waste stream has the potential to be a significant burden on the environment and a threat to the health of industrial plant workers. Current practices for extending the life of a MWF include centrifugation, pasteurization and filtration, however little research has been done characterizing the effects of these processes on the MWF or the efficacy of these processes in conjunction with biocides at reducing the microbiological contamination associated with MWF. Microbial growth in MWF poses a potential health hazard to workers who might breathe in the endotoxins produced by bacteria. The research objectives are to 1) determine the effectiveness of current processes (i.e centrifugation, filtration and pasteurization) at reducing waste volume of contaminated MWF; 2) determine if the current processes in use for extending MWF life also detrimentally affect the usefulness of the MWF; 3) characterize the efficacy of these current practices at reducing microbial contamination; and 4) determine the effect of these processes in conjunction with biocide use on the endotoxin content in MWF. At least three plants will be identified that use the processes identified. MWF from these processes will be tested to determine the impact on its efficacy. Molecular techniques, such as TRF and DGGE that target the 16S ribosomal DNA from bacteria will be used to characterize the microbial community structure. Endotoxin content will be quantified in each system. It is expected that the quality of the MWF will be impacted by the current treatment systems in place and that significant microbial contamination problems are still possible in these systems. The research will provide a quantitative measure of these affects which will be useful in designing better recycling systems. In addition the molecular-based characterization of the microbial community will be useful not only for assessing performance in the systems tested, but will facilitate the evaluation in other MWF systems.
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- Archival and Online Distribution of Illinois Digital Orthophoto Quadrangles at the Illinois Natural Resources Geospatial Data Clearinghouse
HWR01-167
Start: 9/1/00 - Completion: 6/30/01
Investigators
- McGarry, Christopher; Illinois State Geological Survey (PI)
- Beaverson, Sheena; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Project Summary
- This project proposes to compress geographical information database files that are too large for nearly all state agencies to use and place them online through the Natural Resources Geospatial Data Clearinghouse, from which this information can be downloaded. The data was created from 1998/99 aerial photography that is registered to map coordinates. It will be the most comprehensive, up-to-date, large-scale geographic database for Illinois. The information is well suited for mapping projects, pollution prevention, urban planning for smart growth, environmental assessment, and watershed management.
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- Use of Biotechnology to Recover Sulfur in Corn Processing Industries, Integration of Biological Waste Treatment, Pollution Prevention, and Sustainable Technologies
HWR01-168
Start: 9/1/00 - Completion: 6/30/03
Investigators
- Raskin, Lutgarde; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Rausch, Kent; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Project Summary
- A rapid progression from abatement technology development to pollution prevention and sustainable technology development is desirable for food processing industries. However, it is important that technology development efforts in each stage are linked. For example, waste streams often are not characterized in detail when developing pollution prevention or sustainable technologies. In addition, the implementation of new technologies in food processing plants may create new waste streams and modify the characteristics of existing waste streams, which will affect treatment.
The research will make use of biotechnology to develop a sustainable process for sulfur recovery for the corn processing industry. The development of abatement and pollution prevention technologies will be integrated during this process. Waste stream variability will be dealt with through technology development for biological treatment of variable waste streams and pollution prevention will be approached through process evaluation. The specific objectives are (1) Establish a sulfur balance for representative corn wet milling plants. Liquid, solid, and gas samples from coproduct and waste streams will be collected and analyzed; (2) Evaluate the potential of a novel anaerobic biological waste treatment process (Anaerobic Migrating Blanket Reactor, AMBR) to treat a sulfate-rich waste stream from a corn wet milling plant and to maintain stable operating conditions while treating a highly variable waste stream. Adopt a biological system to oxidize sulfide to elemental S that is compatible with the AMBR. Nucleic acid based techniques will be used to quantify microbial populations and help improve operating conditions.
Successful implementation of sulfur recovery is anticipated to have a significant impact on the profitability of corn processing plants and will result in environmental benefits. A direct economic benefit will be accomplished through the ability to recycle sulfur. Indirect effects on profitability will result from reduced treatment costs, the ability to use biogas as an energy source, and the improved quality of coproducts. The most obvious environmental benefit is the reduced release of sulfur compounds into the atmosphere and receiving waters.
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- Calumet Eco-Industrial Network Survey Project : Partnership Opportunities for Reusing Materials, Water, and Energy
HWR01-169
Start: 10/1/00 - Completion: 12/31/01
Investigators
- Thomas, Stacey; Southeast Chicago Development Commission (PI)
- Groce, Kristen; Southeast Chicago Development Commission
- Project Summary
- The Calumet Eco-Industrial Network Survey Project was conducted to collect baseline information for the purpose of developing an Eco-Industrial Network in the Calumet region of Chicago. Southeast Chicago Development Commission (SCDCom) believes that local companies can utilize the basic principles of material re-use, waste reduction, and energy efficiency within networks of companies. Information gathered from this survey project could be a first step in creating an Eco-Industrial Network (EIN) between local companies in the Calumet region.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-102
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- Natural Resource Damage Assessments : Methods and Cases
HWR01-170
Start: 1/1/01 - Completion: 8/31/02
Investigators
- Ando, Amy; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Khanna, Madhur; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Vig, Suzanne; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Wildermuth, Amy; University of Utah
- Project Summary
- State agencies have had legal standing to sue for damages to the natural resources of their respective states for decades. Some such agencies have been active in pursuing settlements with responsible parties for damages resulting from releases of oil or hazardous materials into the environment. Other agencies are just beginning to explore how a program to deal with natural resource damages (NRD) cases might look. In order to secure NRD settlements, Trustees must engage in the process of NRD Assessment (NRDA). Much has been written to describe and improve upon the state of the art in NRDA. However, most state programs lack the funding or staff capacity to effectively use such sophisticated and expensive assessment methods. Furthermore, most of the cases that a state agency might have to grapple with are, in fact, very small, and may be poorly documented. In such cases, it may be infeasible or nonsensical to conduct a case-specific NRDA. We have engaged in a multi-part project to find out how state agencies with NRD programs have chosen to conduct the NRDAs for their projects, what simplified assessment methods have been developed at the state level that might be emulated by other states, and how Trustees and academics have wrestled with the particularly thorny issue of evaluating NRDs when the damaged resource is groundwater. We have also produced a document which may be of use in states where the Trustees are just beginning to pursue NRD cases; it gives a summary of the federal statutes relevant to NRDs, and provides summaries of illustrative cases.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-108
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- Advanced Separation Systems for Adsorption and Filtration of Environmental Contaminants
HWR01-171
Start: 1/1/01 - Completion: 9/30/03
Investigators
- Economy, James; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Benak, Kelly; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Voyles, John; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Project Summary
- The objective of this project includes cleanup of process streams from the organic chemical manufacturing, petrochemical and metal finishing industries. These streams typically include hydrocarbons such as benzene, anthracene, ethylbenzene, carbon tetrachloride, 1-4 dioxane and acetone. Three target compounds have specifically been chosen for this study as representative of entire classes of non-polar hydrocarbon, chlorinated hydrocarbon and low-volatility hydrophilic compounds. We plan to prepare and characterize activated carbon fiber assemblies for the removal of specific target compounds. Pore size and surface chemistry of the assemblies will be tailored to enhance adsorption of the contaminants under equilibrium and dynamic conditions. We also propose to investigate regeneration of the filters and ultimate disposal of the concentrated regenerant as well as evaluation of mixtures to simulate real waste streams that include alcohols. Based on preliminary studies we anticipate highly effective removal of all contaminants down to the low ppb range.
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- Baseline Survey of Invertebrates at Indian Ridge Marsh, Indian Creek and Hegewisch Marsh
HWR01-172
Start: 4/15/01 - Completion: 5/30/03
Investigators
- Tzovolos, Nick; Illinois Natural History Survey (PI)
- Voegtlin, David; Illinois Natural History Survey
- Project Summary
- A cooperative effort between WMRC and the Chicago Wilderness to develop a baseline inventory of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates at three sites (Indian Ridge Marsh, Indian Creek and Hegewisch Marsh ), in the Calumet region. Indian Ridge Marsh and Hegewisch Marsh are two properties that have an extensive history of being used as dumping grounds for slag, dredged spoils, and building materials. Indian Creek has been channelized and is heavily sedimented. The object of this base level survey was to document the invertebrates that live in them as of the summer of 2001. The data gathered will provide information for comparative purposes as all three of these sites are due to undergo some degree of physical modification (rehabilitation) in the near future. It is expected that the physical changes at all three of these sites will increase the diversity of vegetation and provide improved terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
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- Dredged Sediment: Application as an Agricultural Soil Amendment
HWR01-173
Start: 4/15/01 - Completion: 6/30/01
Investigators
- Darmody, Robert; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Project Summary
- The seed project will allow moving dredged sediment, setting-up plots, and planting crops to determine whether addition of dredged sediments to poorly productive soils will greatly increase their productivity.
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- Metal Bioaccumulation by Garden Vegetables Grown on Soil Derived from Peoria Lake Sediment
HWR01-174
Start: 4/20/01 - Completion: 6/30/03
Investigators
- Ebbs, Stephen; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (PI)
- Project Summary
- This study was undertaken to determine whether use of recovered sediment as a growth media for garden vegetables promotes the bioaccumulation of undesirable elements in plant tissues. Five plant species, bean, broccoli, carrot, pepper, and tomato, were grown in pots containing either dewatered, aged sediment or a reference soil. Plant growth, development, and yield in the two soils were quantified. Edible and vegetative tissues from the plants were analyzed for 19 elements, including environmentally-important heavy metals and metalloids. Some plants grown in sediment showed a greater biomass and yield as compared to the Ag soil. Elemental analysis of the tissues revealed that only Zn and Mo were elements that were significantly greater in sediment-grown plants on a consistent basis. While significant, Zn concentrations were no more than 3-fold higher than those in plants from the reference soil. The same trend was observed for Mo, except for bean tissues, which showed a >10-fold greater concentration (>20 mg/kg DW) in sediment-grown plants. The Mo concentrations observed are >3-fold greater than those associated with Mo toxicity to grazing animals, suggesting that use of recovered sediment should be monitored so as to prevent transfer of this element to terrestrial food webs.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-109
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- Investigation of Metal and Organic Contaminant Distributions and Sedimentation Rates in Backwater Lakes along the Illinois River
HWR02-175
Start: 1/1/02 - Completion: 6/30/03
Investigators
- Cahill, Richard; Illinois State Geological Survey (PI)
- Salmon, Gary; Illinois State Geological Survey
- Slowikowski, James; Illinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- Illinois River sediments contain an incompletely known distribution of metals and organic contaminants that affect their appropriate disposal when dredged and their potential suitability for reuse. Research under this proposal aims to develop needed characterization of these sediments so that they may be safely and, if possible, beneficially placed. The removal of sediment is being proposed as a means to restore habitat and recreational opportunities in backwater and side channel lakes associated with the Illinois River. The areas to be dredged will require adequate and accurate characterization of the sediments. A series of ten deep cores collected in Peoria Lake in 1998 (Cahill, 2001b) exhibited cadmium, nickel, some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds and various pesticide compounds with concentrations above the consensus-based probable-effect concentrations (MacDonald, et. al., 2000). Other preliminary studies have also found PCBs, some toxic metals, PAHs, polynuclear hydrocarbons (Cahill, 2001b), and various other toxic organic contaminants such as pesticides, aromatic hydrocarbons, substituted aromatic hydrocarbons and saturate biomarker compounds (Cahill, 2001a). This study will provide both an accurate list of contaminants and quantitative chemical information facilitating estimation of contaminant loads for use in choosing reuse or disposal options. The data will also provide information for identifying areas most suitable for dredging in addition to yielding information valuable in making decisions about the handling and treatment of dredged sediments.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-112
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- Dredged Sediment: Application as an Agricultural Soil Amendment
HWR02-176
Start: 9/1/01 - Completion: 6/30/05
Investigators
- Darmody, Robert; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Simmons, William; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Project Summary
- Disposal of large volumes of dredged sediments is problematic. Given their high soil fertility attributes, nutrients, organic matter, and water holding capacity, it is conceivable that adding dredged sediments to soils that have limiting factors to their plant production potential could be greatly beneficial. We propose to study the effects of adding sediments to very sandy soils to increase their fertility and water holding capacity. Sandy soils serve as analogs for other problem soils found in areas such as eroded fields, surface mines, and brownfields. Our goal is to grow crops on problem soils that have been treated with sediments to show that sediments improve the soil. The experimental design is a randomized complete block, with sediment load serving as the blocks. Sediments from the Illinois River will be characterized and placed on the surface of sandy soils in 0, 15, and 46-cm thicknesses. The blocks will be subdivided into six plots each for replication. Typical agricultural crops will be grown and yield and metal uptake measured. To overcome weather induced yield variability and to follow changes in the sediments over time. The experiment is scheduled to last three cropping years. Soil analyses will include nutrient status, water holding capacity, texture, penetration resistance, water stable aggregation, and metal content. Crop analyses will include yield, metal content, plant disease frequency, and plant stress conditions.
