Microcosms were constructed from aquifer sediment samples taken from an actively degrading chlorinated solvent contaminated site located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The objective of this study was to determine if and how the addition of cyclodextrin (CD) affects reductive dechlorination of chlorinated ethenes. After chlorinated solvent degradation rates were established in anaerobic and aerobic microcosms, 100 mg/L of CD solution was added for a period of 21 days. CD was then removed after 26 days to simulate the degradation response of the aquifer in a post CD injection environment. Degradation rates were determined by analyzing PCE, TCE, and cis-DCE concentration data over the various phases of the experiment. Results from this study indicated that chlorinated solvent degradation could be either impaired or facilitated by the addition of CD. CD appeared to stimulate one anaerobic microcosm (IY-2c) where daughter production had not previously occurred. The activity of this microcosm was greatly enhanced by the addition of CD (0 uM/day to 13.89 uM/day). However, biotransformation of PCE in another anaerobic microcosm in which reductive dechlorination was occurring, ceased after the addition of CD (IY-1a). In a third group of microcosms the rate and extent of reductive dechlorination was greatly enhanced by the addition of CD. The effect of adding CD was also found to be highly dependent on the redox conditions in the microcosm, specifically if the conditions were strongly reducing. The most active microcosms, found in the Aerobic Group, also had the lowest ferrous iron concentrations (3.57 mg/L for BY-1a, 2.25 mg/L for BY-1b, and 0.41 mg/L for BY-1c). The microcosm (IY-2b) that showed no daughter production had the highest level of ferrous iron (44.22 mg/L). This study presents a qualitative approach to the affect of CD on MNA. / Master of Science

Laboratory microcosm experiments were conducted to assess the potential for biostimulation and bioaugmentation as source reduction measures in support of a monitored natural attenuation remedial strategy at Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Little Creek. Previous work with laboratory microcosms conducted under simulated natural (unamended) conditions has demonstrated that indigenous dehalorespirators were capable of partial dechlorination of tetrachloroethene (PCE) to cis-dichloroethene (cis-DCE). This study attempts to achieve complete reductive dechlorination with amendments to static microcosms to test the hypotheses that nutrient-limited or microorganism-limited conditions exist in aquifer sediments obtained from the site. The enhanced bioremediation experiments were comprised of nutrient-amended microcosms receiving additions of electron donors, mineral medium, or anaerobic digester supernatant, and dechlorinating culture-amended microcosms were inoculated with a culture capable of transforming PCE to ethene. Reductive dechlorination in the nutrient-amended microcosms proceeded to cis-DCE over a 260-day study period, at slightly higher rates than in experiments conducted with aquifer sediments from the same location under natural conditions. Inoculation of aquifer sediments with a small amount of dechlorinating culture initiated rapid transformation of PCE to vinyl chloride (VC) by day 18 of the study. Zero-order rates of PCE dechlorination in unamended, propionate-, formate-, mineral medium-, digester supernatant-, and dechlorinating culture-amended microcosms were 0.24, 0.750, 1.30, 0.339, 0.177, and 1.75 µM/day, respectively. The results of this study suggest that an engineered biostimulation approach alone may not be as beneficial for PCE source reduction at NAB Little Creek, than bioaugmentation with competent dehalorespirators, along with the inclusion of supplemental nutrients which would be available to stimulate dechlorination activity of both indigenous and introduced microorganisms. / Master of Science

Monitored natural attenuation (MNA) has been widely used as a remedial strategy, acknowledged by the EPA as the most appropriate technology for cost effective remediation under certain site conditions. Despite the widespread use of MNA, empirical methods are lacking to evaluate the sustainability of MNA at a site. The objective of this thesis is to investigate the natural attenuation capacity (NAC) as a quantitative metric for evaluating the sustainability of MNA for contaminants in groundwater systems. Five DoD sites were selected for this study, where the common thread between the sites is the existence of a mature chlorinated ethene groundwater plume and the use of MNA as the long-term remediation strategy. Constituent specific NAC values were quantified and statistically examined to determine past performance of MNA at the sites. A conceptual decision model was developed to be a framework of the statistical tools demonstrated in this thesis. Analyzing MNA sustainability at a site can be separated into two components; past performance of natural attenuation and evaluation of current MNA parameters. The former is the focus of this thesis where NAC is the screening metric and the temporal trend in the rate of natural attenuation being evaluated. Within the conceptual decision model, the use of NAC as a screening tool in combination with a specific analysis of MNA parameters allows engineers, regulators, and decision makers to clearly determine whether MNA at a site is sustainable and whether site specific remediation goals will be met. / Master of Science

