14C Assays, Min-Traps, and Sampling Guidance: Documenting Abiotic Degradation of Contaminants

Description / Summary:

Abiotic degradation of groundwater contaminants such as chlorinated ethenes and 1,4-dioxane has been historically under-considered during remediation strategy selection. Despite its usefulness in aerobic aquifers, where reductive dechlorination of contaminants is inhibited, these processes have been difficult to document conclusively.  The lack of readily identifiable transformation products from 1,4-dioxane makes documenting its degradation at low concentrations in groundwater very challenging. The Clemson University 14C laboratory assay for degradation of tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE), cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cDCE), vinyl chloride (VC), and 1,4-dioxane to non-toxic polar transformation products is a powerful tool to bridge this gap.

Including an introduction from WSP’s Matt Burns, this webinar will feature Clemson University’s Dr. David Freedman reviewing the protocol for the 14C assay, making recommendations for sampling and transporting the aquifer sediment and groundwater, and reviewing representative data. Additionally, to address the cost of acquiring core samples as a barrier to implementing the 14C assay, this webinar will discuss the recent application of the 14C assay to solids collected with Min-Trap® Samplers. Accessible sampling, conclusive data, and multiple lines of evidence empower data-driven site management.