AWWA WQTC64111

This research tests the hypothesis that electrokinetic remediation (ER) can be used as a technically feasible and cost effective approach for remediating persistent contaminants in river bank filtrate. A benchtop ER soil processing column using South Platte River water and native alluvial material from an existing riverbank filtration (RBF) site was used. This research focuses on several compounds which were selected based on their occurrence and persistence in the environment. The selected contaminants (sulfamethoxazole, carbamazepine, and tris-(2-chloroethyl) phosphate) have been proven to remain relatively unaffected by conventional wastewater and water treatment processes including riverbank filtration. Electrokinetic remediation (ER) is a technology which has been successfully applied in the removal, reduction, and stabilization of groundwater contaminants such as heavy metals, DNAPL, chlorinated solvents and other contaminants. ER has yet to be studied for the breakdown of persistent emerging contaminants and is the key aspect of this research. This research investigates unamended and amended electrokinetic remediation. Unamended ER uses mechanisms such as electromigration, electroosmosis, diffusion and electrolysis of water to remediate the compounds of concern. In amended ER an electron donor is introduced to the subsurface through the use of an electrical potential, which in turn assists in pH control and may stimulate microbial communities which can assist in compound degradation. An ER system could be an alternative to conventional treatment processes or a supplement to riverbank filtration (RBF) site. RBF sites are successful in removing many compounds as the water flows from the water body through the native alluvial material to a production well located a short distance from the river. An ER system may installed at a new or existing RBF site. This method of treatment for persistent compounds may be easier and cheaper than a water treatment plant expansion. In addition, ER systems used as a supplement to RBF sites may possibly minimize the detention time necessary for successful contaminant removal, hence minimizing the land necessary for RBF treatment. Includes 73 references, figures.