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18 pages, 14091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydropedological Characterization of a Coal Mining Waste Deposition Area Affected by Self-Burning

by Jorge Espinha Marques, Aracelis Narayan, Patrícia Santos, Joana Ribeiro, Sara C. Antunes, Armindo Melo, Fernando Rocha, Deolinda Flores and Catarina Mansilha

Hydrology 2024, 11(5), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11050062 - 25 Apr 2024

Viewed by 291

Abstract

Coal mining often produces severe environmental effects, including impacts on the soil system and, specifically, on hydropedological conditions that control the leaching of significant ions and Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs). The research objective is to assess changes in the hydropedological conditions in an [...] Read more.

Coal mining often produces severe environmental effects, including impacts on the soil system and, specifically, on hydropedological conditions that control the leaching of significant ions and Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs). The research objective is to assess changes in the hydropedological conditions in an area with a coal mining waste pile that underwent self-burning. An integrative approach was implemented, starting with the definition of hydropedological zoning based on field observations of soil formation factors (namely, parent material, relief, biological activity, anthropic influence, and time). The soil profile in each hydropedological zone was characterized regarding morphological features. The upper mineral horizons were sampled and characterized in terms of mineralogy and PTE geochemistry. Field measurements of unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, soil water content, and hydrophobicity were performed. Afterwards, the hydrogeochemistry of leachates was determined, and the soil leaching potential was evaluated. The research outcomes express substantial differences regarding the hydropedological zones: development of different soil profiles, diverse mineralogy and PTE geochemistry, higher unsaturated hydraulic conductivity and leaching of major ions, and PTEs in soils affected by coal mining activities. Finally, a Principal Component Analysis confirmed the existence of significant contrasts according to hydropedological zoning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches in Contaminant Hydrology and Groundwater Remediation)

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13 pages, 2812 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simple and Complex Substrates (Sugar, Acetate and Milk Whey) for In Situ Bioremediation of Groundwater with Nitrate and Actinide Contamination

by Ivan Myasnikov, Grigory Artemiev, Elena Lavrinovich, Irina Kazinskaya, Alexander Novikov and Alexey Safonov

Hydrology 2023, 10(8), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology10080175 - 18 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1156

Abstract

The complex contamination of groundwater near radioactive waste repositories by nitrates and actinides is a common problem for many nuclear fuel cycle facilities. One of the effective methods to remove nitrates and reduce actinide migration activity is bioremediation through the activation of native [...] Read more.

The complex contamination of groundwater near radioactive waste repositories by nitrates and actinides is a common problem for many nuclear fuel cycle facilities. One of the effective methods to remove nitrates and reduce actinide migration activity is bioremediation through the activation of native microbial communities by soluble electron donors and carbon sources. This work evaluated the effectiveness of using simple and complex electron donors to remove nitrate in the microbial community in an aquifer near the B2 storage of the Siberian Chemical Combine (Seversk, Siberia). The addition of sugar and milk whey led to the maximum efficiency of nitrate-ion removal and a decrease in the redox potential of the system, creating optimal conditions for the immobilization of actinide. Special attention was paid to the behavior of uranium, plutonium, neptunium, and americium under conditions simulating groundwater when sugar, acetate, and milk whey were added and when microbial metabolic products were formed. Neither microbial metabolites nor organic solutions were found to have a significant effect on the leaching of neptunium. At the same time, for plutonium, a decrease in yield was observed when rocks were treated with organic solutions were compared to groundwater treatment without them. Plutonium leaching is significantly affected by rock composition. In rocks with a low clay fraction content, its yield can reach 40%. At the same time, microbial metabolites can increase americium (Am) desorption from rocks with a low clay fraction content. Additionally, particle size analysis was performed using a step-by-step filtration approach, aiming to evaluate the risks that are associated with colloidal phase formation. It was shown that microbiological stimulation resulted in particle enlargement, substantially diminishing the presence of actinides in the form of dissolved or sub-50 nm nanoparticles. This outcome significantly reduced the potential for colloidal and pseudocolloidal transfer, thereby lowering associated risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches in Contaminant Hydrology and Groundwater Remediation)

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11 pages, 2322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Gravel Pits on Water Quality in Alluvial Aquifers

by Igor Karlović, Tamara Marković, Andrew C. Smith and Krešimir Maldini

Hydrology 2023, 10(4), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology10040099 - 21 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3439

Abstract

Gravel pits are considered potentially hazardous in terms of groundwater quality protection as they represent an open part of the aquifer system, increasing the aquifer’s vulnerability to contamination from the surface. The aim of this research was to determine the biogeochemical processes in [...] Read more.

