This research involves the evaluation of municipal landfill leachates for specific hazardous compounds in an effort to qualitatively determine the potential for groundwater contamination. Leachate samples from five landfills were evaluated for thirteen EPA priority pollutants using gas chromatography. In addition, samples were analyzed for total organic carbon (TOC) and total organic halide (TOX). A solids analysis was performed on refuse excavated from one landfill. This analysis included organic halide determination of interstitial liquids, and a total halide determination for each solid sample. A solids/liquid partition coefficient was calculated from the results. The literature review includes a detailed section outlining the biological degradation of hazardous organic compounds in anaerobic environments similar to conditions found in landfills.

The Geropotamos aquifer on the north‐central coast of Crete, Greece, is invaded in some places by salt water from the Aegean Sea, with impact on freshwater supplies for domestic and business uses, including agriculture. The geological setting of the study area is considered complex, as Miocene biogenic limestones, marls, clays and conglomerates crop out in the central and the western part and clastic limestones and dolomites of the Tripolis and Plattenkalk nappe (the bedrock) in the eastern part of the study area. The phyllitequartzite nappe (which forms the oldest rock of the study area) lays on the northern part of Geropotamos basin. The local tectonic regime of the study area is characterized by faults of NW‐SE and NE‐SW directions. Investigation of the aquifer using Transient ElectroMagnetic method (TEM) and Vertical Electrical Resistivity (VES) measurement technique has resulted in 1D models and 2D/3D imaging of geoelectric structures, depicting the zones of salination of groundwater in the aquifer. 1179 TEM soundings in 372 sites have been carried out in a detailed survey grid (about 200m in X and Y dimension) and 3 VES soundings were acquired in three different sites (different geological conditions). For the 2 of them, multidirectional measurements were also acquired since the structure is more complex than a 1D model that VES technique is able to model. Moreover, 3 water samplings carried out. At each sampling, samples from 22 boreholes and 2 springs were analysed and 16 chemical parameters were determined. Detailed geochemical analysis, including Piper, Durov, Ternary, Stiff, Wilcox, Dispersion diagrams and Factors controlling the groundwater quality, was accomplished showing very good results and the relationship with the geophysical methods. All data were inserted in GIS environment and Groundwater Quality Maps were produced. Furthermore, Remote Sensing application, geological mapping and hydro‐lithological data showed that the physical characteristics of geomorphology and geology are in great relationship with the chemical and geophysical properties as well. Suggestions that Miocene evaporites led to groundwater salination are unconfirmed, and seawater intrusion is the most probable cause, supported by the results of this research. It is indicated that saline intrusion is likely to occur along fractures in a fault zone through otherwise low‐permeability phyllite‐quartzite bedrock, and it is emphasized the critical role of fracture pathways in salination problems of coastal aquifers.

Landfills are a potential pollution threat to both ground and surface water resources. This study focuses on two landfills, the Horotiu municipal waste landfill, near Hamilton, New Zealand, and the Maseru landfill in Lesotho. The Horotiu landfill is located less than 50 metres from the Waikato River and also sits on a shallow (lt;lm to water table) aquifer. In Lesotho, the Maseru landfill is 4 km from a river and 2 km from a water reservoir and rests on a huge aquifer. Over 5000 people depend on groundwater in the area between the landfill and the river. The objectives of my study were to: 1. compare and contrast conditions, management, and potential environmental impacts of the Horotiu and Maseru landfills; 2. evaluate the potential for groundwater contamination as the result of leachate migration; and 3. investigate the chemical characteristics of the landfill leachates and the impacts of the landfills on groundwater quality. The Horotiu study was based on the leachate and groundwater quality monitoring data obtained from the Hamilton City Council. Samples were collected every three months from 1991-2006 and analysed for about 30 chemical parameters. The data for the Maseru landfill consisted of groundwater quality collected by the author during July-September 2007 and borehole pumping data obtained from the Department of Water Affairs, in Lesotho. At Horotiu results indicate that the leachate had high concentrations of: NH4-N (630 mg/l), TOC (405 mg/l), BOD (126 mg/l), and COD (1289 mg/l), while heavy metals were in low concentrations (lt;0.1mg/l). Leachate quality was found to change with time and with rainfall. Groundwater samples obtained from the landfill boreholes indicated that the Horotiu landfill had an influence in the quality of groundwater. Groundwater at the down-slope side of the landfill had higher concentrations of all chemical parameters, except for NO3-N, SO4-2 and Reactive P, than the groundwater on the upstream side. The mean groundwater quality at Horotiu was within New Zealand drinking water standards though some standards were exceeded by some individual samples. In the Maseru landfill, the borehole water had high concentrations of chemical parameters such as EC (1580 μS/cm) and Chloride (190 mg/l), compared to the national average of 250 μS/cm and 28 mg/l. The Maseru landfill groundwater quality was within the WHO drinking water standard for all analysed chemical constituents, except lead. Groundwater beneath both landfills was influenced by leachate but the impacts are currently not at an alarming stage, for analysed chemical parameters. At Maseru introduction of landfill linings has potential to reduce the effect of leachate on groundwater.