<p>Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAH´s) were used widely within dry cleaning facilities and for metal degreasing until their toxicity was discovered. PCE is still used as dry cleaning liquid. Today CAH´s are found in soil environment at places where they have been used in the past. The CAH-concentration in trees growing on contaminated land has quite recently received attention as a cheap and effective way of assessing the extent of a CAH-contamination. The method has however, not been put into use in Sweden.</p><p>The aim of the study has been to investigate whether the CAH-concentration in tree cores could be used to delineate the spread of CAH in a soil environment under Swedish conditions in different seasons. The aim has also been to gain an understanding of the uptake process, as well as to identify the limitations of the method and important issues to consider when sampling.</p><p>Trees were sampled in March and June on Helgö 1:25, 1:26 in Växjö, Småland. Metal degreasing earlier conducted at this site has lead to the CAH contamination of soil and groundwater (PCE, TEC c-DACE). Mostly PCE, TCE, and chloroform were detected in tree cores. The CAH concentration was higher in June. Using the sum of PCE+TCE+c-DCE in trees to delineate the spread gave a result that was quite consistent with a delination done based on groundwater sampling.</p><p>The uptake of CAH by trees is governed by the uptake of water at the root. The water usage, together with the origin of the water used is important for the ability of the tree to take up CAH. The CAH concentration within trees is also dependent on the chemical properties of the compound (Log kow, solubility etc), the concentration of the compound in the soil as well as degradation processeses. The position and height of sampling in the trees, tree species as well as tree size are important factors to consider when sampling. Sampling during summer is preferred when the concentration of CAH in trees is likely to be higher.</p><p>The analysis of CAH in tree cores has potential to be used as a screening tool in soil investigations under Swedish conditions. It is a cheap and easy to use method, which would be a good complement to other investigative measures. However, an increased understanding of the processes involved, together with more analysis are needed., as this is a new method.</p> / <p>Klorerade lösningsmedel (CAH) användes i stor omfattning som bl a kemtvättmedel och avfettningsmedel tills dess att deras toxiska egenskaper blev kända. Perkloretylen (PCE) används än idag som kemtvättmedel. CAH återfinns ofta i markmiljö på de platser där de tidigare använts. Analys av CAH-koncentration i trädkärnor har uppmärksammats som en billig och effektiv metod för att översiktligt bedöma utbredningen av dessa föroreningar. Metoden har inte tidigare använts i Sverige.</p><p>Syftet med detta examensarbete är att undersöka om trädprovtagning kan användas för att bedöma utbredningen av föroreningar i markmiljö under svenska förhållanden vid olika årstider.</p><p>Analyserade CAH-halter i träd har jämförts med tidigare registrerade halter av CAH i grundvatten. Syftet har också varit att beskriva CAH-upptaget i träd, undersöka metodens begränsningar samt att sammanfatta viktiga aspekter vid provtagning.</p><p>Provtagningar av träd har genomförts under mars och juni på fastigheterna Helgö 1:25 och 1:26 i Växjö, där tidigare metallavfettning har medfört att mark och grundvattnet förorenats av CAH; perkloretylen (PCE), trikloretylen (TCE) och nedbrytningsprodukten dikloretylen (c1,2-DCE). Vid analys av trädkärnor detekterades främst PCE, TCE samt TCM (kloroform). Koncentrationen av CAH var högre i juni. Halten PCE+TCE+c-DCE i trädproverna gav en översiktlig bild av föroreningssituationen som överensstämde väl med de grundvattenprover som tidigare tagits på fastigheten.</p><p>CAH tas upp i vattenlöst fas vid trädens rötter. Trädets vattenbehov och vilket vatten det utnyttjar är därför viktigt för dess möjlighet att ta upp CAH. Ämnets kemiska egenskaper (log kow, flyktighet, mm.), samt förekomst och nedbrytning påverkar den halt som registreras i trädet. Vid provtagning bör provtagningspunkternas höjd över marken och position, trädart samt trädstorlek beaktas. Provtagning under sommaren är att föredra eftersom halterna då är högre.</p><p>Jämförelsen med grundvattenprovtagning visar att metoden har potential att användas i Sverige för att bedöma utbredningen av en CAH-förorening i markmiljö. Den är enkel att använda och kan vara ett alternativ på platser där konventionella metoder är svåra att genomföra. En ökad förståelse för involverade processer, samt utökade undersökningar av metoden är nödvändiga då metoden är ny.</p>

No description available.