Gravel pits are considered potentially hazardous in terms of groundwater quality protection as they represent an open part of the aquifer system, increasing the aquifer’s vulnerability to contamination from the surface. The aim of this research was to determine the biogeochemical processes in gravel pits that have a positive effect on the groundwater quality in the alluvial aquifer in NW Croatia. The aquifer is situated below developed agricultural land, with high groundwater nitrate concentrations having been recorded over the last decades. The differences between two gravel pits and the surrounding groundwater were studied using in situ, hydrochemical, and isotopic parameters (δ¹⁵N-NO₃ and δ¹⁸O-NO₃), together with existing microbial data. The analyses of nitrogen species indicated that nitrate attenuation processes take place in gravel pits. Bacterial denitrification and nitrate uptake by algae were responsible for significant decreases in nitrate concentration. These processes were more effective in the inactive gravel pit, which has a longer water residence time and during warm periods, when microbial biomass, abundance, and activity were high. The seasonally variable microbial activity also affected trace metals, removing them from groundwater, possibly through the biosorption of metal ions. The presented research shows that the observed biogeochemical processes are associated with seasonal changes that affect the types and number of microbial communities and the chemical composition of water, resulting in gravel pits being groundwater remediation points. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches in Contaminant Hydrology and Groundwater Remediation)

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12 pages, 2066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermally Enhanced Spreading of Miscible Plumes in Porous Media

by Ryan G. Tigera, Whitney L. Benson and David C. Mays

Hydrology 2023, 10(4), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology10040098 - 21 Apr 2023

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Abstract

In situ groundwater remediation often calls for a chemical or biological amendment to be injected as an aqueous solution into a contaminated groundwater aquifer. Accordingly, remediation depends on mixing the amendment into the contaminated groundwater, which, in turn, depends on spreading the plume [...] Read more.

In situ groundwater remediation often calls for a chemical or biological amendment to be injected as an aqueous solution into a contaminated groundwater aquifer. Accordingly, remediation depends on mixing the amendment into the contaminated groundwater, which, in turn, depends on spreading the plume of the injected amendment effectively. Here, we present proof-of-principle results from a laboratory study showing that amendment plume spreading can be enhanced by heating the injected water, which is consistent with the mechanism of miscible viscous fingering. The heated water has a lower viscosity, rendering a mobility ratio (i.e., log viscosity ratio) of 1.2 that generates elongated plume perimeters for essentially consistent plume areas. Using a quasi-two-dimensional apparatus and recording photographs after each increment of the injection volume, two image analysis techniques were employed to measure the area and perimeter of the injected plume, and the results are compared to isothermal controls, showing that the plume perimeter increased by 47% when determined by binary image analysis or 56% when determined by morphological image analysis. Accordingly, this study offers evidence that heating the injected water enhances miscible plume spreading in porous media. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches in Contaminant Hydrology and Groundwater Remediation)

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18 pages, 3181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterizing Trace Metal Contamination and Partitioning in the Rivers and Sediments of Western Europe Watersheds

by Aline Grard and Jean-François Deliège

Hydrology 2023, 10(2), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology10020051 - 16 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1711

Abstract

Adsorption and desorption processes occurring on suspended and bed sediments were studied in two datasets from western Europe watersheds (Meuse and Mosel). Copper and zinc dissolved and total concentrations, total suspended sediment concentrations, mass concentrations, and grain sizes were analyzed. Four classes of [...] Read more.

Adsorption and desorption processes occurring on suspended and bed sediments were studied in two datasets from western Europe watersheds (Meuse and Mosel). Copper and zinc dissolved and total concentrations, total suspended sediment concentrations, mass concentrations, and grain sizes were analyzed. Four classes of mineral particle size were determined. Grain size distribution had to be considered in order to assess the trace metal particulate phase in the water column. The partitioning coefficients of trace metals between the dissolved and particulate phases were calculated. The objective of this study was to improve the description of the processes involved in the transportation and fate of trace metals in river aquatic ecosystems. Useful data for future modelling, management and contamination assessment of river sediments were provided. As it is confirmed by a literature review, the copper and zinc partitioning coefficients calculated in this study are reliable. The knowledge related to copper and zinc (e.g., partitioning coefficients) will allow us to begin investigations into environmental modelling. This modelling will allow us to consider new sorption processes and better describe trace metal and sediment fates as well as pressure–impact relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches in Contaminant Hydrology and Groundwater Remediation)

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16 pages, 6156 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Combined Well Multi-Parameter Logs and Low-Flow Purging Data for Soil Permeability Assessment and Related Effects on Groundwater Sampling

by Francesco Maria De Filippi and Giuseppe Sappa

Hydrology 2023, 10(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology10010012 - 02 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1947

Abstract

Cost-effective remediation is increasingly dependent on high-resolution site characterization (HRSC), which is supposed to be necessary prior to interventions. This paper aims to evaluate the use of low-flow purging and sampling water level data in estimating the horizontal hydraulic conductivity of soils. In [...] Read more.