The hypothesis is that adding sediments to sandy soils will significantly increase productivity. Crops will grow much better where the sediments have been applied, and this will improve with time. We further hypothesize that, despite elevated contaminant levels in the sediments, metal content of the crops will not be a concern, however the question of long-term availability will have to await additional funding. This research should demonstrate that there are no special environmental problems associated with land application of dredged sediments, and that sediments can serve as a valuable amendment to problem soils. Our deliverables include project reports and refereed journal articles on our results.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-038
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- Natural Resource Injury to Intermittent Streams Impacted by Oil and/or Brine Spills
HWR02-177
Start: 9/1/01 - Completion: 6/30/04
Investigators
- Halbrook, Richard; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (PI)
- Nicholson, Matthew; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
- Orr, Thomas; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
- Project Summary
- The goal of this study is to evaluate natural resource damage to intermittent streams in Illinois resulting from oil and/or brine spills. The state of Illinois has a rich history of oil production beginning in the early 1900's. Oil production peaked in the 1940 at 147.6 million barrels and in 1993 production was approximately 20 million barrels. Six billion barrels of oil remain in the ground in Illinois of which 1.5 billion barrels are mobile and recoverable by conventional methods. Oil production in Illinois is done primarily by small independent oil producers and therefore the potential for major environmental hazards are not likely. However, given the frequent occurrence of oil and/or brine spills in Illinois, it is reasonable to assume that damage has occurred to natural resources of this state, especially in situations where spills have entered streams. We will develop a GIS database containing the location of all reported oil and brine spills that have potentially impacted Illinois streams in the past 20 years. From this database we will select 40 intermittent streams for extensive study. In order to evaluate natural resource damage, we will characterize plant and sediment macroinvertebrate density and diversity, measure sediment concentrations of oil and/or brine chemicals of concern, and conduct standardized sediment toxicity test in the selected intermittent streams. In addition, we will evaluate recovery and/or the efficacy of remedial action over time, by selecting streams that represent four time periods when exposure occurred, 1 - 2, 4 - 6, 9 - 11, and 14 -16 years ago. By measuring various components of the contaminated stream community and comparing these results to the same components measured in unaffected stream communities, we will be able to assess natural resource damages associated with oil and/or brine spills. In addition, the proposed sediment toxicity tests will provide a standardized method for evaluating and comparing toxicity among streams with varying physical, environmental, and/or remedial influences. The use of GIS for managing data will provide a means for evaluating natural resource damages associated with numerous unrelated small spills over spatial and temporal scales. The developed GIS database will provide managers with a mechanism for ranking areas of concern and developing a tiered approach for remedial action.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-116
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- Arsenic Geochemistry and Distribution in the Mahomet Aquifer
HWR02-178
Start: 9/1/01 - Completion: 2/28/03
Investigators
- Holm, Thomas; Illinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Kelly, Walton; Illinois State Water Survey
- Roadcap, George; Illinois State Water Survey
- Scott, John; Illinois Waste Management and Research Center
- Talbott, John; Illinois Waste Management and Research Center
- Wilson, Steven; Illinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- Groundwater samples were collected from approximately 50 private wells in Tazewell County, an area where arsenic contamination is known from previous sampling, and northwest Champaign County, an area for which very few arsenic data were available. Most of the wells were finished in the Mahomet Aquifer, with roughly equal numbers of wells near the bottom, middle, and upper part of the aquifer. A few of the wells were finished in the Glasford Aquifer, which lies above the Mahomet. A reliable, robust method for arsenic speciation was developed based on separation of species by HPLC and ICP-MS detection. The samples were analyzed for total arsenic, arsenic species, metals, anions, alkalinity, ammonium, and total organic carbon. In both counties wells with high arsenic concentrations were spread throughout the study area. In Champaign County, 40% of the wells had nondetectable (<1 µg/L) arsenic, 90% had less than the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 µg/L, and one well had over 50 µg/L. In Tazewell County, 25% of the wells had nondetectable arsenic, 55% had less than the MCL, and 10% had over 50 µg/L. In both counties the spatial distribution of arsenic was complex. Wells with high concentrations were often located less than one mile from wells with nondetectable arsenic. In Tazewell County, the percentages of wells with arsenic concentrations above the MCL were roughly equal in the shallow, intermediate, and deep parts of the Mahomet Aquifer. Although there were relatively few samples from the Glasford Aquifer, there appeared to be a higher percentage with arsenic concentrations above the MCL. In most samples As(III) made up over 90% of the dissolved arsenic and particulate arsenic (retained by a 0.45 µm filter) made up less than 10% of the total. The arsenic speciation was consistent with thermodynamic calculations based on the measured pH and oxidation-reduction potential values. Although there were no good correlations between arsenic and other analytes, high arsenic concentrations were associated with low sulfate concentrations and with high concentrations of bicarbonate, fluoride, and organic carbon. Samples of raw groundwater and finished potable water were collected from 11 municipal water treatment plants that withdraw water from the Mahomet Aquifer. All facilities but one employed some form of iron removal and there was some arsenic removal at all of these facilities. There was no arsenic removal at the facility that did not remove iron. Two facilities had arsenic concentrations below the new MCL in their finished water. There was very little particulate arsenic in the raw water at all facilities. At two facilities the total (unfiltered) arsenic concentration was above the MCL but the dissolved (filtered) concentration was below the new MCL. Improved filtration may enable these facilities to satisfy the new MCL. As in the private wells, As(III) was the predominant arsenic species in the raw waters at all facilities. As(V) was the predominant species in treated waters because of chlorination.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-107
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- Detoxification of Heavy Metals in Illinois Soils Using Phytoremediation
HWR02-179
Start: 9/1/01 - Completion: 8/31/03
Investigators
- Korban, Shuyler; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Lee, Sangman; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Project Summary
- The approach of using plants to clean up soils contaminated with toxic heavy metals is an excellent strategy to detoxify soils and maintain a sustainable and robust system of natural resources in the State of Illinois. Most biological remediation research is currently focused on studying detoxification mechanisms in microorganisms and using those for environmental cleanup. This remediation approach is quite often limited by physical site parameters including site of the site, soil type and physical location of the pollutant. Moreover microbial remediation requires significant cost of fermentation equipment to scale-up production of microorganisms. Using a plant community genetically capable of detoxifying contaminants in a site will alleviate most of the problems associated with microbial remediation as plants are easier to scale-up and grow in a contaminated site, and at a much-reduced cost. Therefore, in this project we plan to develop transgenic plants of the biomass crop Indian mustard (Brassica junea), carrying various phytochelatin genes (AtPCS1, PC-h, and gsh) that have shown significant promise for phytoremediation, and assay for tolerance and accumulation of heavy metals in transgenic lines overexpressing one or more of these transgenes. We anticipate the development and selection of highly promising lines that can be used for phytoremediation in Illinois soils.
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- Risks to Black-Crowned Night-Herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) from Contaminated Sediments in the Calumet Region
HWR02-180
Start: 4/1/02 - Completion: 12/31/04
Investigators
- Levengood, Jeffrey; Illinois Natural History Survey (PI)
- Bordson, Gary; Waste Management and Research Center
- Cahill, Richard; Illinois Natural History Survey
- Kleen, Vernon; Illinois Natural History Survey
- Talbott, Jonathan; Waste Management and Research Center
- Project Summary
- Sediments in the Calumet region contain elevated concentrations of organic and inorganic contaminants through heavy industrial activity, sewage and industrial discharges, landfills, and hazardous waste storage/disposal. Previous studies suggest that contaminants in sediments in this region may pose risks to piscivorus wildlife. A colony of state-endangered Black-Crowned Night-Herons (BCNH) inhabits Indian Ridge and Big Marshes at Lake Calumet. This is one of the largest nesting colonies of this species in the state, and this high-profile population is of considerable interest to resource professionals, environmental groups, and the public. Individuals from this population are known to forage throughout the Calumet area, including wetlands around Lake Calumet and along the Little and Grand Calumet Rivers, areas characterized by elevated concentrations of environmental contaminants in sediments. Some of these contaminants may be bioavailable to BCNH through bioaccumulation and transfer in the aquatic food chain. Herons have been used extensively as bioindicators/biomonitors of environmental contamination. Their trophic position and aquatic foraging habits may put them in contact with prey that accumulate/bioconcentrate high concentrations of environmental contaminants such as organochlorine pesticides, PCBs, and metals found in sediments in the Calumet area. We propose to determine whether the Indian Ridge/Big Marsh colony of state-endangered BCNH are being exposed to elevated concentrations of priority contaminants of concern (PCOC) present in sediments in the Calumet Region, and whether such exposure is impacting this colony. We will accomplish these objectives by characterizing the relationships between concentrations of PCOC in sediments and aquatic prey items (fish, crayfish) at selected BCNH foraging sites, determining the concentrations of PCOC in food items collected at nests, and examining markers of reproductive effects.
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- Factors Controlling Persistence of Antibiotics Used in Animal Agriculture
HWR02-181
Start: 9/1/01 - Completion: 6/30/04
Investigators
- Sims, Gerald; University of Illinois (PI)
- Larson, Richard; University of Illinois
- Project Summary
- Research is proposed to elucidate key physical, chemical, and environmental factors governing the persistence and mobility of the antimicrobial agents, chloramphenicol and oxytetracycline, as well as their common metabolites. These substances are in common use in animal confinement systems, which have promoted concern over promotion of antibiotic resistant human pathogens. Little is known about the persistence or transport of these materials in the environment, and the risk their presence may pose for providing selection pressure for development of resistance in situ. We propose to conduct sorption/desorption isotherms with each test substance and a range of environmentally relevant adsorbents (soils, subsurface materials, and sediments) affected by animal feeding operations and equivalent control samples lacking feedlot influences. The extent of solution complexation by dissolved natural organic matter (NOM) and effects of such complexation on bacterial uptake of the compounds will be examined using an equilibrium dialysis procedure. Effects of complexation by NOM on transport through soil will be examined using a chromatographic procedure. Biological degradation of each test substance in soil, sediments, will be evaluated as a function of temperature, moisture, origin (feedlot versus control), organic carbon content, and nutrient status. Biological degradation will be examined in surface water and waste lagoon samples as a function of temperature, origin (feedlot versus control), dissolved organic carbon, and nutrient status. The results of these studies should provide critical information for predicting persistence of antibiotics in soil, waste lagoons, shallow aquifers and surface water.
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- Development of a Method to Identify Antioxidant Chemical Fractions Isolated from Waste Products of Commercial Corn-Based Ethanol
HWR02-182
Start: 4/1/02 - Completion: 6/30/02
Investigators
- Plewa, Michael; University of Illinois (PI)
- Wagner, Elizabeth; University of Illinois
- Project Summary
- Waste products or by-products from commercial processing of agricultural products is an area that has not been sufficiently addressed in terms of isolating value added agents. Our research involves the analysis of corn and soybean processing by-products for antioxidant and antimutagenic products. Oxidative damage to DNA is mutagenic and may accumulate with age contributing to cancer induction and other diseases. Antioxidants play a role in protecting cells from oxidative stress. The ferric thiocyanate (FTC) has been used to identify antioxidant in plant materials and extracts. However, the FTC assay istime consuming and requires large amounts of sample. In this project we developed and calibrated a FTC microplate assay that uses a standard 96-well microplate and allows for 11 concentrations of a test agent with 8 replicate measurements per concentration. The entire assay can be conducted in a 1-day period and is highly sensitive. This novel microplate assay consumes very small amounts of test samples and is suitable for the testing of chemical fractions of agricultural by-products. This assay may lead to the discovery of valued antioxidant materials in what are currently agricultural processing wastes or low-value processing by-products.
- Assessing Opportunities for Municipal Wastewater Reuse in the Metropolitan Chicago Area
HWR04-183
Start: 9/1/03 - Completion: 12/31/04
Investigators
- Anderson, Paul; Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (PI)
- Project Summary
- Water use practices in the Chicago metropolitan area are inefficient and lead to frequent violations of the international treaty that governs water diversions from Lake Michigan. An alternative approach that encourages reuse of municipal wastewater could address many of the inefficiencies. Although wastewater reuse has been practiced in Illinois, it is rare in an urban setting. This proposal describes a plan to examine barriers and incentives to wastewater reuse in the Chicago metropolitan area and to use that information to promote changes in water management policies.
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- Materials and Energy Efficiency in SMEs
HWR04-184
Start: 9/17/03 - Completion: 12/31/05
Investigators
- Bierma, Thomas; Illinois State University (PI)
- Marsh, Dan; Illinois Sustainable Technology Center
- Project Summary
- The Illinois Waste Management and Research Center (WMRC) is planning a project to expand Chemical Management Services (CMS) to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Though CMS has been very successful in large facilities, it is rarely used in SMEs due to a combination of economic barriers, SME management barriers, and CMS supplier barriers, including a lack of cost-reducing technologies. On its own, the market is unlikely to resolve these barriers in the near future, prolonging excessive chemical and financial waste at SMEs. A concerted effort facilitated by WMRC, however, can overcome these barriers and "prime to pump" of the CMS market. Once primed, the CMS market for SMEs should be self-sustaining, supported by its own economic profitability for supplier and SME, alike.
The WMRC project has three components. The first involves working directly with SMEs, performing on-site chemical management assessments. One source of SMEs interested in these assessments will be an innovative partnership between OSHA, WMRC, and ISU intended to reduce hazards and waste associated with metalworking fluids. During the assessments, total chemical-related costs and "headaches" will be determined in order to clearly demonstrate both the economic and operational value of P2 and CMS. In addition, SME managers will be surveyed to identify barriers to CMS. The second component of the project involves working directly with CMS suppliers. The supplier "working group" will be used to review and summarize information on SME management barriers, as well as current economic barriers, and develop solutions, potentially using WMRCs research capabilities. The third component brings SMEs and CMS suppliers together to resolve remaining barriers and initiate pilot projects.
This proposal details the role that researchers at Illinois State University (the ISU team) will perform within the larger project planned by WMRC. In particular, the ISU team will play a significant role in the OSHA/WMRC/ISU partnership, developing protocols for on-site assessments, working with the CMS supplier working group, and helping to initiate pilot programs.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-113 (related research RR-104)
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- Restoring the Illinois River: Investigating the Role of a 1600-acre Floodplain Site and Backwater Lake in Trapping Suspended Sediment from the Illinois and La Moine Rivers, Near La Grange, Brown County, Illinois
HWR04-185
Start: 9/1/03 - Completion: 3/30/05
Investigators
- Carr, Keith; Illinois State Geological Survey (PI)
- Holm, Thomas; llinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Wehrmann, Allen; llinois State Water Survey (PI)
- Kelly, Walton; llinois State Water Survey
- Project Summary
- Restoring floodplains and backwater lakes is a proposition often hindered by numerous unknown factors, especially in highly altered basins such as the Illinois River. In order to make the best management decisions for the main stem of the river, backwater lakes, and wetlands, it is essential to understand sedimentation patterns in formerly leveed sites which are newly opened to the river. An opportunity exists for such a study at a 1600-acre site located at the confluence of the Illinois and La Moine Rivers and in the La Grange pool of the Illinois River waterway. The site, which includes a 150-acre backwater lake (Big Lake), was recently purchased by the Illinois Department of Transportation for wetland restoration by levee removal and other hydrologic modifications. The parcel is strategically located in a reach of the Illinois River area noted both for excessive sediment load and for high flood stages due to a floodplain constricted by levees.
The proposed project will, through a coring and sediment deposition study, attempt to establish a sedimentation history for this site, from the period prior to European settlement through the time of rapid anthropogenic change in the Illinois River basin, to the current and ongoing site sedimentation regime. Morphological examination of the sediments, coupled with radiometric dating techniques, will aid in constructing the past chronology. The study will also initiate a program whereby current and ongoing sedimentation rates on the parcel are measured site-wide and in the lake. The eventual aim is to predict the role that this site could have in removing sediment from the Illinois River, as well as to quantify the effects that ongoing sedimentation may have on the condition of the backwater lake and on the overall ecology of wetlands on the site.
