Dioxin Assessment in a River Flood Plain

Dioxin Assessment in a River Flood Plain
Author: J. W. VanHouten
Publisher:
Total Pages: 9
Release: 2009
Genre: Contaminated sediments
ISBN:

Dioxins are a group of 210 chemicals with similar properties and structures that are usually found as a "mixture" in the environment. Dioxins are found at low levels in air, soil, water, and sediment as well in foods such meat, dairy, fish, and shellfish. The highest levels are usually found in sediments soil and animal fats. The most toxic chemical in the group is 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin, which is the "standard" to which other dioxins are compared. This paper examines the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) assessment and remediation efforts in the Tittabawassee River (Michigan, USA) flood plain. Soil and sediment samples indicate higher than "normal" (background) levels of dioxins for soil and sediment, which exceed the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR) action level of 1000 parts per trillion. Data presented indicates the difficulties associated with assessing historical dioxin levels in environments such as soil and sediments. Activities associated with these efforts such as dioxin and furan exposure studies, animal toxicology assessments, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforcement, MDEQ efforts to expedite remediation, as well as future directions for this on-going project are discussed.

Microbe Mediated Remediation of Environmental Contaminants

Microbe Mediated Remediation of Environmental Contaminants
Author: Ajay Kumar
Publisher: Woodhead Publishing
Total Pages: 475
Release: 2020-10-14
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0128232072

Microbe Mediated Remediation of Environmental Contaminants presents recent scientific progress in applying microbes for environmental management. The book explores the current existing practical applications and provides information to help readers develop new practices and applications. Edited by recognized leaders in the field, this penetrating assessment of our progress to date in deploying microorganisms to the advantage of environmental management and biotechnology will be widely welcomed by those working in soil contamination management, agriculture, environment management, soil microbiology, and waste management. The polluting effects on the world around us of soil erosion, the unwanted migration of sediments, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and the improper treatment of human and animal wastes have resulted in serious environmental and social problems around the world, problems which require us to look for solutions elsewhere than established physical and chemical technologies. Often the answer lies in hybrid applications in which microbial methods are combined with physical and chemical ones. When we remember that these highly effective microorganisms, cultured for a variety of applications, are but a tiny fraction of those to be found in the world around us, we realize the vastness of the untapped and beneficial potential of microorganisms. - Explores microbial application redressing for soil and water contamination challenges - Includes information on microbial synthesized nanomaterials for remediation of contaminated soils - Presents a uniquely hybrid approach, combining microbial interactions with other chemical and physical methods

Remediation of River Sediments Containing Dioxins and Other Chemical Compounds as Part of a Large Watershed Restoration Project

Remediation of River Sediments Containing Dioxins and Other Chemical Compounds as Part of a Large Watershed Restoration Project
Author: J. W. VanHouten
Publisher:
Total Pages: 10
Release: 2012
Genre: Contaminated sediments
ISBN:

This paper reviews ongoing, long-term remediation of river sediments containing dioxin and other chemical compounds in a large water-shed in the Great Lakes Region. Chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (CDDs) are a "family" of chemically related compounds commonly known as chlorinated dioxins or simply, dioxins. The highest levels are usually found in sediments, soil, and animal fats. The most toxic chemical in this group is 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin (2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD), which is the "standard" to which other dioxins are compared and which has been shown to be very toxic in animal studies. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality have made a lengthy effort to assess and remediate portions of the Saginaw Bay Watershed, including the Tittabawassee River. Specifically, the EPA-proposed "phased approach" to restoration and remediation of a short segment (Segment 1) of the Tittabawassee River sediments is reviewed. Sediments are contaminated with a number of chemical pollutants other than dioxins, including arsenic, cholorbenzenes, cholorphenols, ethyl parathion, o-phenylphenol, and PAHs. Evaluation of three proposed "cleanup alternatives" are made, with a final action method suggested based on effectiveness, implementability, and cost.

Bioavailability of Contaminants in Soils and Sediments

Bioavailability of Contaminants in Soils and Sediments
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 433
Release: 2003-05-03
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0309086256

Bioavailability refers to the extent to which humans and ecological receptors are exposed to contaminants in soil or sediment. The concept of bioavailability has recently piqued the interest of the hazardous waste industry as an important consideration in deciding how much waste to clean up. The rationale is that if contaminants in soil and sediment are not bioavailable, then more contaminant mass can be left in place without creating additional risk. A new NRC report notes that the potential for the consideration of bioavailability to influence decision-making is greatest where certain chemical, environmental, and regulatory factors align. The current use of bioavailability in risk assessment and hazardous waste cleanup regulations is demystified, and acceptable tools and models for bioavailability assessment are discussed and ranked according to seven criteria. Finally, the intimate link between bioavailability and bioremediation is explored. The report concludes with suggestions for moving bioavailability forward in the regulatory arena for both soil and sediment cleanup.