The efficacy of oxidative coupling for promoting in-situ immobilization of hydroxylated aromatics in contaminated soil and sediment systems. Progress report, September 15, 1996--September 14, 1997

'The principal objective for Year 1 of this study has included sorbent collection, preparation and characterization, as well as investigation of the efficacy of abiotic/enzymatic coupling reactions on the irreversible binding of phenolic compounds on natural soils and sediments. In response to a budget reduction request specific modifications were made without compromising the integrity of the proposed work. The modified Phase 1 experimental matrix consists of four natural sorbents and three phenolic sorbates. Preliminary experiments with Chelsea soil indicated excessive release of soil organic matter (SOM) into solution, thereby complicating determination of aqueous phase phenol concentrations. It was therefore decided to substitute Lachine shale for the Chelsea soil. This shale is a well-characterized natural sorbent used previously in the laboratory. Additionally two field soils having similar soil morphology were identified based on their particle size distribution and organic matter content. These soils were located from US Department of Agriculture soil survey data and collected aseptically from a forested and a grassland site. Another deviation from the proposed schedule of tasks was the initiation of work from Phase 2 and Phase 3. In addition to experiments with natural systems, preliminary work with model and engineered systems was initiated earlier than scheduled in order to integrate and relate all three aspects of the study and provide a more robust perspective of field applications of this remediation technology.