- Applicability of Microfiltration for Recycling Semi-Synthetic Metalworking Fluids
HWR04-186
Start: 9/1/03 - Completion: 6/30/06
Investigators
- DeVor, Richard; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Kapoor, Shiv; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Rajagopalan, Nandakishore; Illinois Waste Management and Research Center
- Wentz, John; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Project Summary
- The microfiltration technology has been shown to be a promising technology for recycling metalworking fluids. It is capable of achieving selective separations of external contaminants from the base semi-synthetic metalworking fluids. The purpose of the proposed research is to study the applicability and viability of the microfiltration technology for a wide range of commercial semi-synthetic metalworking fluids. Experiments will be conducted to characterize the physical and chemical properties of metalworking fluids. The filtration tests will include fouling studies of both tubular and flat sheet as well as ceramic and polymeric membranes.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-111
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- New Catalytic DNA Fluorescent and Colorimetric Sensors for On-site and Real-time Monitoring of Industrial and Drinking Water
HWR04-187
Start: 9/1/03 - Completion: 12/31/06
Investigators
- Lu, Yi; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Project Summary
- We plan to develop new fluorescent and colorimetric sensor technology for on-site, real-time detection and quantification of toxic metal ions such as lead, mercury and arsenic in industrial and drinking water. To achieve the goal, we plan to use a combinatorial biology method called in vitro selection to obtain catalytic DNA with high specificity and selectivity for the metal ions. By labeling the DNA with either fluorophore/quencher pairs or gold nanoparticles, we will transform the catalytic DNA into a highly sensitive and selective fluorescent or colorimetric biosensor, respectively, because the presence of metal ions cause the catalytic DNA to cleave, resulting in either a dramatic increase of fluorescent signals or a distinctive change of colors. The catalytic DNA fluorescent biosensors make it possible to analyze metal ions using simple portable fluorometers, while the catalytic DNA colorimetric biosensors can eliminate equipment altogether, because the toxic metal ions can be detected through simple color changes, just like pH paper. The concept and design of the catalytic DNA fluorescent and colorimetric sensors have recently been demonstrated in the PI's laboratory using lead as an example. The sensor has been shown to be both highly sensitive (~ 2 ppb for lead, which is 50-fold less than the toxic level defined by the Center for Disease Control) and selective. We will apply the methodology to obtain DNA sensors for other metal ions such as mercury, arsenic, or another analytes of interest to the Wastes Management and Research Center (WMRC). At the same time, we will work closely with the staff members of WMRC to apply the sensors, first the lead sensor already obtained in the PI's laboratory, and later the mercury and arsenic sensor, for on-site, real-time detection and quantification of the metal ions in industrial and drinking water in the state of Illinois.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-114
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- Risks to Insectivorous Birds in the Calumet Region from Transfer of Contaminants from Sediments to Emergent Aquatic Insects
HWR04-188
Start: 9/1/03 - Completion: 6/30/07
Investigators
- Soucek, David; Illinois Natural History Survey (PI)
- Bordson, Gary; Waste Management and Research Center
- Hill, Walter; Illinois Natural History Survey
- Levengood, Jeffrey; Illinois Natural History Survey
- Talbott, Jonathan; Waste Management and Research Center
- Project Summary
- Sediments in the Calumet region contain elevated concentrations of organic and inorganic contaminants from heavy industrial activity, sewage and industrial discharges, landfills, and hazardous waste storage/disposal. Previous Ecological Risk Assessments suggest that contaminated sediments in this region may pose risks to several assessment endpoints including benthic macroinvertebrate communities, piscivorous birds, and insectivorous birds among others. A study currently in progress aims to quantify risks to piscivorous birds, particularly the State Endangered black-crowned night heron, from ingestion of fish found in this region. While insectivorous birds, including the State Endangered yellow-headed blackbird, which breeds in the Calumet area, were identified as "at risk", no empirical data have been generated to quantify this risk. Furthermore, this designation was based upon contaminant loads in earthworms rather than emergent adult aquatic insects.
Therefore, our objective is to quantify risks to insectivorous birds in the Lake Calumet Wetlands region from contaminated sediments via ingestion of aquatic insects. To accomplish this objective we will measure contaminant loads in sediments, larval and adult aquatic insects, and tree swallow eggs and nestlings in Indian Ridge/Big Marsh as well as a nearby reference area. Tree swallows prey primarily on emergent aquatic insects in relatively close proximity to their nests. This habit, coupled with their local abundance in many areas and propensity to utilize nest boxes make them effective models in which to examine the transfer of contaminants from sediments to terrestrial systems. We will study reproductive parameters and other markers of exposure in tree swallows nesting at Indian Ridge/Big Marsh to determine if contaminant exposure may be affecting the health and productivity of these populations. Furthermore, we will determine potential impacts on food sources for aerial-insectivorous birds by quantifying benthic and adult insect community structure at Indian Ridge/Big Marsh and the reference area.
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- Development of a Corporate Industrial Energy Management Plan
HWR04-189
Start: 3/19/04 - Completion: 6/30/06
Investigators
- Woodin, Ty; Caterpillar, Inc. (PI)
- Project Summary
- Caterpillar, Inc. proposes to develop an innovative industrial energy management plan by focusing research efforts on two facilities in Central Illinois. An energy management plan provides a framework for a holistic approach that is more effective than discrete, isolated projects for improving energy efficiency. Energy management plans to cover a range of topics, including energy efficiency, regulatory compliance, energy security, fuels procurement, indoor air quality, etc. Typically, energy efficiency is the most important component of an energy management plan, and this topic will be the exclusive focus of this research. In order to create such a plan, the research team will conduct detailed analyses of energy usage to create a set of baseline levels that specifically highlights energy intensive areas and areas with significant recoverable inefficiencies. Staff responsible for energy management will use this plan to proactively identify and implement opportunities to increase energy efficiency across the spectrum of Catepillar's industrial operations.
Project personnel will document the test facilities' energy usage by conducting a series of investigations with relatively broad focus areas, followed by series of detailed investigations with progressively narrower focus areas. The objective of the broad-focus, qualitative investigations, is to prioritize areas on which to focus the more detailed, quantitative investigations. Quantitative investigations are critical because they provide the necessary basis for economic and engineering decisions. The primary deliverables will be a general industrial energy management plan and site-specific implementation plans to improve energy efficiency at the two test facilities.
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- Improving Interpretation of Biomonitoring Data Through Development of Tissue-residue Toxicity Relationships
HWR04-190
Start: 4/1/04 - Completion: 6/30/04
Investigators
- Lydy, Michael; Southern Illinois University (PI)
- Project Summary
- Environmental hazard and risk in the Great Lakes and water bodies throughout Illinois are presently evaluated based on contaminant concentrations in external media. However, many factors can affect contaminant bioavailability altering exposure and therefore the interpretation of risk or hazard. A better method to assess risk is to use a tissue-based residue approach. The hypothesis of a critical body residue (CBR), the residue required to produce a statistically significant toxicological response for a given endpoint (e.g. mortality), should significantly improve interpretation of residue data. The hypothesis argues that the amount of contaminant at a given target site needed to produce a biological response should not vary significantly between species for contaminants with a common mode of action. Importantly, CBRs incorporate information about all possible routes of exposure and bioavailability thus eliminating variability caused by these phenomena. The use of body residue as the dose metric has been explored recently primarily for compounds acting by the non-polar narcotic (anesthetic) mode of action. The current hypothesis states that compounds acting by this mode of action should act in an additive manner on a molar basis. However, the focus of the approach has not addressed the role of metabolites in the additivity of action. Therefore, the objective of this project is to determine the overall contribution biotransformation products play in lethal body residues. More specifically, this research will identify the chemical constituents associated with lethal residues and determine if they contribute to the narcosis mode of action. The data generated from this work will provide improvements in the interpretation of bioaccumulation data overcoming many of the obstacles of properly interpreting bioavailability. This will lead to improved risk assessment where prediction is based on internal dose. The results of these preliminary findings will be used to write external grants (e.g. EPA STAR program) to more fully address data gaps in our understanding of the use of body residues as a dose metric including examining sublethal effects.
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- Unstable Two-Phase Mixtures for Metalworking - A Greener Alternative
HWR05-191
Start: 9/1/04 - Completion: 6/30/07
Investigators
- DeVor, Richard; University of Illinois (PI)
- Kapoor, Shiv; University of Illinois
- Rajagopalan, Kishore; Waste Management and Research Center
- Project Summary
- Modern high speed machining would not be possible without the use of metalworking fluids (MWF). MWF perform a number of useful functions such as cooling, lubrication, metal chip evacuation and short-term corrosion protection. It is estimated that 90 Million US gallons of water-soluble MWF concentrate was manufactured in the U.S alone to meet the above needs. MWF become process effluents when the accumulation of contaminants, such as extraneous oil, particulate debris from machining operations, and bacteria negatively impact functionality. 1-2 billion US gallons of oily wastewater results annually from the use of MWF. Reducing this environmental footprint has become an important objective for both manufacturers and end-users of MWF.
Oil containing MWF are conventionally formulated to be highly stable emulsions. These emulsions are difficult to maintain, recycle and waste treat. Preliminary work has indicated that transiently stable emulsions can provide comparable lubrication. Transiently stable emulsions have the potential to be easily maintained, recycled, and offer few problems for waste treatment. This proposal focuses on a rational approach to designing such transiently stable emulsions by elucidating the important factors affecting lubrication and cooling and phase separation.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-119
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- Tool and Process Design for Semi-dry Drilling, Milling and Turning of Steel: An Innovation for Green Manufacturing
HWR05-192
Start: 9/1/04 - Completion: 6/30/06
Investigators
- Boubekri, Nourredine; Northern Illinois University (PI)
- Fallahi, Behrooz; Northern Illinois University
- Project Summary
- In spite of the manifold efforts to reach a total renouncement of the use of cooling lubricants in metal cutting for environmental reasons, coolant lubrication is an essential condition to achieve an economical tool life, the required surface quality and dimensional tolerances in many cases. Against this background, the minimum quantity cooling lubrication is a promising possibility for an economical and environmentally compatible machining system. The goal of this project is to determine new machining technologies (optimum geometries and cutting conditions) for drilling, milling, and turning tool steels and construction grade steels with the use of minimum quantity lubrication that ensures economies and performance. The experimental investigations are carried out with coated carbide tools. The materials studied are widely used 4340 and 1020 carbon steels for all operations. Multivariate and regression analyses are used to determine predictive models for surface finish, tool life, dimensional accuracy of the machined materials and tool flank wear. ANSYS finite element software is used to predict the tool-chip interface temperature. An optimization problem is formulated to determine the optimum levels of the independent variables investigated. Batch testing is conducted on a true product to determine the potential cost savings using the optimal technologies determined using minimum quantity lubrication as compared to flood cooling. Total cost savings of 30% to 40% are expected when using optimal technologies. Performance measures are anticipated to be at least those obtained with conventional flood cooling.
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- Estimating the Hydrologic Footprint of Industry: A Case Study in Aurora
HWR05-193
Start: 9/1/04 - Completion: 12/31/04
Investigators
- Anderson, Paul; Illinois Institute of Technology (PI)
- Project Summary
- This proposal introduces the concept of a hydrological footprint as a way to assess the effects of human activities on water resources. The overall objectives of the proposed project are to further develop the concept of the hydrological footprint and apply it as a tool to evaluate the impact of industry on water resources.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-045
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- Testing Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with Synthesized Biogas
HWR05-194
Start: 3/1/05 - Completion: 3/31/07
Investigators
- Anderson, James; University of Illinois (PI)
- Rusk, Todd; Waste Management and Research Center
- Project Summary
- Fuel cells have been identified as a potential leading technology for electricity generation in the near future. Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert fuel into electricity with high efficiency and low air emissions. Current research in this area is focused primarily on optimizing fuel cell components and system design for use with natural gas or gasoline.
As evidenced by the Department of Energy's Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are a particularly favored fuel cell technology. The proposed research seeks to explore renewable applications for SOFC. These renewable sources include anaerobic digester gas (biogas) from farm animal waste, compost, wastewater treatment plants, and municipal solid waste landfills. Although the utilization of biogas for energy is not a new application, very little work has been done with respect to optimizing biogas applications for fuel cells.
The goals of the proposed work are to measure the effectiveness of internal methane reforming and to measure the performance of a fuel cell operating on internally reformed synthetic biogas. Biogas will be synthesized in the laboratory based on nominal compositions reported in the literature. Supporting these goals will require work to develop a special rig to collect and analyze fuel cell exhaust, collect baseline fuel cell performance measurements, and collect baseline methane reforming performance measurements.
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- Barley Decomposition and Inhibitory Effects on Algae Growth in Wastewater
HWR05-195
Start: 3/1/05 - Completion: 2/28/06
Investigators
- Zhou, Jianpeng; Southern Illinois University (PI)
- Project Summary
- Wastewater treatment lagoons often experience algae overgrowth in summer, resulting in increased solids in the lagoon effluent and the violation of environmental permits. The use of chemicals to control algae will likely cause toxic effects in the receiving water. Recent studies have shown that decomposing barley straw could be a cost-effective means to control algae. However, the kinetics and mechanism of barley decomposition in wastewater is not well understood. This project is to investigate how temperature, oxygen, and barley doses affect the rates of barley decomposition and its effectiveness of algae control in wastewater. Also, we would like to determine how the inhibitory organic compounds, released from decomposing barley, control algae growth in wastewater. Laboratory work involves in the use of eight reactors, which will be operated at different water temperatures, oxygen levels, and barley doses. The inhibitory effect will be quantified by the measurement of chlorophyll a content of the algae. The decay of barley in wastewater will be quantified by measuring selected organic chemicals such as octanoic acid and 2,6-Dimethoxy-4-(2-propenyl)phenol. The project expects to develop knowledge of optimal physiochemical conditions related to barley application in wastewater, and this information will be essential for developing engineering design criteria. Findings from this project could potentially help to improve the effluent quality of hundreds of wastewater lagoons in Illinois and to enable those lagoons to meet discharge criteria. The project will also provide educational and training opportunities to environmental engineering students.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-118
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- Development of Refractive Index Sensors for in situ Monitoring of Machine Cutting Fluids
HWR05-196
Start: 2/1/05 - Completion: 11/30/05
Investigators
- Newell, Benjamin; Newell Instruments, Inc. (PI)
- Newell, Ty; Newell Instruments, Inc.
- Project Summary
- Seed grant funding is requested from the Illinois Waste Management and Research Center to support the development of a metal cutting fluid concentration sensor using a patented technology developed at the University of Illinois. The concentration sensing technology is based on refractive index measurements using a simple, inexpensive optical configuration. Newell Instruments has acquired a non-exclusive license to develop the technology. The seed grant funding will allow Newell Instruments to develop proof-of-concept sensors tailored to the metal cutting industry.