Thesis (DTech. degree in Environmental management.)-Tshwane University of Technology, 2008. / Aims to determine the presence and levels of common polybrominated diphenyl ethers primarily in landfill leachates, but as well as sediment and groundwater (boreholes / wells around the landfill) from selected landfill sites in order to provide baseline data required to protect water resources against such chemicals.

The impact of septic tank effluent disposal on groundwater quality was investigated at Oxford. The Oxford township can be regarded as typical of many small communities on the Canterbury Plains which have a high density of septic systems serviced by soakage pit drainage. The primary concern with grouped septic systems is the potential for both chemical and microbial groundwater contamination. The alluvial gravel aquifers of the Canterbury Plains are especially susceptible to microbial contamination due to the high rates of groundwater flow which may transport both bacteria and viral contaminants over large distances. Geological investigations established the presence of an areally extensive, tuff derived, clay unit which forms an aquitard beneath the unconfined aquifer in the north of the Oxford area. Recharge of the unconfined aquifer above the clay unit is exclusively from rainfall infiltration while to the south, groundwater levels respond to rainfall infiltration and influent seepage from the Eyre River. The presence of two hydrogeologically distinct gravel units within the unconfined aquifer was determined by application of the column dilution technique. Point dilution tests showed the average groundwater velocity of 130 m/day in the upper gravel unit to be significantly higher than the 40 m/day measured in the underlying gravels. The presence of discrete channels of preferred flow within the unconfined aquifer system was also established by point dilution tests, intrachannel velocities ranging from 210 to 400 m/day. A resistivity salt tracing test indicated groundwater flow in an easterly direction with a velocity of 250 m/day through an observed channel feature. Groundwater quality monitoring showed a significant degree of groundwater contamination close to the Oxford township. Concentrations of faecal coliform bacteria in excess of drinking water standards were detected up to 900 m downgradient of the nearest septic tank. Elevated levels of chemical indicators (N03-N, CL-) were also detected in all monitoring wells. The pattern of groundwater contamination was complex, reflecting both the heterogeneity of groundwater flow through the unconfined aquifer system and the influence of monitoring well location. Predictive modelling indicated the potential for the transport of faecal coliform bacteria up to 2.6 km downgradient of Oxford. Modelling also suggested increased urban development within Oxford to have a relatively minor effect on the overall extent of groundwater contamination. Additional hydrogeological and water quality data, aided by the application of numerical solute transport modelling techniques, may provide a more accurate estimate of the impact of septic tank effluent disposal on groundwater quality. Future sewage disposal options for Oxford have to balance the low potential for microbial contamination of drinking water supplies outside the groundwater zone delineated by this study, against the environmental acceptability continuing contamination of this zone. This study has identified the need for further research into the effects of septic tank effluent discharge on groundwater quality in the Canterbury region, to provide a sound base for future resource management decisions.

