In Situ Treatment of Dissolved-Phase Chlorinated Solvents

ABSTRACT: Chlorinated solvents and other volatile organics are prevalent groundwater contaminants throughout the United States. These volatile compounds present major risks to human health and the environment, are the most mobile, and commonly remain untreated for decades until fully investigated and/or sufficient funding is available to apply current remediation technologies. The EcoBox ® is a patented (Gee, 2001) in-well treatment technology that can operate simply as an extension to an existing monitoring well or larger treatment well located in a dissolved phase plume. A small high-head low flow pump is installed in the well to pump impacted groundwater up to the EcoBox ® where it is treated and discharge back into the well. The EcoBox ® can be operated using solar panels in remote areas. The system provides effective removal of dissolved phase chlorinated solvents through abiotic aeration and aerobic biodegradation at a cost that is significantly less than current in-situ or pump and treat techniques. EcoBox ® application in several configurations will be presented. The time sequenced effectiveness of EcoBox ® installation in removing trichloroethylene (TCE) in groundwater from a continuous 1,000 microgram per liter (ug/l) TCE source will also be presented