Metal cutting fluid concentration is a very important variable in manufacturing processes. The cutting fluid concentration has a direct effect on the quality of the product and the cost to manufacture it. Over concentration of cutting fluids is not only wasteful, but can be harmful to the operator and the environment. Providing metal cutting machine operators with an easier, more accurate, and inexpensive method of checking metal cutting fluid concentration is very beneficial. An accurate knowledge of the fluid concentration allows the operator to machine high quality parts while using a minimal amount of cutting fluid. The cost savings, health benefits, and reduced environmental impact of cutting fluid concentration monitoring and control can be very significant over time.
Newell Instruments proposes to investigate the development of a sensor to give operators more control for monitoring cutting fluid concentration. A low cost refractive index sensor will be investigated for continuous in situ monitoring of machine cutting fluids. The sensor would be mounted inline with a machine tool's cutting fluid circulation system, eliminating the need for an operator to be in contact with the cutting fluid. The proposed sensor would be capable of monitoring concentrations to +/-0.1%, comparable to handheld refractive index sensors currently used for cutting fluid concentration measurement.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-044
US Pat# 7,271,883 (Sept 18, 2007)
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- The Feline Thyroid Gland: Model for Endocrine Disruption by Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers?
HWR05-197
Start: 6/20/05 - Completion: 6/30/06
Investigators
- Beasley, Val; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Mensching, Donna; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Project Summary
- Hyperthyroidism in the domestic cat suddenly became a commonly recognized clinical syndrome in the late 1970s. An elevated serum thyroxine (T4) concentration results from a functional thyroid adenoma. The health of cats with the syndrome is rapidly undermined, and medical or surgical intervention is required. Although the cause remains unknown, the disease is analogous to toxic multinodular goiter (TMG), or Plummer's disease in man. While the pathogenesis of TMG is complex, some cases of thyrotoxicosis are thought to arise from chronic overstimulation of an underactive thyroid gland by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Epidemiologic studies of cats in 2000 and 2004 found that advancing age and canned cat foods were positively correlated with hyperthyroidism. Furthermore, certain flavors of canned food (e.g. fish, liver and giblets) and foods in pop-top cans (in males) were implicated. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame-retardants that have been manufactured and used extensively since the early 1970s. Like the related PCBs, which were first sold in the 1930s, PBDEs are proven endocrine disruptors, causing hypothyroidism in laboratory animals. They are lipophilic, have long half-lives, and bioaccumulate readily. Based on the etiology of TMG, the epidemiologic data correlating hyperthyroidism and diet, the known endocrine disruptive effect of PBDEs, and the temporal association with the initial use of PBDEs and the recognition of hyperthyroidism, this study aims to: 1) identify canned food as a chronic source of exposure of domestic cats to PBDEs, 2) identify a trend from subclinical hypothyroidism to thyrotoxic hyperthyroidism with advancing age, and 3) correlate thyroid function with body burdens of PBDEs. Even if canned foods prove to be a significant source of body burdens of cats, testing for alternative household exposures to PBDEs will also be pursued because domestic cats may play a vital role as sentinels of human health in the same environment.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-115
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- Isoflavones in the Environment: A Pilot Study
HWR06-198
Start: 6/1/06 - Completion: 9/15/07
Investigators
- Levengood, Jeff; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Project Summary
- Isoflavones are phytoestrogens that are abundant in the legume family. Little information exists on the presence of these compounds in the agricultural environment. We conducted a preliminary investigation of selected phytoestrogens in a small highly-cultivated watershed in central Illinois. Paired water and sediment samples were collected from 7 different locations in central Illinois during 2007 and analyzed for a suite of 14 phytoestrogens, including 12 isoflavones, coumestrol, and flavone (used as an internal standard). Seven of the phytoestrogens we measured were detected in low concentrations (parts per trillion) in water, whereas eight analytes were observed in sediment samples at higher concentrations (parts per billion) than in water samples. Our results suggested seasonality to the observed presence of these compounds. Based on the patterns observed in parent compounds and their metabolites, it appears that there are multiple sources of these phytoestrogens in the agricultural environment. Additional studies to further elucidate the patterns observed in this pilot study are warranted.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-042
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- Mercury Concentrations in Wetlands associated with Coal-fired Power Plants in Illinois
HWR06-199
Start: 6/15/06 - Completion: 4/15/08
Investigators
- Halbrook, Richard; Southern Illinois University (PI)
- Project Summary
- Burning of fossil fuels by coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) is one of the largest sources of anthropogenic mercury in the United States where there have been conflicting reports of local deposition of mercury from CFPPs. The objective of the current study was to determine if there are patterns of total mercury concentrations in sediment and tadpoles collected from ponds located upwind and downwind of 4 CFPPs in Illinois. Baldwin, Joppa, Newton, and Southern Illinois Power Cooperative (SIPC) coal-fired power plants were chosen for study. Three sediment samples were collected from ponds located 3-5, 8-10, and 13-15 km downwind and from ponds located 3-5 km upwind of each power plant and analyzed for total mercury concentration. Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) or green frog (Lithobates clamitans) tadpoles were collected opportunistically from 29 of the 44 ponds chosen for study. For Baldwin, Joppa, and SIPC power plants, no significant pattern of total mercury could be determined from either sediment or tadpole data. For Newton power plant, total mercury concentrations were significantly greater in sediment collected downwind, and there was a trend toward increasing concentration in tadpoles collected downwind. Sediment and tadpole total mercury concentrations were not significantly correlated.
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- Whole-cell Biocatalysts for Producing Biodiesel from Waste Fats
HWR06-200
Start: 5/1/06 - Completion: 4/15/07
Investigators
- Jin, Guang; Illinois State University (PI)
- Bierma, Michael; Illinois State University
- Project Summary
- This research examined the use of whole-cell biocatalysts to produce biodiesel at room temperature (25°C). Rhizopus oryzae (ATCC 10260) was used to catalyze the conversion of virgin and waste oils (triglycerides) into biodiesel fuel (fatty acid methyl ester, FAME) in the presence of 15% water. Results indicate that the whole-cell biocatalyst can produce about a 90% yield of FAME from virgin oil, and nearly complete conversion of the remaining oil into free fatty acid (FFA), using a 96-hour reaction at room temperature (25°C). In a 72-hour reaction, FAME yields were about 75% for virgin oil, 80% for waste vegetable oil, and 55% for brown (trap) grease. Increasing reaction temperature to 35°C dramatically reduced FAME yield. Separating the hydrolysis and methanolysis reactions did not increase yields, nor did the substitution of ethanol for methanol in the reaction. However, there is some evidence that ethanol may either esterify FFA more quickly than methanol, or result in a more stable ester. Whole-cell biocatalysts may be an effective way to transesterify waste oils or greases that are high in FFAs and difficult to dewater. Brown (trap) grease and similar degraded or complex greases are good candidates for further whole-cell biocatalyst research. Additional research is also needed on reactor design and type of micro-organism that will increase yield and decrease reaction time. Culturing the whole-cell biocatalyst on industrial or residential waste should be explored as a means to reduce costs
- ISTC Notes
- RR-117
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- Low-temperature Diesel Fuels, Additives, and Chemicals from Vegetable Oils
HWR06-201
Start: 6/15/06 - Completion: 4/15/07
Investigators
- Strege, Joshua; University of NNorth Dakota (PI)
- Milavetz, Barry; University of North Dakota
- Project Summary
- Under funding from the Waste Management Research Center, now called the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC), and the U.S. Department of Energy, the Energy & Environmental Research Center conceived of, verified, and optimized a two-step ozonolysis process on the bench scale for production of high-value chemicals derived from glycerol and cold-weather biodiesel additive derived from biodiesel. The first step of the process, which oxidizes glycerol into high-value chemicals, shows high conversion selectivity to valuable glyoxal in aqueous solution, based on limited tests. A by-product of this step consists of short-chain oxygenated carboxylic acids present as glyceryl esters. These acid by-products include glycolic acid, which is valuable in the cosmetics industry and as a raw material for production of biodegradable polymers. The glyceryl esters could be transesterified for recovery of the acids as methyl esters and the glycerol portion of the ester recycled for further conversion. The second step of the process yields a product with improved cold-weather properties relative to biodiesel. However, when the product is blended with biodiesel at ratios less than approximately 1:2, minimal effect on cloud point or pour point is observed. A brief economic assessment of the process suggests that the as-designed process would not be economical on a large scale. The process was designed inefficiently and could possibly be made economical with a better plant design. However, the expected selling price for the additive product from the second step would prohibit its use as a cold-weather biodiesel, and the process can only be made economical if the biodiesel ozonolysis step is removed.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-041
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- Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeling for the Restoration of the Calumet Marshes: Assessment of Runoff Scenarios
HWR06-202
Start: 6/1/06 - Completion: 12/31/09
Investigators
- Roadcap, Lian; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Project Summary
- Lake Calumet is located south of Lake Michigan in the United States. It is a site of former landfills and abandoned industrial facilities, yet a place of economical and ecological significance for future development of the area. Marshes surrounding Lake Calumet are ecologically significant to the Black-crowned Night-Heron, but the hydrology in the area has been greatly impacted by the large amount of landfilling and the constantly changing land use and drainage of the surrounding uplands. To prevent ecosystem degradation, and recreate a local economic base, the City of Chicago Department of Environment has been leading community groups and other agencies to develop plans to restore the region to a recreational area. Millions of dollars will be invested for this effort. Hydrologic and hydraulic models have been developed to support the plan for an ecological park in the region. These models serve as a basis for determining the best water management strategies for the Lake Calumet cluster site and adjacent open spaces, known as Indian Ridge Marsh (IRM). The coupled hydrologic and hydraulic model was used to evaluate the hydrologic impacts of different remedial options proposed for the cluster site, as well as other upland properties in the marsh watersheds and to assess the adequacy of the existing marsh outlets in terms of long-range ecological goals. This paper evaluates five proposed management scenarios to cope with flooding and to establish a more suitable environment for Black-crowned Night-Heron nests in marsh areas by controlling water level fluctuations. Our study showed that diverting surface runoff from the cluster site appeared to be the best option for limiting water level fluctuations to around 8 inches in the IRM. Ten inches of fluctuation is the maximum to prevent flooding of Black-crowned Night-Heron nests in IRM.
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- Expanded CMS Pilot Projects in SME's
HWR06-203
Start: 6/15/06 - Completion: 6/30/08
Investigators
- Bierma, Thomas; Illinois State University (PI)
- Project Summary
- This research builds upon previous work performed with a number of SME metal products fabricators in Illinois (Bierma and Marsch 2008a). With a primary focus on three types of EPCs (tooling management, paint management, and energy management), this work sought to answer the following questions: 1. What are the drivers and barriers in the adoption of EPCs among SME metal products fabricators? 2. What are the drivers and barriers for suppliers in entering the EPC market? 3. What are the future prospects for EPCs and what might be done to increase the rate of adoption? Efficiency Performance Contracting (EPC) offers an opportunity for SMEs to leverage the expertise of their suppliers to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and reduce waste. EPCs that are based upon a single large spend (such as tooling, paint, or electricity) have the potential to expand and cover other spends (such as metalworking fluids, chemicals, or natural gas) through alliances between suppliers. Tooling management is clearly an EPC that works for SME metal product fabricators. The plants studied in this project indicate that tooling management can produce significant savings for the plant and significant business opportunities for their tooling supplier. However, no tooling management program successfully expanded beyond tooling and selected maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) supplies. In addition, no EPC based on paint or energy has been initiated. This slow rate of diffusion for EPCs suggest that there remain significant barriers for both SMEs and suppliers. The most important barriers seem to be related to risk and uncertainty for both SMEs and the suppliers. Tooling management is spreading most quickly in part because there are excellent, proven examples -- such as Plants A and B -- that the program works. No examples exist for the other EPCs envisioned in this work. It may be necessary to provide intensive short-term assistance, including financial assistance, to establish pilot EPCs of the type envisioned in this work. Most of this project was undertaken during a time of relatively high business activity. The primary interest of SMEs was meeting production demands. Meanwhile, suppliers were experiencing a healthy sales volume through traditional sales programs. Under such conditions, there is less incentive to attempt innovative programs to improve efficiency. The recent economic downturn could create more favorable conditions for EPCs as plants focus on cost-cutting and suppliers seek new ways of supplementing declining revenues. The potential benefits of successful EPCs could be significant in terms of business profitability, the State economy, and the environment (Bierma and Marsch 2008a). However, adoption of EPCs is likely to continue to be slow without outside assistance to overcome barriers of risk and uncertainty.
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- Developing the Basis for Creating Environmental Networking Organizations in Downstate Illinois
HWR06-204
Start: 6/15/06 - Completion: 5/31/08
Investigators
- Lehan, Barbara; Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville (PI)
- Morgan, Susan; Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville (PI)
- Zhou, Jianpeng; Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville (PI)
- Project Summary
- Through their work with Illinois industry, the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) prevents pollution from entering the environment while assisting companies to maintain economic viability. A majority of their work has been with companies in the northern and central parts of the state. ISTC would like to increase the visibility and use of their technical assistance services by industry in the St. Louis Metro-East. This project was initiated to develop the concept of and a model for an environmental networking organization (ENO) that ISTC could use to achieve this goal. Four models were evaluated to determine their potential to increase the visibility and use of ISTC's services by industry in the Metro-East -- a new traditional environmental networking organization (ENO), a new web-based ENO, a partnership-based ENO, and an outsourced ENO. It was found that a partnership-based ENO offers the most feasible option at this time. The benefits for ISTC include access to partner organizations' membership and wider exposure. However, these efforts will need to be sustained to show results through increased use of ISTC's services. ISTC's focus should be on providing speakers for partner organizations' regular meetings rather than holding separate events. ISTC should develop a list of potential speakers and topics and provide it to the local organizations, in particular the Gateway Society of Hazardous Materials Managers and the Air and Waste Association -- Greater St. Louis Section. The key is to offer a variety of relevant topics, both broad and focused, with engaging, informative speakers that will provide a positive impression of ISTC, even if the speaker is not from ISTC.
