Work plan

2006 January – 2006 June

This period will involve literature reviews and analysis of existing data on removal activities.

2006 July – 2006 December

During this period, the research will use the criteria and information generated initially to determine the effectiveness of ultrasound enhanced electrokinetic removal activities. Most trace organic contaminants undergo significant degradation in the biologically and chemically active zone known as the “schmutzdecke”, and removal rates decrease with increasing depth. The fate of organic contaminants in the subsurface depends on geochemical and nutrient conditions, with low dissolved oxygen/low nutrient conditions favoring long-term persistence.

2007 January – 2007 July

The interactions of contaminants with soils, sediments, and some aquifer sands will be deeply investigated with the help of computer MINTEQ modeling and other additional speciation and interaction software available. There is a necessity to be able to predict the extent to which contaminants will distribute within a subsurface environment, and how that distribution should impact the selection of optimal contaminant removal techniques.

2007 August – 2007 December

Different contaminant speciation experiments will be carried out to evaluate the forms and availability of the mobile species under the applied electric current. Ultrasounds will be applied to the contaminated system to enhance the possible migration and solubilization of the contaminants and the effect of other enhancement methods how to increase zeta potential will be applied.

2008 January – 2008 June

Possibilities of in situ tests will be developed and evaluated. It is anticipated that the results of this research will be useful to hydrogeologists, engineers, and other specialists who must understand how contaminants retained by soil, sediments and/or sludge move or can be removed.

2008 July – 2008 December

The final report of the project will be written.