No description available.

Described in many studies as dangerous for the environment and potentially carcinogenic for humans, Chlorinated Paraffins (CPs) are easily widespread due to their substantial production and use in different products. Previous studies reported the presence of CPs in different plastic polymers. However, the impact of recycled content in plastic materials on the CPs levels hasn’t particularly been considered. Recycling plastics is becoming essential but the accumulative potential of pollutants, such as CPs, need investigations. The presence of CPs in both virgin and mixed recycled and virgin plastics was studied. Plastic pellets and plastic pieces from products made of three polymer types:Poly(methyl 2-methylpropenoate) (PMMA), Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) were analysed. A solid-liquid extraction assisted by ultrasonication was performed, followed by cleanup using silica. CPs in plastic extracts were analysed by Gas Chromatography Orbitrap High Resolution Mass Spectroscopy (GC-Orbitrap-HRMS). Because of the high volatility characteristic of long chain Chlorinated Paraffins (LCCPs), only short chain and medium chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs ) have been studied in this project. Interesting variations in the presence of SCCPs and MCCPs have been observed from one polymer type to another. In the results, we show that MCCPs were less frequently detected compared to SCCPs. A higher detection frequency of CPs was observed for samples containing recycled plastics. The results indicate that CPs are present in plastic polymers (TPU, PMMA and TPR) and that the content of recycled material has a direct impact on the levels of SCCPs and MCCPs.

CI Disperse Blue 291 (CI DB 291) é um corante dinitrobromoaminoazobenzeno com atividade mutagênica para S. typhimurium, aumentada na presença de nitrorredutase, o-acetiltransferase e enzimas microssomais (S9). Neste estudo foram isolados e caracterizados quatro produtos da redução de DB 291 com ditionito de sódio (in vitro), sendo denominados 2- fenilbenzotriazóis não clorados (não-ClPBTAs). Os espectros de absorbância não apresentam o pico correspondente à ligação azo (?&#955;=613 nm), indicando a redução dessa ligação. Espectros de massas e 1H RMN mostram que os produtos são dois pares de tautômeros com m/z 465 [M+H]+ e m/z 449 [M+H]+. Esses produtos foram acetilados com piridina/anidrido acético e espectros de massas desses produtos indicam adição de grupamento acetil na molécula e formação de produtos com m/z 507 [M+H]+ e m/z 491 [M+H]+. Esses compostos foram reagidos com dGuo e obtivemos dois produtos com m/z 632 [M+H]+ e m/z 683 [M+H]+, sendo os possíveis adutos. A partir do composto não clorado com m/z 449 obtido após redução com ditionito de sódio, sintetizamos o análogo clorado (PBTA) após reação de cloração. Espectros de massa confirmam a formação do composto clorado com m/z 483 [M+H]+. Também incubamos o corante CI DB 291 com nitrorredutase/NADH. Análises por HPLC/ESI/MS indicam a formação de não-ClPBTA (m/z 449). Uma vez que não-ClPBTAs são mais mutagênicos para linhagens de S. typhimurium (com fração S9) que seus dinitrofenilazo corantes precursores, a conversão enzimática do corante para não-ClPBTAs pode ser uma via importante para sua bioativação. / C.I. Disperse Blue 291 (C.I. DB 291) is a dinitrobromoaminoazobenzene dye with mutagenic activity to S. typhimurium, that is increased in the presence of nitroreductase, o-acetyltransferase and microsomal enzymes (S9). In this study were isolated and characterized four products of the reduction of DB 291 with sodium dithionite (in vitro), named non- chlorinated 2- phenylbenzotriazoles (non-ClPBTAs). The absorbance spectra do not present the peak corresponding to the band of azo bond (&#955;= 613 nm), indicating that the reduction of this bond occured. Mass spectra and 1H NMR show that the products are two pairs of tautomers with m/z 465 [M+H]+ and m/z 449 [M+H]+. These compounds were acetylated with pyridine/acetic anhydride and their mass spectra indicate the addition of an acetyl group to the molecules and formation of products with m/z 507 [M+H]+ e m/z 491 [M+H]+. After reaction of these compounds with dGuo we have got two products with m/z 632 [M+H]+ and m/z 683 [M+H]+, which are possible adducts. Starting from the non chlorinated compound with m/z 449, obtained through the dye reduction with sodium dithionite, we have synthesized the chlorinated analogous (PBTA) after chlorination reaction. Mass spectrum confirms formation of the chlorinated product with m/z 483 [M+H]+. The DB 291 dye was also incubated with nitroreductase NADH. HPLC/ESI/MS analyses indicate the formation of a non chlorinated PBTA (m/z 449). Since non- chlorinated PBTAs are more mutagenic to S. typhimurium strains (with S9 mix) than the parent phenylbenzotriazole dye, enzymatic conversion of this type of dye non chlorinated PBTAs may be an important way for its bioactivation.