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- Topsoil Modification during Suburbanization: Impact on Demands for Municipal Water
HWR06-205
Start: 6/1/06 - Completion: 5/31/08
Investigators
- Darmody, Robert; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Project Summary
- Concerns regarding the impact of soil modification during suburbanization on demands for water lead to an investigation of suburbanized soil properties. The tested hypothesis was that soils under natural or agricultural conditions allowed more water infiltration and storage than those disturbed by suburban development. Illinois has soils which are among the best in the world for agriculture, and any modification of them most likely will make them less desirable. Under suburbanized conditions, the topsoil may have been removed, replaced, and compacted thus decreasing both water infiltration and storage. Soils that have less soil moisture stored will require more irrigation to maintain a lawn, thus increasing demands on municipal water supplies. Research was conducted at two suburbanizing locations, in the region of Plainfield and of Champaign, Illinois. Plainfield is a rapidly sub-urbanizing area, the research sites were converted from farmland to urban land from 1-6 years prior to sampling. Similarly, Champaign County research sites were converted from agriculture 2-25 years prior to sampling. Results indicate that soil fertility is at an acceptable level at all sites. High variability in infiltration and bulk densities obscure differences in the lawn vs. the reference sites, but overall, there was not a consistent impact of topsoil handling in the upper 7.6 cm where we sampled.
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- Greening Metalworking Fluids Purchasing Using Multicriteria Methodologies
HWR06-206
Start: 6/1/06 - Completion: 6/30/08
Investigators
- Plewa, Michael; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Rajagopalan, Nandakishore; Illinois Sustainable Technology Center
- Wagner, Elizabeth; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Project Summary
- This toxicological research was conducted to aid in the development of a multicriteria decision making tool to facilitate selection of functional yet greener metalworking fluids by reducing the environmental and health and safety footprint of metalworking fluids (MWF). This research also satisfies a long felt need of workers to understand the health risks associated with MWF and a desire to minimize such risks by appropriate choice. Utilization of such a tool is expected to lead to, (i) improved MWF purchasing decisions through data dependent decision making transparency, (ii) through specific articulation and acknowledgment of the multiple criteria often involved in such choice, and (iii) built-in flexibility to reflect and incorporate site-specific preferences and constraints. The specific objectives of this project are: (i) identification of the key characteristics of the MWF that contribute to its utility, economics, and environmental and health and safety aspects, (ii) identification and evaluation of appropriate measures for the above characteristics, (iii) choice and evaluation of an appropriate decision making model to analyze and synthesize the above information, and, (iv) development of a user friendly format to present the end-results of such an analysis. In addition to the above, the project intends to develop and test a transiently stable emulsion mixture for providing machining functionality, ease of maintenance, and a superior safety profile. Toxicity data collected on MWF components collected both through a literature search and through testing will guide the choice of components for developing the transiently stable emulsion. From this research project the following may be concluded. 1. Twelve Metal working fluids (MWFs) and ten metal working fluid components were evaluated for their chronic cytotoxicity using an in vitro CHO cell bioassay. 2. For both the MWFs and the MWF components the range of cytotoxicity was within standard toxic agents regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 3. The MWF rank order, from most cytotoxic to least cytotoxic, was Castrol 6510 > Castrol Clearedge 6536 > Alusol AU39 > Cimperial 1070 > Vita Edge > Castrol 6519 > TrimSol > TrimE 206nd > Eaton Hocut 763 > Hangsterfer's S506 > Syntilo 9904 > IRMCO Cut-ting Fluid Product A. 4. For the MWF classes there is an overall descending cytotoxicity rank order of MWFs of semi-synthetic > soluble oil > synthetic. 5. For these MWF classes the CHO cell cytotoxicity assay was highly correlated to in vivo pulmonary toxicity measurements in animal models. 6. The MWF component rank order, from most cytotoxic to least cytotoxic, was Atramide 202 > Alkaterg T-IV > Busan 77 > Mayfree 133 > Dover Maylube 112 > AMP95 > UCON EMPL-48 >Mayfree Sulperm HO > UCON 50-HB-6, Dover Klorfree 100. 7. These data indicate that for both the MWF and MWF components a wide diversity of cytotoxicity is present and that these data may be used to select MWFs or MWF components that meet industry requirements and pose the lowest level of toxic hazard.
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- Fate Analysis of Polybrominated Ethers in Anaerobic Digester Sludge
HWR07-207
Start: 9/1/06 - Completion: 5/31/08
Investigators
- Rockne, Karl; University of Chicago (PI)
- Project Summary
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widely used flame retardants primarily used in the electronics, plastics and textiles industries. Upon use in the so-called "technosphere", many PBDEs eventually pass through wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), one of the primary interfaces between the technosphere and the aquatic environment. As such, WWTPs present an ideal focusing point for study of technosphere processes. There are several published studies that have made measurements of influent and effluent PBDE levels, as well as more detailed mass balances that have been performed on WWTPs. Although these studies have established the majority of influent PBDEs end up in the biosolids fraction, knowledge of the fate of PBDEs in specific treatment stages (particularly those involved in biosolids stabilization) is still lacking. Although there are a number of investigations of PBDE debromination in sediments, the few in digester sludge have been in the laboratory with conditions greatly different from the WWTP. Given that arguments in favor of continued BDE-209 use hinge on its non-toxicity, it is imperative that we understand whether BDE-209 can be debrominated to more toxic and bioavailable congers in WWTPs. Our hypothesis is that PBDEs will have a significant dehalogenation potential due to the weaker Br-C bond than the corresponding Cl-C bond in PCBs. Our focus is on the reductive debromination potential of PBDEs in sludge from the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant (CWRP) in Chicago and Woodridge-Greene Valley waste treatment facility (WGV) in Dupage County, Illinois. The former is a standard rate digester facility receiving biosolids from a plant servicing an area with a mix of heavy industry,commercial and domestic sources; while the latter has a mixed thermophilic high rate methanogenic digester and receives sludge from a plant servicing exclusively suburban domestic and some commercial sources. Prior to the start of research, a method was developed to extract, cleanup and quantify 43 BDE congeners ranging from di- to deca-BDEs. Method detection limits ranged from 5-16 ng/ml in extracts and 0.3-0.9 ng on a mass basis. The field phase of this research was comprised of detailed analysis of PBDEs and relevant biosolids parameters throughout the sludge treatment train of both plants. Results indicate that BDE-209 and other BDE congeners are significantly transformed in the thermophilic digester of the WGV, but not in the CWRP. Laboratory studies included determination of the potential and rate of reductive debromination in controlled studies using a variety of inhibitors and biostimulation agents with potential "haloprimers" to confirm the WGV results. These laboratory data were used to suggest possible pathway and kinetic rates of reductive debromination in the digester and at other stages in sludge processing. Based upon our results, it has been confirmed that BDE-209 is reductively debrominated to lower brominated congeners under thermophilic digestion. These results suggest the possibility of increased BDE bioavailability, and even toxicity given the known characteristics of the lesser brominated BDE congeners. Finally, debromination kinetic data generated from this study allows predictions to be made of BDE dynamics in various digester formulations using a pseudo-first order kinetic regime. Results indicate that BDE-209 is debrominated at a rate of 0.26 d^-1 in the WGV digester, the highest rate ever reported.
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- Database Development for Comparative Analysis of the Performance of Metalworking Fluids in Machining Operations
HWR07-208
Start: 9/1/06 - Completion: 6/30/08
Investigators
- Kapoor, Shiv; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Project Summary
- Metalworking fluids (MWFs) play a significant role in machining operations. Despite their importance, the manufacturing industry lacks tools to make functionally sound and economical decisions about them.
In this research project, a second generation drilling testbed was developed to evaluate the performance of MWFs with respect to lubricity and cooling capacity. A desktop drilling machine was used to make the testbed with a load cell sensor and a thermocouple located in the oil-hole of the drill. The testbed characterized MWFs based on torque, thrust, and temperature measurements. A standardized test procedure was developed to ensure that comparisons of fluids were accurate, repeatable, and representative of the actual differences in the fluids. System repeatability was found to be very good with a coefficient of variation well under 0.1. The system was found to determine differences within 1-2.9% for torque, 1.4-2.5% for thrust, and 2.7-8.2% for temperature based on five replicates per experimental condition and an ? = 0.05 statistical analysis.
Ten MWFs were chosen, representing a cross-section of soluble oils, semi-synthetics and synthetic products from a variety of manufacturers. The performance of these fluids at a 10% concentration was analyzed based on a set of four separate comparative experiments designed to compare various drilling conditions and reveal how the MWFs performed based on changes of workpiece material, feedrate, and water hardness. The results were evaluated within each experiment by comparing how individual fluids perform within their type and how fluid types perform with respect to each other. Comparative analysis was also conducted among separate experiments to determine how changes in feedrate, workpiece material, and water hardness affect MWF performance. Conclusions based on the data analysis are presented.
Additional MWF evaluation tests were used to further characterize the fluids. Tests for viscosity, surface tension, emulsion stability, and corrosion inhibition were conducted and the results compared with the lubricity and cooling results to check for correlation. General trends found a correlation between fluid performance in lubrication and viscosity and surface tension results. Surface tension was found to be more a function of the emulsifiers and additives used in a fluid than the concentration of oil, while viscosity showed a definite correlation with oil content. It was also found that the synthetic fluids showed the most resistance to fluid breakdown due to hard water as measured by emulsion stability titration testing. There was no correlation found between type of fluid (soluble oil, semi-synthetic, and synthetic) and corrosion inhibition or surface tension.
- ISTC Notes
- RR-120
View publications from this project
- Overcoming Barriers to P2 and Recycling for Construction Wastes
HWR07-209
Start: 9/1/06 - Completion: 8/31/08
Investigators
- Boser, Richard; Illinois STate University (PI)
- El-Gafy, Mohamed; Illinois State Universtiy (PI)
- Project Summary
- Guided by the ADOP2TTM model (Lindsey, 1998, 1999) for diffusion of innovation, this research project worked toward accelerating the adoption of waste minimization and pollution prevention (P2)/recycling practices by Illinois home builders. Major phases of the study included: a. establishing partnerships with home builders in two Illinois counties; b. identifying and quantifying typical waste streams from residential construction; c. identifying priority waste materials for P2/recycling, local best management practices, and barriers to P2/recycling faced by home builders; d. implementing P2/recycling demonstration projects in two counties; e. developing case study fact sheets to document the procedures and results; and f. disseminating the results of the demonstration projects. Two very different demonstration projects were solicited and documented. In Normal, IL (McLean County), the demonstration site was a four-unit townhome in a new subdivision. The site had adequate room for multiple roll-off boxes to facilitate source-separation by trade partners. The Cook County demonstration project was a LEED-H1 Platinum home in the City of Chicago on a very tight infill site with barely enough space for one 20 cubic yard roll-off box. The waste materials from this site were commingled and separated for recovery at a recycling center.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-043
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- Correlations of Agrochemical Residues in Drinking Water and Birth Defects in Illinois
HWR07-210
Start: 2/1/07 - Completion: 1/31/08
Investigators
- Mohanty, Manoj; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (PI)
- Yang, Fan; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
- Zhang, Baojie; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
- Project Summary
- Our research investigated the correlations of five key contaminants in drinking water in the State of Illinois with the incidence rates of three different categories of negative reproductive outcomes: birth defects, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and preterm births. The five water contaminants included three agrochemical-based contaminants (atrazine, nitrate and nitrite) and two disinfectant byproducts (total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids). We obtained nearly 38,000 measurements of the individual concentrations of these five contaminants from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). These data were collected from nearly 1,800 community water supplies (CWS) located in all 102 Illinois counties. The data set spanned a five-year period, 1998-2002. The county-specific incidence rate data for preterm births, seven groups of birth defects, and seven groups of adverse pregnancy outcomes were collected from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
The traditional approach of establishing correlation of one explanatory variable at a time indicated that nitrate concentration in drinking water was statistically correlated to the incidence rate of only one category of negative reproductive outcome, i.e., birth defects. However, multiple regression analysis, which took into consideration all water contaminant data simultaneously, established statistical significance of the correlation between nitrate and all three categories of negative reproductive outcomes. Total trihalomethanes (TTHM) and haloacetic acids (HAA5) were also found to be statistically significant explanatory variables for all three types of negative reproductive outcomes. Nitrite was found to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and preterm births only; its correlation with birth defect rates could not be established at 80% confidence level. Atrazine was found to be among the significant explanatory variables for all three negative reproductive outcomes. However, its correlations with the birth defect model developed using censored data and the preterm birth model developed based on observed data were not statistically significant. Nearly 21.5%, 35.8%, and 16.6% of the variability in incidence rates of the different types of birth defects, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and preterm births, respectively, was explained by the county-wide average concentrations of the above mentioned five contaminants in community drinking water supplies. However, it must be realized that a statistically significant correlation developed using these type of uncontrolled or observational data does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
During the five-year period studied, the average monthly concentrations of all three agrochemical-based contaminants were significantly higher in surface water (SW)-based CWS than groundwater (GW)-based CWS. On the other hand, concentrations of both disinfectant byproducts, TTHM and HAA5, were significantly higher in GW-based water supplies than SW-based water supplies. The peak atrazine concentration of 1.0 µg/L, which was observed during the months of May and June, was well below the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 3.0 µg/L set by U.S. EPA. The peak nitrate concentration of 5.5 mg/L measured during the month of March was also well below the U.S. EPA-set MCL of 10 mg/L. For nitrite, the average concentrations of the SW-based CWS (based on censored data) were above 0.06 mg/L, with a peak of 0.14 mg/L (MCL is 1 mg/L). The concentration was fairly constant at average of 0.12 mg/L for all 12 months for GW-based water supplies. The monthly average concentration of TTHM was highest in the month of May at nearly 118 µg/L, followed by 98 µg/L in November. These concentrations were significantly higher than the U.S. EPA-set MCL of 80 µg/L. HAA5 concentration peaked in the month of November at above 100 µg/L, with the second highest concentration of nearly 75 µg/L in the month of May. These concentrations were also significantly higher than the MCL of 60 µg/L for HAA5 established by U.S. EPA.
Remedial measures are needed to lower concentrations of disinfectant byproducts in drinking water, especially during certain times of the year. Continued monitoring of atrazine and its metabolites, as well as nitrate and nitrate, are important for early detection of an increase in amounts in drinking water.
- Identification of the Sources and Temporal Patterns of Sediment-Associated Toxicity in the Illinois River Complex
HWR07-211
Start: 2/1/07 - Completion: 7/31/09
Investigators
- Lydy, Michael; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (PI)
- Maul, Jonathan; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
- You, Jing; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
- Mehler, W. Tyler; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
- Project Summary
- We assessed perchlorate impacts at current and potential drinking water sources in the study areas of ten sites in Illinois: six federal facilities (former Savanna Army Depot, Rock Island Arsenal, former Illinois Ordnance Plant/CONWR, former JAAP, former Chanute AFB, and former Green River Ordnance Plant); and four manufacturing sites, including two former fireworks manufacturers (World Fireworks and Star Fireworks), one former warning flares manufacturer (Orion Safety Products), and one military explosives manufacturer (Propellex Corporation). In addition to reviewing investigations conducted by others, we collected surface water and groundwater samples from the study areas of each of the ten sites (but not the source areas). In all, we collected 90 water samples plus 30 quality control samples and shipped them to the ISTC laboratory for perchlorate analysis (Table 3). Perchlorate was not detected at or above the quantitation limit of 2.0 µg/L in any of the samples that we collected. For this study, we mainly focused on collecting samples from drinking water supplies rather than source areas. We did not collect samples from the source areas during this study because source area samples were collected and analyzed by others, or well surveys indicated that there were no wells at these addresses and/or we did not have access.