Cost-effective remediation is increasingly dependent on high-resolution site characterization (HRSC), which is supposed to be necessary prior to interventions. This paper aims to evaluate the use of low-flow purging and sampling water level data in estimating the horizontal hydraulic conductivity of soils. In a new quali-quantitative view, this procedure can provide much more information and knowledge about the site, reducing time and costs. In case of high heterogeneity along the well screen, the whole procedure, as well as the estimation method, could be less effective and rigorous, with related issues in the purging time. The result showed significant permeability weighted sampling, which could provide different results as the pump position changes along the well screen. The proposed study confirms this phenomenon with field data, demonstrating that the use of multiparameter well logs might be helpful in detecting the behaviour of low-permeability layers and their effects on purging and sampling. A lower correlation between low-flow permeability estimations and LeFranc test results was associated with high heterogeneity along the screen, with a longer purging time. In wells P43, MW08 and MW36, due to the presence of clay layers, results obtained differ for almost one order of magnitude and the purging time increases (by more than 16 min). However, with some precautions prior to the field work, the low-flow purging and sampling procedure could become more representative in a shorter time and provide important hydrogeological parameters such as hydraulic conductivity with many tests and high-resolution related results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches in Contaminant Hydrology and Groundwater Remediation)

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18 pages, 4693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biogeochemical Permeable Barrier Based on Zeolite and Expanded Clay for Immobilization of Metals in Groundwater

by Nadezhda Popova, Grigoriy Artemiev, Inga Zinicovscaia, Nikita Yushin, Ludmila Demina, Kirill Boldyrev, Denis Sobolev and Alexey Safonov

Hydrology 2023, 10(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology10010004 - 24 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1689

Abstract

Groundwater samples contaminated with potentially toxic elements (PTE), including metals and nitrate ions, were collected at a depth of 8–10 m from the Siberian Chemical Plant multicomponent waste storage. The possibility of developing a permeable biogeochemical barrier with zeolite and lightweight expanded clay [...] Read more.

Groundwater samples contaminated with potentially toxic elements (PTE), including metals and nitrate ions, were collected at a depth of 8–10 m from the Siberian Chemical Plant multicomponent waste storage. The possibility of developing a permeable biogeochemical barrier with zeolite and lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) was investigated. The mass fraction and properties of several metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg and Pb) were determined to investigate their fixation on the chosen materials at the given experimental conditions. It was established that metals in sulfide or phosphate forms can be effectively immobilized via biomineralization on LECA, whereas metals from the non-chalcogen group are primarily retained in the form of phosphates. The formation of biogenic deposits of iron sulfide, which serve as a sorption–precipitation phase during the immobilization of the majority of metals, is an important aspect of the LECA loading process. The use of LECA and zeolite in the form of a two-component barrier is feasible based on the data obtained. It is assumed that metal immobilization processes occur due to sorption mechanisms in the zone of zeolite loading. Microbial nitrate removal and the formation of iron sulfide phases under reducing conditions, which form a geochemical barrier for metals, are expected in the LECA zone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches in Contaminant Hydrology and Groundwater Remediation)

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12 pages, 1791 KiB

Open AccessProject Report

Application of a Novel Amendment for the Remediation of Mercury Mine Sites with Hydrologic Controls

by Stephen McCord, Gregory Reller, Jon Miller and Kim Pingree

Hydrology 2023, 10(7), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology10070155 - 22 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1257

Abstract

MercLok^TM P-640 (MercLok) is a proprietary product developed by Albemarle as a mercury (Hg) treatment technology. MercLok captures mercury and sequesters it for a long period under ambient environmental conditions. For this project, MercLok was applied to Hg-contaminated calcines at two abandoned [...] Read more.

MercLok^TM P-640 (MercLok) is a proprietary product developed by Albemarle as a mercury (Hg) treatment technology. MercLok captures mercury and sequesters it for a long period under ambient environmental conditions. For this project, MercLok was applied to Hg-contaminated calcines at two abandoned Hg mine sites in northern California to evaluate its efficacy in rendering such contaminated materials less hazardous and thereby reducing remediation project costs. The first application (Site 1) consisted of two calcines amended with MercLok in isolated reactor buckets under two hydrologic remediation approaches (“repository cap” and “reactive barrier”) while exposed to ambient environmental conditions. Non-amended and amended calcines and their leachates were analyzed for Hg content and related conditions during a five-month study period, demonstrating >95% reduction in leachable Hg. The second application (Site 2) involved full-scale site remediation with the application of both approaches and additional hydrologic controls to minimize run-on, erosion, and runoff. Confirmation sampling and subsequent observations indicate that the amendments and hydrologic controls effectively stabilized the site and minimized Hg releases. These application projects demonstrate the efficacy of MercLok as a component of hydrologic controls for treating Hg-contaminated material to achieve long-term mine site remediation objectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches in Contaminant Hydrology and Groundwater Remediation)

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