The hydrogeology, stable isotope distribution, and chemical distribution of Cl- and NO3--N within the Battersea Drainage Basin in southern Alberta were investigated. The Battersea Drainage Basin is characterized by widespread spreading of livestock manure on irrigated farmland and a high density of feedlots, creating concern about groundwater quality in the region. Past research has used conventional piezometers to study the source, distribution and fate of nitrate in the shallow groundwater. The key component of this research involved using the new technique of high-resolution profiling to determine the distribution, source, fate, and transport of nitrate in the shallow geological groundwater environment. High-resolution profiles of δ2H indicated groundwater throughout the glaciofluvial deposits and between 5.4 and 13.7 m below ground in glaciolacustrine deposits contained values > -150.0‰ and tritiated waters (> 0.08 TU). This suggested that this water recharged within the past 60 years. At depth 5.4 to 13.5 m BG, lower δ2H values did not coincide with detectable tritium, indicating the groundwater was much older and not vulnerable to agricultural contamination. High-resolution profiles of Cl- and NO3--N (solid core and squeezed pore water data) showed concentrations of these ions up to 411 and 219 mg L-1, respectively, in the glaciofluvial deposits. Concentrations of Cl- and NO3--N decreased to less than 50 mg L-1 (Cl-) and the Drinking Water Standard for NO3--N (10 mg L-1) in the underlying glaciolacustrine and glacial till deposits at most sites. Comparison to the high-resolution δ2H profiles suggested the high nitrate concentration in the glaciofluvial sediments is agricultural in origin. High concentrations for Cl- and NO3--N (up to 257 and 209 mg L-1, respectively) observed in glacial till and glaciolacustrine deposits below 6.0 m BG at two sites (LB5a and LB6) did not coincide with modern water, indicating the source of high nitrate is geologic in origin. The NO3--N to Cl- ratios suggested denitrification was not appreciable in the glaciofluvial deposits. However, denitrification may be a cause of decreased nitrate in the underlying fine textured deposits at certain sites. Interpretation of the high resolution profiles also suggested that the major conduit for nitrate migration is in near-surface glaciofluvial sediments via advection. The distributions of δ2H, Cl- and NO3--N with depth suggest that transport in the underlying glaciolacustrine and glacial till deposits is diffusion dominated, thus acting as a sink and removing nitrate from the permeable zone. However, the presence of fracturing in the oxidized zone of glacial tills and glaciolacustrine deposits suggests that transport may occur via advection through fracturing and diffusion in the material matrix. High-resolution profiling of δ2H, Cl- and NO3--N proved to be valuable in obtaining information regarding the distribution, source, and transport of groundwater and nitrate in the shallow groundwater environment at a level of detail that cannot be readily obtained through use of conventional piezometers.

The biodegradation potential of two subsurface soils was characterized by monitoring the biodegradation of short-chain fatty acids in anaerobic soil microcosms. Valerate, butyrate, propionate, and acetate concentrations were monitored independently using separate microcosms. The effect of sulfate on the microbial communities was also investigated. One soil, from Newport News, Virginia, consisted of a sandy loam collected beneath a low lying, grassy field. The microcosms containing the soil were characterized by: a neutral pH, the utilization of sulfate with concomitant precipitation of iron sulfide , an increase in the degradation rate as a result of sulfate addition, and a production of bicarbonate directly related to acid mineralization. Another soil, from Blacksburg, Virginia, consisted of a silty-clay collected beneath a wooded hilltop. Microcosms containing the soil were characterized by : a pH between 4 and 5, little sulfate utilization with no visible iron sulfide precipitation, an increase in degradation rates upon the addition of sulfate, and little or no accumulation of bicarbonate. These results indicate that short-chain fatty acids are readily degraded in subsurface anaerobic soil systems and that these rates are dependent on the availability of electron acceptors and the diversity of the indigenous population. / Master of Science

Groundwater contamination with organic compounds, especially leaked or spilled fuels, is a serious and growing environmental problem which is difficult to remediate. Alcohol additives in gasoline present more urgent problems because of their relatively high mobility in the subsurface. This study focused on the subsurface biodegradation of two octane-boosting additives, methanol and tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA). A microcosm study was undertaken to determine the <u>in situ</u> biotransformation rates. While both alcohols were found to be amenable to biodegradation in the subsurface systems, the methanol removal rate was much greater than the TBA rate. By using sets of microcosms, several chemical additives were used in an effort to determine their effects on biodegradation. Organic substrates were added to microcosms containing low concentrations of TBA (about 1 mg/L) without evidence of stimulation or inhibition. Variation of pH (from pH 5.1 to 8.8) in microcosms containing methanol and TBA was part of the next experiment. This was combined with the addition of alternative electron acceptors, nitrate and sulfate. Variation of pH in non-amended and sulfate-dosed (100 mg/L) microcosms did not enhance the biodegradation of either alcohol. Nitrate addition inhibited both methanol and TBA biodegradation at lower pH levels, but enhanced methanol degradation when combined with base. TBA degradation was not affected by base addition except in the highest (initial pH 8.8) base dose. These microcosms exhibited TBA removal rates which were uniformly higher than all other treatments. / M.S.