Drinking Water Supplies in the Study Areas: We identified the public water supplies (surface water and groundwater) used by the communities in the study areas and demonstrated that they were not currently impacted by perchlorate contamination. We identified private wells in the study areas and collected samples representative of different aquifers. Our results indicate that perchlorate releases, if any, have not migrated to the private wells where we collected samples. We also identified surface water bodies that may be recharging groundwater in each study area and collected samples from streams flowing at the time of sample collection. Our results indicate that perchlorate releases, if any, have not migrated to the locations where we collected surface water samples. It is possible that some wells may be at risk for perchlorate contamination because some residents in the study areas may be using wells installed prior to the effective date of the groundwater ordinances or they may be using wells that are not listed in the databases. Some water supplies could potentially be at risk for perchlorate impacts in the future because releases could occur at active facilities or perchlorate could migrate from the source areas to the surface water and groundwater resources in the study areas where there are no groundwater use restrictions. Our evaluation of the data available for the six federal facilities listed in this study showed that there were perchlorate releases at both federal facilities where it was analyzed (Site 2-Former Savanna Army Depot and Site 6-Illinois Ordnance Plant/CONWR) and that institutional controls restricted the use of potentially impacted water. Since Illinois was the nation's leading producer of ammunition during World War II and there are numerous former and active military facilities in various stages of assessment, investigation, and remediation, it is likely that perchlorate releases will be found at additional federal facilities in Illinois, and impacts to drinking water systems can be minimized by institutional controls. An estimate of the number of federal facilities in Illinois with perchlorate releases will be obtained after the updated 2009 DOD policy is implemented (as discussed in Section 1.2.4) and assessments of perchlorate impacts at DOD installations are completed. Perchlorate was detected in the study area of the only manufacturing facility where it was analyzed (former World Fireworks). Little information was available for the remaining three manufacturing sites (Site 1-Former Orion Safety Products, Site 3B-Former Star Fireworks, or Site 4-Propellex Corporation) since these facilities are not in a cleanup program and we did not have access to the source areas at these sites. Other potential sources of perchlorate include blasting sites and fireworks displays. The IDNR website provides an estimate of the number of Illinois sites with explosive materials (IDNR, 2008). It indicates that there are over 650 active aggregate mining and reclamation permits, over 830 certified explosive storage magazines, over 1,250 explosive license holders, and nearly 400 blaster license and certificate holders in Illinois. The website states that 100 million pounds of explosives are used in Illinois annually, for mining (85%), construction (10%), and miscellaneous uses (5%) such as fireworks displays, etc. Although there are a large number of federal facilities and other potential sources of perchlorate in Illinois, and investigation results for the sites in this study indicate that perchlorate releases have occurred, the UCMR data discussed in Section 1.1.3 indicates that the impact on the State's water supply is not widespread. In Illinois, water samples from all 105 large public water supplies and a representative number (28) of small public water supplies were analyzed for perchlorate as part of the UCMR program. Perchlorate was detected in samples from two large public water supply samples - one in Rock Island (8.3 µg/L) and one in Joliet (4 µg/L). It was not detected in any of the small public water supplies. Perchlorate was not detected in any of the samples that we collected from private wells in the ten study areas. Actions to Minimize Potential Perchlorate Impacts on Drinking Water: Public water supplies will be monitored after the State establishes a regulatory standard for perchlorate in drinking water. If perchlorate is discovered in a drinking water source, a field investigation could be conducted to determine the source of contamination. If groundwater contamination is detected in public water supply wells at levels determined by IEPA to be a threat to private well users in the vicinity, Illinois Right-to-Know laws require that the Illinois Department of Public Health alert private well users to groundwater contamination that may threaten their wells (IEPA, 2009). The Illinois Right-to-Know laws require IEPA to notify citizens when contamination in soil or groundwater that poses a threat of exposure to the public is found. The Right-to-Know notifications include information about the contaminant, a description of the potential adverse health effects, and a recommendation that water wells be tested. The method of notification may include one or more of the following: personal notification, such as letters mailed to individual well owners, public meetings, signs, or notices in local newspapers (IEPA, 2009).
We reviewed investigation results, guidance, and best management practices for blasting sites, fireworks display areas, and treatment plants that were developed for other states. To limit the potential for perchlorate releases, guidance could be developed for blasting operations, fireworks displays, and water treatment (similar to the Massachusetts best management practices (MassDEP, 2007)), and it could be distributed to industries, municipalities, and permit and certificate holders. Improvements to the Process of Performing Well Surveys: As discussed in Section 2.3, we found that performing the well surveys was a cumbersome process, and that some private wells could not be identified using this process without a complete door-to-door survey which was beyond the scope of this project. Different well numbering systems are used by each agency, and much of the information is outdated or missing. For some sites, up to 76% of the well records were unusable. In many cases, residents had connected to the municipal water supply but the databases were not updated to reflect this information. The following actions may improve the ability to more efficiently and accurately identify potable water supply wells: • Combine well records into a single database • Update the well records more often • Require owners to update their permit upon change in ownership • If records show that a well is present, require that a well abandonment permit be submitted prior to connection to a public water supply
View publications from this project
- Perchlorates in the Illinois Environment
HWR07-212
Start: 2/1/07 - Completion: 11/30/08
Investigators
- Dolan, Rita; Greenwood Environmental Consulting, Inc. (PI)
- Project Summary
- The goal of this 22-month project is to examine the level of perchlorates at various sites in Illinois to determine if there is a contamination issue in Illinois drinking water supplies. Perchlorate is an inorganic ion that can affect human health by disrupting thyroid function. There is wide disagreement regarding acceptable exposure levels. The U.S. EPA has adopted a concentration of 24.5 ppb as a Drinking Water Equivalent Level and will likely regulate perchlorate. Currently, there is insufficient data to demonstrate whether there is a perchlorate risk in Illinois water supplies. Perchlorate has been detected in groundwater found near some federal facilities and manufacturing sites. This study gathered samples and data from ten sites in Illinois. Researchers analyzed samples and data to detect at-risk water supplies or to demonstrate that perchlorate contamination is not an issue.
This study assessed perchlorate impacts at current and potential drinking water sources in the study areas of ten sites in Illinois: six federal facilities (former Savanna Army Depot, Rock Island Arsenal, former Illinois Ordnance Plant/CONWR, former JAAP, former Chanute AFB, and former Green River Ordnance Plant); and four manufacturing sites, including two former fireworks manufacturers (World Fireworks and Star Fireworks), one former warning flares manufacturer (Orion Safety Products), and one military explosives manufacturer (Propellex Corporation).
In addition to reviewing investigations conducted by others, we collected surface water and groundwater samples from the study areas of each of the ten sites (but not the source areas). In all, we collected 90 water samples plus 30 quality control samples and shipped them to the ISTC laboratory for perchlorate analysis. Perchlorate was not detected at or above the quantitation limit of 2.0 µg/L in any of the samples that we collected. For this study, we mainly focused on collecting samples from drinking water supplies rather than source areas. We did not collect samples from the source areas during this study because either source area samples were collected and analyzed by others, or well surveys indicated that there were no wells at these addresses and/or we did not have access.
- Optimized Antioxidants for Biodiesel
HWR09-213
Start: 1/1/09 - Completion: 10/30/09
Investigators
- Larson, Rick; Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois (PI)
- Zheng, Wei; Illinois Sustainable Technology Center
- Project Summary
- To obtain predictive information that will permit the development and marketing of improved, stabilized biodiesels, the researchers involved in this project will perform quantitative kinetic experiments using several types of surface-active antioxidants and peroxide destroyers with selected diesel types.
- Examining potential emerging contaminants in the Great Lakes area: analytical methods development and measurement of concentrations in Great Lakes fish
HWR09-214
Start: 1/1/09 - Completion: 9/30/09
Investigators
- Levengood, Jeffrey; Illinois Natural History Survey (PI)
- Bordson, Gary; Illinois Sustainable Technology Center
- Project Summary
- Persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) substances are of continued concern due to their effects on environmental and human health. The objectives of this project are 1) to develop analytical methodology for 10 compounds selected from the priority lists of Muir and Howard (2007) who have recently compiled a list of emerging and PBT substances that need research and monitoring attention in the Great Lakes region and 2) to apply the methods derived to measure the concentrations of these analytes in lake trout from Lake Michigan.
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- Total and Methyl Mercury Export from Denitrifying Bioreactors in Tile-Drained Fields of Central Illinois: A Preliminary Survey
HWR09-215
Start: 9/1/09 - Completion: 6/30/10
Investigators
- Hudson, Bob; Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois (PI)
- Cooke, Richard; Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois
- Project Summary
- This project is investigating how subsurface denitrifying bioreactors -- a new and promising strategy for mitigating excess nitrate in the tile drainage from IL farms -- impact mercury levels in the recreational fisheries that receive their discharge. The effectiveness of these reactors is currently being investigated by researchers in the UIUC Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Since some of the bioreactors currently under study become sufficiently anaerobic that the bacteria within them respire sulfate, it is virtually certain that they also produce methylmercury, the form of mercury that most readily accumulates in fish. This study will measure total mercury and methylmercury concentrations in inputs and discharges from existing bioreactor installations, plus the ditches they drain into. This will help to address questions on the amount of methylmercury they export, what period of the year they produce and export methylmercury, how the export compares to the normal tile system, and what fraction of bioreactors export methylmercury. These answers will allow proper design and better operation of bioreactors to avoid strongly anaerobic conditions.
- Ecotoxicology of Antimicrobial Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products in Illinois Rivers and Streams
HWR09-216
Start: 6/1/09 - Completion: 6/30/12
Investigators
- Kelly, John; Loyola University-Chicago (PI)
- Rosi-Marshall, Emma; Loyola University-Chicago
- Scott, John; Illinois Sustainable Technology Center
- Project Summary
- The researchers will examine the potential ecological impacts of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) by focusing on triclosan, an antibacterial compound whose use has dramatically increased in recent years. The project will address three main questions: 1) Are there detectable levels of triclosan in waters and sediments of IL rivers and streams? 2) Are the levels of triclosan in IL rivers and streams impacting the resident bacterial communities? 3) How does triclosan impact the composition and function of sediment bacterial communities? These questions will be studied using a combination of field surveys and experimental work in laboratory-scale model streams. This work will provide valuable insight into an area of growing concern in the scientific community, and will inform policy makers and regulators about ecological issues associated with triclosan and other PPCPs.
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- In-vitro Selection of DNA Aptamers for the Detection of Endotoxins
HWR09-217
Start: 1/1/09 - Completion: 12/31/09
Investigators
- Lu, Yi; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Project Summary
- Endotoxins are potentially toxic natural compounds that are found in the outer cell membrane of various gram-negative bacteria. Humans can be exposed to endotoxins either through ingestion or inhalation of gram-negative bacteria either in medical or in industrial settings. Many ailments including skin rashes, malaise, fevers, and respiratory distress have been attributed to endotoxin exposure. The current standard method for detection of endotoxins suffers from interferences due to a large number of contaminants present in metal working fluids, common in industrial environments. The proposed research plan aims to use aptamers (DNA or RNA molecules that can bind to a variety of analytes with high affinity and specificity) to detect endotoxins. A combinatorial biology technique known as SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment) will be tried that has been highly useful and effective for obtaining highly specific and selective aptamers. The researchers will isolate aptamers for toxins and their characterization.
- Monitoring and Documenting Performance of Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP)
HWR09-218
Start: 1/1/09 - Completion: 12/31/10
Investigators
- Eyring, Bill; The Center for Neighborhood Technology (PI)
- Wise, Steve; The Center for Neighborhood Technology
- Project Summary
- This project will extend the length and diversity of qualitative monitoring for four green infrastructure best management practices in the Chicago area to determine their effectiveness for sustainable storm water management. The researchers will also construct and monitor an additional green infrastructure BMP to provide comparable performance data to existing monitored sites.
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- Source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Illinois River sediments
HWR10-219
Start: 3/1/10 - Completion: 6/30/10
Investigators
- Rockne, Karl; University of Illinois at Chicago (PI)
- Granberg, Kelly; University of Illinois at Chicago
- Project Summary
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) comprise the most common hydrophobic organic contaminants found in sediments. Previous work by ISTC researchers has found levels of PAHs in several locations in the Illinois River/Lake Peoria sediments that exceed standards. It is hypothesized that the source of some of these PAHs are coal residues from historical barge transport of coal along the Illinois River. To test this hypothesis, it is proposed to perform a source apportionment of the PAH distributions from existing PAH datasets for sediment cores at various locations in the River. The source apportionment will use the technique of factor analysis with non-negative constraints to predict both the number of potential source matrices and the distribution of PAHs within each source to Illinois River Sediments.
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- Reducing E-waste through Purchasing Decisions
HWR12-224
Start: 9/1/11 - Completion: 5/31/13
Investigators
- Corso, Abigail; Delta Institute (PI)
- Seus, Kathy; Delta Institute
- O'Brien, Sarah; Green Electronics Council
- Project Summary
- It is often the case that purchasing decisions for electronic office equipment, such as computers, printers, fax machines, are not made with the equipment end of life disposition in mind. Purchasing agents develop technical specifications for office equipment and make final purchasing decisions based on the needs of their users. Sometimes, the end result is that final disposition of this equipment is either through the trash or through unchecked third party disposal companies which increase the potential for contaminants to enter the environment. The Delta Institute and the Green Electronic Council, the program manager for the EPEAT program, are working on the project, Reducing E-waste through Purchasing Decisions, to identify opportunities and barriers for purchasing agents to include end of life decisions in the purchasing process. The team will use a survey process, interviews, and pilot projects with private companies to identify and document strategies that link purchasing and disposal options for electronic equipment. The overarching goal of the project is to increase the recycling and reuse rates of e-waste. The Delta Institute is an Illinois 501 3 not for profit organization working on green economy issues in the Great Lakes region. The Green Electronics Council is a program of the International Sustainable Development foundation a 501 3 not for profit organization based in Portland Oregon, USA. GEC's mission is to inspire and support the effective design, manufacture, use and recovery of electronic products to contribute to a healthy, fair and prosperous world.
