Environmental Research & Technology Division
Technology Development & Applications Group Removal
and Encapsulation
of Heavy Metals from Ground Water
Background
Heavy metals such as lead, chromium, cadmium, mercury, etc. are detected in
ground water on many Federal Facility sites. Under a collaborative effort,
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers Waterways Experiment Station are investigating the use of novel
exchange and filtration media capable of sorbing these contaminants.
Following sorption, these media require encapsulation for long-term
stability and retention of contaminants.
Objectives
This applied research project, sponsored by the Department of Defense
Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) will assess
the feasibility of using polyethylene encapsulation of sorption media to
provide long-term durability and prevent further release to the environment.
Task Summary
The objectives of this project will be accomplished through completion of
subtasks on Waste Characterization (particle size and distribution, moisture
content, chemical loading, pH, etc.), Surrogate Preparation and
Pre-treatment (pre-treatment processing will be identified and completed, as
necessary, in preparation for encapsulation processing), Review and
Selection of Potential Processing Techniques, Process Development Studies
(waste loading potential will be maximized based on processing and
performance considerations), and Final Waste Form Evaluation (mechanical
integrity and leachability of encapsulated waste products will be
evaluated). The critical aspect of the research will be the compatibility
between the sorbent and polymer and the environmental durability of the
polymer.
Potential benefits include:
- Cost savings associated with using low cost, high capacity sorbents
that do not need to be regenerated, compared with conventional ion
exchange resins,
- More durable and better quality final waste forms for long-term
storage or disposal of these wastes,
- Potential recovery of heavy metals for eventual re-use,
- Re-work capability of the final waste form if preferable
technologies evolve in the future.
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Last Modified: November 12, 2009
Please forward all questions about this site to:
Linda Satalino
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