The use of alcohols as inexpensive octane enhancers in gasoline has contributed to an increased concern about the potential contamination of groundwater. Being highly soluble in water, alcohols may easily separate from other, more insoluble gasoline components, and rapidly enter the groundwater flow system. The alcohols are relatively tasteless and odorless, and thus, may go undetected until potentially harmful concentrations are reached. This study was designed to determine the potential for alcohol biodegradation in a groundwater system that had been previously contaminated with gasoline containing tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA). Laboratory microcosms, utilizing actual aquifer material and groundwater, were constructed to determine the rate of alcohol biodegradation in a system closely resembling the subsurface environment. The only microorganisms used were those naturally present in subsurface soil obtained aseptically. Bacterial counts and degradation kinetics were evaluated at each of three subsurface depths (10, 26, and 45 feet) and results were compared to similar studies utilizing uncontaminated aquifer material. Significant bacterial populations were found to exist at all depths studied in the contaminated subsurface system. Bacterial plate counts ranged from 10 6 to 10 7 colony forming units per gram of soil (dry weight). Methanol was found to be a readily degradable substrate. Complete degradation of up to 1000 mg/L was degraded in a matter of months. The biodegradation of methanol in the contaminated system was similar to that observed at pristine sites, indicating that a similar degradation mechanism is involved. TBA biodegradation in the contaminated system occurred and was accompanied by microbial growth. Complete TBA degradation of up to 100 mg/L occurred in less than one year. In contrast, TBA biodegradation in the uncontaminated systems occurred at a very slow rate, which appeared to be constant over time, and thus zero order. However, the zero order rate was found to vary directly with initial substrate concentration. Several mechanisms may explain TBA biodegradation, including the presence of a non-specific exocellular enzyme system. Such a system would describe observed results and suggest that a widespread potential exists for the degradation of a large number of organic compounds. / Ph. D.

Grundvattnets kemiska kvalitet påverkas av olika processer i dess närområde, dessa kan vara såväl mänskliga aktiviteter som klimatologiska faktorer. Hur och i vilken utsträckning de påverkar grundvattenkvaliteten kan studeras genom att undersöka utvecklingen av historiska grundvattenkvalitetsdata i relation till förändringar i klimatet. Detta kandidatarbete syftar till att studera hur grundvattnets kvalitet påverkas av klimatförändringarna. Data över ökande och minskande trender i förändringar hos olika kemiska parametrar har bearbetats utifrån material från Sveriges geologiska undersökning från stationer i grundvattenmagasin utspridda i Sverige, detta under åren 1985-2014 samt 1995-2014 i områden där risk för lokal föroreningsspridning är liten. De undersökta kemiska parametrarna är olika salter, tungmetaller, organisk halt och fysikaliska parametrar. De senaste 40 åren i Sverige har präglats av ett varmare klimat med höjda grundvattennivåer, klimatscenarier förutser en liknande utveckling men där grundvattennivåerna kommer sjunka i sydöstra Sverige. Resultatet visar på trender som mest sannolikt beror på minskade deposition av svavel, kväve och tungmetaller sedan slutet av 1970-talet. Mätvärden för sulfat, kväveföreningar, konduktivitet, tungmetaller och pH har minskat, medan dessa för alkalinitet och organisk halt har ökat. Klimatologiska faktorer som har påverkat grundvattnet är en ökad årsmedeltemperatur och förändrade grundvattennivåer, vilket främst syns genom ökande temperatur i grundvattnet samt utspädning av salter och en ökad organisk halt. / The chemical quality of groundwater is affected by different processes in its surrounding. These can be human activities as well as climatological factors. How and to what extent they influence the groundwater quality can be studied by examining the development of historical groundwater quality data in relation to changes in the climate. This Bachelor thesis aims to study how the quality of the groundwater is affected by the climate change. Data of increasing and decreasing trends in changes of different chemical parameters have been processed based on material from the Geological Survey of Sweden from stations in groundwater aquifers spread out in Sweden. The data represent the years 1985-2014 and 1995-2014 and are collected in areas where the risk of local pollution is small. The investigated chemical parameters are different salts, heavy metals, organic content and physical parameters. In the last 40 years, Sweden has been characterized by a warmer climate and higher groundwater levels, and climate scenarios predict a similar development but with a lowering of groundwater levels in south-east of Sweden. The results show trends that most likely indicate a decrease in deposition of sulfur, nitrogen and heavy metals since the end of 1970’s. Measured concentrations of sulphate, nitrogen compounds, heavy metals and also conductivity and pH have decreased, while alkalinity and organic compounds have increased. Climatological factors that have influenced the groundwater are the increased annual mean temperature and variation in groundwater levels, which is mainly evident as an increased temperature in the groundwater, dilution of salts and an increased organic content.