- Illinois Groundwater Source Geothermal Resource Mapping
HWR12-225
Start: 9/1/11 - Completion: 8/31/12
Investigators
- Holm, Thomas; Illionis State Water Survey (PI)
- Larson, David; Illinois State Geological Survey (PI)
- Herman Douglas; AECOM Envinroment
- Lu, Xinli; Illinois Sustainable Technology Center
- Rusk, Todd; Illinois Sustainable Technology Center
- Project Summary
- Groundwater source, or open-loop, geothermal heat pump systems are highly energy efficient for space heating, space cooling, refrigeration, and industrial process cooling, and these systems can play an important role in reducing energy-related CO2-equivalent (CO2e) emissions. Proper application can contribute to major energy efficiency gains and sustainable economic development. There is a lack of information on the geographic locations that could sustainably support these types of systems, and so this project would address a critical gap in information availability and awareness. This project will delineate groundwater geothermal resources in representative urban and rural settings. The project team will compile existing geologic and hydrologic data for these areas to identify the most favorable locations, and the associated heating, cooling, and refrigeration energy potential for identified applications. The analysis will include projections of energy consumption and atmospheric CO2e emission reductions, with respect to conventional modes of heating, cooling, and refrigeration. The primary deliverable will be maps of the Metro-East area of Illinois and Mason County, Illinois and explanation on their use and application. These maps will indicate the availability of groundwater and the allowable density of heating, cooling, and refrigeration applications, in terms of capacity/mile^2. This project is a first step towards producing integrated state-wide and regional maps that characterize the potential of the areas that are most favorably situated for geothermal resource development. These efforts will be directed more broadly at sustainable geothermal development using the most efficient and site-appropriate methods of heat transfer, with consideration to systems based on open-loop groundwater, closed-loop boreholes, closed- or open-loop exchange with surface water, or standing column wells. It will help planners, government agencies, developers, and businesses to identify high-value economic development opportunities with energy resources that are abundant, affordable, and environmentally preferable.
- Characterizing the Effects of Thermochemical Bioenergy Production Process on Emerging Contaminants and Wastewater Reuse Potential
HWR12-226
Start: 9/1/11 - Completion: 12/1/12
Investigators
- Schideman, Lance; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Pham, Mai; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Zhang, Yuanhui; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Sharma, B.K.; Illinois Sustainable Technology Center
- Project Summary
- The primary objective of this research is to improve our understanding of the water quality effects of thermochemical bioenergy production processes that are applied to wet organic-laden wastes, such as animal manures, municipal wastewater, and food processing wastes. In particular, we will analyze the impacts of a novel integrated process combining algal wastewater treatment with hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) on the fate of emerging bioactive contaminants (i.e., pharmaceuticals,) and the potential for wastewater reuse. We hypothesize that the elevated temperature and pressure of an HTL process can effectively convert the bioactive organic compounds into bioenergy products or otherwise break them down to inactive forms. High performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) will be used to measure emerging contaminants before and after HTL treatment. The next task is to study the destruction and/or inactivation of antibiotic resistant genes in wastewaters by the HTL process, by comparing the ability to transfer antibiotic resistant genes before and after HTL treatment, which we expect will destruct the genes and completely disrupt natural pathways for antibiotic resistant gene transfer. It is also important to examine if the HTL treatment of bio-wastes and algae generates any new toxic compounds not present in the original feedstock. To do this, we plan to analyze the pre- and post-HTL wastewaters for toxicological effects and then try to identify specific compounds that contribute to toxicity. Finally, we will assess the effects of algal wastewater treatment on the toxicity of post- HTL wastewater. We anticipate that the toxicity of HTL wastewater will be significantly reduced by treatment with algae that will ultimately be harvested and used as a feedstock for bioenergy production. Through this project we will achieve a better understanding of broader water quality impacts of the proposed integrated wastewater treatment-bioenergy production system. This novel system offers potential advantages for destruction of bioactive contaminants, but also has poorly understood potential toxicity risks associated with byproducts of thermochemical bioenergy production. All in all, we expect this work will support the critical state and national missions of increasing bioenergy alternatives, improving water quality, and enhancing the potential for beneficial reuse of wastewaters.
- ISTC Notes
- TR49
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- Use of effluent water in cellulosic ethanol production
HWR12-227
Start: 2/1/12 - Completion: 2/1/13
Investigators
- Singh, Vijay; University of Illinois - Urbana/Champaign (PI)
- Rajagopalan, Kishore; University of Illinois - Urbana/Champaign
- Project Summary
- The objective of this study is to reduce the amount of fresh water and process water used in cellulosic ethanol production. To complete this goal the researchers will check the feasibility of utilizing three different types of treated effluent water in cellulosic ethanol production by monitoring the final ethanol concentration produced and the rate of fermentation and compare this with ethanol production with deionized water.
- ISTC Notes
- TR49
- On the Feasibility of Establishing a Saline Aquaculture Industry in Illinois
HWR12-228
Start: 5/1/12 - Completion: 3/31/13
Investigators
- Small, Brian; Southern Illinois University - Carbondale (PI)
- Quagrainie, Kwamena; Purdue University
- Rajagopalan, Kishore; Illinois Sustainable Technology Center
- Project Summary
- The objective of this project is to conduct a preliminary study on the viability of establishing a saline aquaculture industry in Illinois. This portion of the study will analyze the competitive advantages of rearing a euryhaline species (Striped Bass) in Illinois/Midwest using regional saline water resources.
- The Feasibility of Reclaiming Shell Material From Investment Castings
RRT-10
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- Peters, Timothy; University of Missouri-Rolla (PI)
- Twarog, Daniel; American Foundrymen's Society (PI)
- Project Summary
- This report examines the feasibility of investment shell component reclamation. Shell material components and their compositions are investigated with an industry survey, a study of the available literature, and analysis of specimen shell materials. Physical properties and factors related to the reclamation and reuse of shell materials are described. Well known mineral processing methods are capable of producing concentrates of the various shell components. The theory and techniques of some applicable processes are discussed to assist with the development of reclamation operations. The recommended methods are; comminution by roll crushing, component concentration by screening, gravity settling or heavy medium separation. Aluminosilicate stucco (a major component of many investment shells) can be recovered in a form sui table for reuse as backup stucco. Zircon (a minor component in many shell compositions) can be concentrated in an impure form, and subsequent caustic liberation treatments can remove the intermixed silica phases. Reuse of such zircon in investment casting may be possible but will require careful qualification testing. Fused and crystalline silica (major components of most shell compositions) are not reusable for investment casting. The feasibility of reclamation will be influenced by individual foundry choices of materials, composition and shell practice.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-004
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- Removal and Recovery of Carbon Disulfide Emitted by the Viscose Process
RRT-11
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- McIntosh, Michael; Argonne National Laboratory (PI)
- Project Summary
- 1.1 BACKGROUND Teepak, Inc., which manufactures cellulose food casings by means of the viscose process, has a plant in Danville, Illinois, that emits approximately 400,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) of water-saturated air containing approximately 100 parts per million (ppm) of carbon disulfide (CS2). Both Teepak and the state of Illinois desire to reduce these emissions as soon as possible; however, the large air flow and very small CS2 concentration result in a difficult and costly separations problem without an obvious economically viable solution. One possibility is to incinerate the CS2, but a more environmentally and economically acceptable alternative is to recover the CS2 for recycle to the process. The recovered CS2 would be worth about $700,000 annually to Teepak. This situation, although it involves an important Illinois industry, is much more than a serious local problem. The same problem exists at all plants that use the viscose process to manufacture rayon or cellulose products. These plants are located throughout the world (two in Illinois, including Teepak). As a result of upcoming clean-air laws, all such plants in the United States eventually will be shut down (with severe loss to local economies) unless a viable method is found to recover or remove small amounts of CS2 from wet air. Teepak has sponsored, with the Hazardous Waste Research and Information Center (HWRIC) of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, a research project at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) to evaluate current gas-purification and recovery technology and to suggest a route of development that will lead to a CS2 recovery process. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs later provided an Illinois Challenge Grant to allow laboratory studies to supplement this effort. This report is a result of all those studies.
1.2 SUMMARY OF WORK COMPLETED A literature search covering all aspects ofCS2 removal and recovery produced 10,380 citations. Further sorting narrowed this group to 855 pertinent references; 235 were selected for further study. Of these, more than half were used directly in developing the results of this report. Design models for CS:/air separations were developed for gas adsorption and gas absorption. A cost model was developed for gas adsorption. Sorption of CS2 in more than 20 sorbents, both liquid and solid, was measured in the laboratory, and the results were translated into equilibrium data. The laboratory data, supplemented with literature data, were used in design and cost models to develop information regarding CS2 recovery at Teepak. A wide range of U.S. experts in separations engineering, plant design and costing, and CS2 chemistry were contacted for comment on the information and rationale developed from the literature search and modeling efforts. Their suggestions were compiled and incorporated into revised models and reported information.
1.3 SUMMARY OF RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
1.3.1 Literature Evaluation The general literature contains a large number of reports related to CS2 recovery from air. Many of these were generally useful, but a majority was found to be quantitatively inapplicable to the Teepak case for one or more of the following reasons: •They relate to concentrations of CS2 often an order of magnitude larger or more than the Teepak case. •They do not address the important process issues related to the Teepak case, such as the very high flow rate of air requiring treatment, mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) personal exposure limits and product quality/process specifications. • They do not provide quantitative data or results upon which an objective evaluation can be based.
1.3.2 Laboratory Testing Both equilibrium data and rate data (or estimates) are required to evaluate any separations process. In all the data and literature searches associated with this project, only one set of applicable equilibrium data was found: adsorption isotherms for CS2 on activated carbon. Additional adsorption and absorption equilibrium data for a variety of sorbents were measured at ANL and at Teepak. These data were used to determine the feasibility of CS2 sorption processes based on the use of specific sorbents.
1.3.3 Gas Absorption In the absence of applicable vapor-liquid equilibrium data for CS2 solvents, gas absorption was first studied on the basis of theoretical projections and assumptions (e.g., Henry's law coefficients obtained from solubility parameter data and rate data obtained from generalized correlations) and reasonable variations from the minimal case. A highly aliphatic mineral oil (Kaydol) was tested in the laboratory for equilibrium loading at 100 ppm CS2 and found to fit theoretical estimates of Henry's law coefficient. By using the theoretical approach, application of conventional gas absorption processes for CS2 removal was shown to be relatively expensive, mainly because of low equilibrium CS2 loadings in all possible absorbents, with attendant requirements for high liquid flow and relatively low superficial gas velocities to avoid flooding in absorption towers. For example, 13 conventional absorption towers (12 ft in diameter) would be required at Teepak for CS2 removal only. Application of conventional desorption processing to Kaydol (or other possible CS2 absorption liquids) was evaluated and found to be infeasible. A very large amount of steam heat would be required. Also, because of low equilibrium CS2 loadings and relatively low CS2 vapor pressure at desorption temperatures, high vacuum and high temperature would be required. Recovery would be very expensive and highly inefficient, if not impossible. Gas absorption with desorption CS2 recovery, therefore, was concluded to be infeasible at Teepak.
1.3.4 Incineration Catalytic incineration was judged possible at Teepak. Incineration can destroy CS2 in air but would require a large capital investment and create a difficult SO2/air separations problem. Bec.ause the main thrust of the project is to evaluate removal and recovery possibilities, incineration must remain a default option. However, catalytic incineration of CS2 to S03 (allowing production of sulfuric acid [H2S04], a neutralizer used in the Teepak plant) may be possible given a catalyst development effort. Unfortunately, sulfuric acid is worth 3.7 cents per pound, while CS2 is worth 18.5 cents per pound. Thus, there is little incentive to adopt the catalytic or noncatalytic incineration approach, if recovery of CS2 remains possible.
1.3.5 Membrane Separation It was determined that no existing ceramic membrane can remove CS2 from air effectively, even at high CS2 concentrations. Rubbery polymer membranes are a possibility, but none is available specifically for the CS2"air system, and no data have been developed that would allow even a preliminary process design to be developed. However, simple calculations showed that the driving force in CS2 permeation through any membrane, ceramic or rubbery, is so low that a very large membrane surface would be required at high capital cost. One expert estimated a minimum of $25 million for the membrane equipment alone. This approach was not ruled out on quantitative grounds; however, research would be required to develop the needed membrane and the permeation data for CS2. Pursuing the membrane option is not recommended at this time.
1.3.6 Noncarbon Adsorption In the Teepak application, the CS2-contaminated air flow is normally very wet (80 to 100% relative humidity). Therefore, any adsorbent would carry some advantage if it could be used without first drying the air; hydrophobic adsorbents would be preferred. In addition, CS2 has a very low auto ignition temperature in air (~100°C), so fire is always a concern for flammable adsorbents, such as activated carbon. Common noncarbon adsorbents, such as common zeolite or silica gel, are hydrophilic and would be" totally poisoned by water. However, many nonflammable, hydrophobic adsorbents exist or can be developed, and it was believed that these may have advantages. Of course, common noncarbon adsorbents could be used with air drying if they loaded well with CS2, since the cost of air drying has been shown (Section 5) to be a relatively low fraction of total carbon adsorption plant costs. Therefore, adsorption data were compiled for a variety of noncarbon hydrophobic and hydrophilic adsorbents. Unfortunately, it was found that none loaded with CS2 as well as carbon, almost within an order of magnitude. Because the adsorbents tested range over all classes of commercial adsorption materials, the possibility of finding one with favorable properties does not seem promising.