CI Disperse Blue 291 (CI DB 291) é um corante dinitrobromoaminoazobenzeno com atividade mutagênica para S. typhimurium, aumentada na presença de nitrorredutase, o-acetiltransferase e enzimas microssomais (S9). Neste estudo foram isolados e caracterizados quatro produtos da redução de DB 291 com ditionito de sódio (in vitro), sendo denominados 2- fenilbenzotriazóis não clorados (não-ClPBTAs). Os espectros de absorbância não apresentam o pico correspondente à ligação azo (?&#955;=613 nm), indicando a redução dessa ligação. Espectros de massas e 1H RMN mostram que os produtos são dois pares de tautômeros com m/z 465 [M+H]+ e m/z 449 [M+H]+. Esses produtos foram acetilados com piridina/anidrido acético e espectros de massas desses produtos indicam adição de grupamento acetil na molécula e formação de produtos com m/z 507 [M+H]+ e m/z 491 [M+H]+. Esses compostos foram reagidos com dGuo e obtivemos dois produtos com m/z 632 [M+H]+ e m/z 683 [M+H]+, sendo os possíveis adutos. A partir do composto não clorado com m/z 449 obtido após redução com ditionito de sódio, sintetizamos o análogo clorado (PBTA) após reação de cloração. Espectros de massa confirmam a formação do composto clorado com m/z 483 [M+H]+. Também incubamos o corante CI DB 291 com nitrorredutase/NADH. Análises por HPLC/ESI/MS indicam a formação de não-ClPBTA (m/z 449). Uma vez que não-ClPBTAs são mais mutagênicos para linhagens de S. typhimurium (com fração S9) que seus dinitrofenilazo corantes precursores, a conversão enzimática do corante para não-ClPBTAs pode ser uma via importante para sua bioativação. / C.I. Disperse Blue 291 (C.I. DB 291) is a dinitrobromoaminoazobenzene dye with mutagenic activity to S. typhimurium, that is increased in the presence of nitroreductase, o-acetyltransferase and microsomal enzymes (S9). In this study were isolated and characterized four products of the reduction of DB 291 with sodium dithionite (in vitro), named non- chlorinated 2- phenylbenzotriazoles (non-ClPBTAs). The absorbance spectra do not present the peak corresponding to the band of azo bond (&#955;= 613 nm), indicating that the reduction of this bond occured. Mass spectra and 1H NMR show that the products are two pairs of tautomers with m/z 465 [M+H]+ and m/z 449 [M+H]+. These compounds were acetylated with pyridine/acetic anhydride and their mass spectra indicate the addition of an acetyl group to the molecules and formation of products with m/z 507 [M+H]+ e m/z 491 [M+H]+. After reaction of these compounds with dGuo we have got two products with m/z 632 [M+H]+ and m/z 683 [M+H]+, which are possible adducts. Starting from the non chlorinated compound with m/z 449, obtained through the dye reduction with sodium dithionite, we have synthesized the chlorinated analogous (PBTA) after chlorination reaction. Mass spectrum confirms formation of the chlorinated product with m/z 483 [M+H]+. The DB 291 dye was also incubated with nitroreductase NADH. HPLC/ESI/MS analyses indicate the formation of a non chlorinated PBTA (m/z 449). Since non- chlorinated PBTAs are more mutagenic to S. typhimurium strains (with S9 mix) than the parent phenylbenzotriazole dye, enzymatic conversion of this type of dye non chlorinated PBTAs may be an important way for its bioactivation.

Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAH´s) were used widely within dry cleaning facilities and for metal degreasing until their toxicity was discovered. PCE is still used as dry cleaning liquid. Today CAH´s are found in soil environment at places where they have been used in the past. The CAH-concentration in trees growing on contaminated land has quite recently received attention as a cheap and effective way of assessing the extent of a CAH-contamination. The method has however, not been put into use in Sweden. The aim of the study has been to investigate whether the CAH-concentration in tree cores could be used to delineate the spread of CAH in a soil environment under Swedish conditions in different seasons. The aim has also been to gain an understanding of the uptake process, as well as to identify the limitations of the method and important issues to consider when sampling. Trees were sampled in March and June on Helgö 1:25, 1:26 in Växjö, Småland. Metal degreasing earlier conducted at this site has lead to the CAH contamination of soil and groundwater (PCE, TEC c-DACE). Mostly PCE, TCE, and chloroform were detected in tree cores. The CAH concentration was higher in June. Using the sum of PCE+TCE+c-DCE in trees to delineate the spread gave a result that was quite consistent with a delination done based on groundwater sampling. The uptake of CAH by trees is governed by the uptake of water at the root. The water usage, together with the origin of the water used is important for the ability of the tree to take up CAH. The CAH concentration within trees is also dependent on the chemical properties of the compound (Log kow, solubility etc), the concentration of the compound in the soil as well as degradation processeses. The position and height of sampling in the trees, tree species as well as tree size are important factors to consider when sampling. Sampling during summer is preferred when the concentration of CAH in trees is likely to be higher. The analysis of CAH in tree cores has potential to be used as a screening tool in soil investigations under Swedish conditions. It is a cheap and easy to use method, which would be a good complement to other investigative measures. However, an increased understanding of the processes involved, together with more analysis are needed., as this is a new method. / Klorerade lösningsmedel (CAH) användes i stor omfattning som bl a kemtvättmedel och avfettningsmedel tills dess att deras toxiska egenskaper blev kända. Perkloretylen (PCE) används än idag som kemtvättmedel. CAH återfinns ofta i markmiljö på de platser där de tidigare använts. Analys av CAH-koncentration i trädkärnor har uppmärksammats som en billig och effektiv metod för att översiktligt bedöma utbredningen av dessa föroreningar. Metoden har inte tidigare använts i Sverige. Syftet med detta examensarbete är att undersöka om trädprovtagning kan användas för att bedöma utbredningen av föroreningar i markmiljö under svenska förhållanden vid olika årstider. Analyserade CAH-halter i träd har jämförts med tidigare registrerade halter av CAH i grundvatten. Syftet har också varit att beskriva CAH-upptaget i träd, undersöka metodens begränsningar samt att sammanfatta viktiga aspekter vid provtagning. Provtagningar av träd har genomförts under mars och juni på fastigheterna Helgö 1:25 och 1:26 i Växjö, där tidigare metallavfettning har medfört att mark och grundvattnet förorenats av CAH; perkloretylen (PCE), trikloretylen (TCE) och nedbrytningsprodukten dikloretylen (c1,2-DCE). Vid analys av trädkärnor detekterades främst PCE, TCE samt TCM (kloroform). Koncentrationen av CAH var högre i juni. Halten PCE+TCE+c-DCE i trädproverna gav en översiktlig bild av föroreningssituationen som överensstämde väl med de grundvattenprover som tidigare tagits på fastigheten. CAH tas upp i vattenlöst fas vid trädens rötter. Trädets vattenbehov och vilket vatten det utnyttjar är därför viktigt för dess möjlighet att ta upp CAH. Ämnets kemiska egenskaper (log kow, flyktighet, mm.), samt förekomst och nedbrytning påverkar den halt som registreras i trädet. Vid provtagning bör provtagningspunkternas höjd över marken och position, trädart samt trädstorlek beaktas. Provtagning under sommaren är att föredra eftersom halterna då är högre. Jämförelsen med grundvattenprovtagning visar att metoden har potential att användas i Sverige för att bedöma utbredningen av en CAH-förorening i markmiljö. Den är enkel att använda och kan vara ett alternativ på platser där konventionella metoder är svåra att genomföra. En ökad förståelse för involverade processer, samt utökade undersökningar av metoden är nödvändiga då metoden är ny.