1.3.7 Activated Carbon Adsorption As mentioned above, a variety of adsorbents were tested in the laboratory for both adsorption and desorption of CS2. The results show that all adsorbents other than activated carbon have relatively low loading capacity for CS2, but that carbon adsorption of CS2 is very efficient. In one case, a carbon supplied by Kureha Ltd. was found to contain, at equilibrium, 8% by weight of CS2 at only 100 ppm CS2 in dry air. It was also des orbed relatively easily at only 100°C. Other carbons loaded even higher, but desorption was more difficult. Tests also showed that use of wet air can reduce the average loading of CS2 on carbon by as much as 62%, depending on the relative humidity (RH). Use of activated carbon adsorption isotherms estimated from laboratory data allowed a general process and cost analysis of preliminary process designs to be conducted for a hypothetical temperature-swing, activated carbon, gas-adsorption (TSA) plant at Teepak. Provided the problems (discussed below) associated with carbon adsorption can be overcome, the results indicate that gas adsorption is an expensive but possible means of CS2 recovery. For example, if 5% CS2 loading of carbon is assumed, a grass-roots gas-adsorption plant at Teepak would require 20 operating adsorption towers with beds 7.5 ft deep, for a total plant cost of $24.08 million. If the air were totally dried before adsorption, the CS2 could be removed by 16 towers with 5.4-ft beds at a cost of $23.42 million. If the air were only partially dried to 50% RH, 16 operating towers with 5.5-ft beds at a cost of $22.82 million would be required. If the air was both pressurized to 50 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) and totaly dried, the recovery could be accomplished by ten 6.1-ft operating towers at a cost of $23.64 million. Other TSA options are given in Section 5. Comparable costs for other forms of carbon adsorption plants, such as the moving bed concept pioneered by Kureha, remain to be evaluated. However, TSA is the most basic and simplest of the carbon adsorption configurations and is therefore likely to be also the lowest-cost configuration. Unfortunately, activated carbon adsorption involves other problems. For example, because of the low auto ignition temperature ofCS2, a carbon/air/CS2 system would constitute a severe fire hazard when heated only slightly. Means to alleviate this danger must be developed and tested. Fires likely have occurred at historical commercial carbon-based CS2 recovery installations because of insufficient desorption; if so, the danger might be lessened by careful attention to bed temperature during desorption. This idea, together with other possibilities, must be verified in tests. Additional deterrents to carbon adsorbent use are the possibility of H2S poisoning of the carbon (the Teepak air contains trace H2S), the large transport zone (unused bed) requirements of some carbons, and the reduction in adsorptive capacity resulting from moisture in the Teepak gas. However, since these deterrents could yield to a determined pilot effort, the pilot option is recommended as the next phase of this program. Calculations indicated that steam desorption has significant advantages over nitrogen desorption, mainly because steam will condense at relatively high temperature and low pressure and because CS2 is immiscible in water. These results should be verified in a pilot study. It is concluded that further development of carbon adsorption presents the best current possibility for CS2 recovery at Teepak.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-005
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- Waste Management Study of Foundries Major Waste Streams
RRT-16
Start: N/A - Completion: N/A
Investigators
- McKinley, Marvin; University of Alabama and American Foundrymen's Society, Inc. (PI)
- Twarog, Daniel; University of Alabama and American Foundrymen's Society, Inc. (PI)
- Frederick; Christopher; University of Alabama and American Foundrymen's Society, Inc.
- Herz, William; University of Alabama and American Foundrymen's Society, Inc.
- Jefcoat, Irvin; University of Alabama and American Foundrymen's Society, Inc.
- Project Summary
- Research on emission control and waste disposal is the number one priority within AFS. In an industry survey conducted by AFS, ten top areas of concern were outlined, headed by sand system waste and emissions from molding, pouring, melting and shakeout in iron and steel green sand foundries. The objective of the present program was to define the foundry waste streams and emissions, establish where the streams originate, and define their make-up. A primary driving force for this work is the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1 990 which will set new regulations for air emissions from foundries for 189 hazardous air pollutants (HAP) by 1997. The focus of the research was on the nature of the foundry waste streams in the form of air emissions from processes of core-making, molding, pouring, and shakeout and to establish their origin and their makeup. Binder chemicals are a major potential contributor to emissions from core-making and subsequent processes. The Phase I report included a review of all available information. Sources were the technical literature, suppliers of chemicals to foundries, AFS workshops, USEPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, technical meetings, and visits to foundries. This Phase II report covers an extension of the research to include emission factors derived from the limited data available for the common binder systems. These data will be useful for making order-of-magnitude estimates of emissions. Also included is a brief discussion of treatment technologies currently available for air emissions, along with a list of vendors for such equipment.
- ISTC Notes
- TR-011/TR-016
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- Field Testing of In-Situ Phosphatizing Coatings
RRT-19
Start: 10/1/93 - Completion: 8/31/95
Investigators
- Lin, Chhiu-Tsu; Northern Illinois University (PI)
- Project Summary
- The long-term goal of this proposed research is to develop an environmentally and economically sound "clear" and "pigmented" single-step phosphate/paint system (PPS) that will provide superior protection of metal surfaces, eliminate several process steps, and reduce pollution problems during manufacturing.
- Product and Process Design Tradeoffs for Pollution Prevention
RRT-21
Start: 6/1/94 - Completion: 12/31/95
Investigators
- Thurston, Deborah; University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Carahan, James; Armstrong World Industries
- Project Summary
- This project integrates design of experiments, concurrent multiobjective design evaluation and optimization, and life cycle analysis into a comprehensive design process. The previously external cost of environmental impacts will be incorporated into the concurrent multiobjective analysis in two ways: 1) Statistical manufacturing process control which treats pollution as a product defect, and 2) the cost of compliance with regulations. Thus, the "internalization of externalities" will be analyzed with the same degree of mathematical rigor that engineers traditionally utilize only for models of physical systems.
- Galvanizing Bath Life Extension
RRT-22
Start: 6/1/95 - Completion: 12/31/95
Investigators
- Tiberi, Ted; Arid Technologies, Inc. (PI)
- Project Summary
- ARID Technologies will compile a technical report which summarizes the results of their pilot-scale study on using revers osmosis (RO) membrane separating technology to minimize hazardous waste generation in the metal galvanizing industry. This report will present technical details of our on-site testing program. If a full-scale system is subsequently constructed, a follow-on report can be generated to detail the scale-up calculations and performance parameters of such a full-scale unit.
- Development of New Filter Technology for Dramatic Reduction of Dry Paint Filter Waste
RRT-24
Start: 6/7/96 - Completion: 12/31/97
Investigators
- Mitchel, George; Caterpillar Inc. (PI)
- Spanler, John; Caterpillar Inc. (PI)
- Project Summary
- Painting tractors yellow at Caterpillar demands the use of a significant number of filters. When these filters are spent, the paint continues to cure in an exothermic process, which may result in spontaneous combustion and a dangerous filter fire. We at Caterpillar hypothesized that a filter made from starch could be dissolved in water, solving two problems: decrease the probability of spontaneous combustion, as well as nearly eliminate a significant waste stream. Several different filter types were made from starch: foam filter, perforated and expanded filter, paper baffle filter, thermoformed baffle filter, and fibrous filter. The foam filter was never successfully produced; the perforated arid expanded filter as well as the paper and thermoformed baffle filters were successfully produced, but are of no significant use to Caterpillar's painting operation. The fibrous filter was produced with a non-ideal sized fiber, resulting in a filter of75% starch and 25% polyester. The fibrous filter is one that is used in Caterpillar's everyday operations, and the starch prototype provides much promise to meet the necessary requirements for use in production. Future goals include finalizing the starch fibrous filter and testing it in a real-life situation; this, however, is dependent on developing technologies to create the ideal sized fiber.
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- Decatur/Danville Nitrate/Pesticide Removal Project
RRT-26
Start: 12/19/96 - Completion: 6/30/99
Investigators
- Clark, Mark; Universtiy of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Hackman, Brian; University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (PI)
- Snoeyink, Vernon; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Project Summary
- Background Water treatment suppliers need to be able to remove agricultural by-products, including nitrates and pesticides, from drinking water. Conventional treatments, such as lime softening and multi-media anthracite/sand filtration, do not adequately remove these organic and inorganic dissolved solids. Membrane filtration is a promising alternative technology that is becoming more prevalent in the U.S. Recent advances have made membrane systems more effective and less costly. However, the retentate from these systems must be treated as industrial waste. Microfiltration and ultrafiltration can remove suspended solids and natural organic material while nanofiltration and reverse osmosis can reduce the level of dissolved solids. This report discusses these and other types of membrane filtration.
Objective This study had two main objectives, the construction of a membrane filtration pilot plant that could be operated in Decatur, Illinois and the operation of that plant in the form of a feasibility study. This study would be concerned with evaluating the cost and efficiency of contaminant removal from surface water.
Approach In the pilot plant, ultrafiltration was used as a pretreatment for reverse osmosis. The system was monitored throughout the pilot study, measuring data in such a way that comparisons could be made between these results and some of EPRI's other studies in the area of nitrate removal.
Results Nitrate and atrazine were found to be significantly reduced when reverse osmosis methods were used. In addition RO offers a cost-effective nitrate removal solution. However, ultrafiltration did not appear to be very effective as a pretreatment method for reverse osmosis; there were only minor differences between water that had been pretreated with ultrafiltration technology and water that had not been pretreated in this manner.
Specifically, the following results were obtained: 1. Pretreatment with coagulation aids was necessary to prevent rapid build-up of organic and cake fouling on the membrane. Sulfuric acid and sodium hexametaphosphate was found helpful to prevent scaling. If blending is required then no additional post-treatment was required. If no blending occurs, then the RO permeate requires a caustic soda addition. 2. The UF retentates are higher in suspended solids and total organic carbon. The NF/RO retentates were found to have resolved solids concentrations below 1000 mg/L TDS. After the wastewater is produced, these rejects could be wasted to the wastewater treatment plant or used for field irrigation. The rejects may not necessarily be beneficial for agricultural production if used as the sole nitrogen and pesticide source. 3. The TFC-HR membrane provided the best nitrate removal but the older cellulose acetate membranes were not as effective for nitrate removal. All membranes tested reduced atrazine levels, with the HR-PA, TFC-HR, and CPA2 membranes reducing the atrazine levels below 0.1 ppb. 4. More long-term tests are required to determine cleaning frequencies. However, normal operation for NF/RO systems would indicate cleaning cycles every 4-6 months with this type of water quality. For the UF systems, the cleaning frequencies occurred about every 4 to 5 days using a general type soap, with coagulation. More intense cleaning was required every 3-4 months. 5. Remote operation was shown to be feasible and allowed for changing water quality. The remote operation instantly alerted operators when system failures occurred. 6. Literature review indicated that several factors can cause membrane fouling. These include cake or jell layer formation; precipitation or scaling of the membrane; adsorption of organic compounds onto membrane surfaces, and biofouling. As part of another project, an attempt was made to evaluate the surfaces of the membranes but no reliable results were obtained. 7. The cost for a 10 MGD (37,850 m3/d) RO treatment system were determined to be in the range of $6.9-$9.3 million. Maximum operating costs would be about $4100 per day.
EPRI Perspective EPRI's Municipal Water and Wastewater Program was created to help member utilities address the energy needs of the more than 60,000 water systems and 15,000 wastewater systems in the United States. These facilities are among the country's largest energy consumers, requiring an estimated 75 billion kWh nationally, about 3% of the annual U.S. electricity use. Clean drinking water and effective wastewater treatment are vital services needed in all communities. These safeguards protect the public health, strengthen the community infrastructure, and provide a foundation for economic growth. Agricultural byproducts in drinking water can pose a health risk. By demonstrating the feasibility of membrane technologies, EPRI can play in role in increasing water safety and also electrical load. Other EPRI publications that are concerned with the use of electrotechnologies to improve the safety of drinking water include Ozonation in Drinking Water Treatment for the Reduction of Herbicide Levels (CR-104077), UV Disinfection for Water and Wastewater Treatment (CR-105252), Demonstration of Biological Denitrification of Drinking Water for Rural Communities (CR-108884) and Ultraviolet Disinfection of Drinking Water (TA-107716).
- ISTC Notes
- RR-085
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- Flux Decline Issues in Membrane Filtration of Synthetic Metalworking Fluids
RRT-27
Start: 6/12/98 - Completion: 6/30/99
Investigators
- DeVor, Richard; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PI)
- Kapoor, Shiv; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Skerlos, Steven; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Project Summary
- Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are used in manufacturing as coolants, lubricants, and corrosion inhibitors. Growing MWF acquisition and disposal costs, together with concerns about microbiological health hazards and environmental impact have led to increased interest in MWF recycling, contaminant control, and alternative application strategies. Membrane filtration can remove microbes, particulate, and tramp oils that contaminate metalworking fluids and has the potential to reduce health risks and extend MWF life in the machine tool industry. However, poorly understood relationships between the compatibility of metalworking fluid ingredients, contaminants, membrane materials, and membrane pore-size distribution~ have precluded the widespread industrial application of the technology. This research assesses the mechanisms of productivity decline during the microfiltration of an uncontaminated synthetic MWF using aluminum oxide membranes. It is revealed that while the majority of synthetic MWF ingredients have a negligible impact on micro filtration productivity, specialty additives such as lubricants, defoamers, and biocides can significantly reduce productivity. This is due to adsorption of these ingredients to the membrane surface that serves to increase resistance to MWF flow through the membrane pores. MWF ingredient characteristics such as hydrophilic/hydrophobic content and electrostatic charge can influence adsorption and productivity-loss during microfiltration. These findings demonstrate that the chemistry and concentration of specialty additives are important to account for during the design of membrane filtration systems for MWF recycling.
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- NORBIC Environmental Technologies Program
RRT-28
Start: 7/1/97 - Completion: 6/30/99
Investigators
- Inman, David; NORBIC (PI)
- Project Summary
- In the spring of 1997, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) applied for and received grant dollars from U.S. EPA under the Pollution Prevention Incentives for States (PPIS) program. This program's intent was, "to build and support state pollution prevention (P2) capabilities and to test, at the state level, innovative P2 approaches and methodologies." Among the grant program's recommended priorities for such approaches and methodologies were, "direct technical help to businesses ... [and] conducting outreach activities and identifying regulatory and non-regulatory barriers and incentives to pollution prevention." Taking a cue from an examination by Thomas Bierma and Francis Waterstraat at Illinois State University of the slow diffusion rate of P2 implementation in industry, especially in small businesses, IEPA sought to establish a pilot project for expediting P2 assistance delivery. The object was to market Agency P2 programs through an industrial association, which holds a position of trust in the manufacturing community on the basis of a history of established efforts for its members. The North Business & Industrial Council (NORBIC), which serves the north and northwest sides of the City of Chicago, was deemed a prototypical organization for administering this pilot. NORBIC houses small business development, international trade, NAFTA, procurement assistance, local industrial retention, and model industrial corridor centers, providing assistance to manufacturers on local, state, federal, and international issues. Additionally, NORBIC has a history of progressive representative roles on environmental (as well as energy efficiency, workplace health and safety, and training) matters, which it promotes as a component of a comprehensive business assistance strategy. Further increasing this organization's appeal is the volume of manufacturers, more than 1700, located in NORBIC's service area.
- Accelerated Pollution Prevention Diffusion in Industrial Sectors
RRT-29
Start: 6/4/97 - Completion: 6/30/00
Investigators
- Altmayer, Frank; Scientivic Control Laboratories, Inc. (PI)
- Lindsey, Timothy; Illinois Sustainable Technology Center
- Improving the Transfer Efficency of a Power Coating system and Improving the Efficiency of an Iron Phosphating Bath
RRT-30
Start: 8/1/99 - Completion: 2/28/00
Investigators
- Rusk, Todd; Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (PI)