Progress 07/01/06 to 06/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Considerable progress on different research objectives of this project was made. In phytoremediation section of this project the removal of selected metals by duckweed, parrot feather and water-hyacinth from a simulated aqueous environment contaminated with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) and copper sulfate was studied in a controlled laboratory experiment. The results showed that both parrot feather and duckweed removed significant amount of all three selected metals and water-hyacinth only removed the chromium from water. Use of kenaf core, stalk, and Nature's Broom as a filtering material for removal of organic hydrocarbons was studied. These plant-based matrices showed removal efficiencies as high as 88%. Also, a multi-stage biofiltration system was designed and constructed that used three kenaf biofilter chambers connected by plastic tubing to optimize the conditions for decontamination of creosote and PCP polluted groundwater. The analysis of the matrices indicated that the two kenaf biofilters adsorbed or biodegraded 100% of PCP and PAHs from the contaminated groundwater. The spent kenaf from biofilters were composted with horse manure to biodegrade adsorbed pollutants In composting Study section, Due to abundance of chicken litter in Mississippi, chicken manure was used as a replacement for horse and cow manure as amendment. In a six month outdoor composting study, sawdust from furniture waste was amended with 10% and 20% poultry breeder litter. Freshly sawn southern yellow pine sawdust was also amended with 30% of the same breeder litter. Unamended woodwaste and pine sawdust provided the controls. All treatments and controls were replicated three times. Samples were collected at days 0, 45, 90 and 180. Woodwaste sawdust amended with 10% and 20% showed significant reduction in weight after 90 days. This reduction in weight reached to over 40% for both treatments by day 180. No significant reduction in weight occurred for freshly sawn pine sawdust. All treatments showed a reduction in toxicity by day 90. Further reduction in toxicity occurred only for woodwaste sawdust amended with 20% breeder litter. In comparison with day 0, pH levels improved to near 6.50 for all treatments. PARTICIPANTS: Mr. Brent Brasher with KenGro Corp. Charleston, Mississippi TARGET AUDIENCES: Furniture Industry Poultry Industry Wood preservation companies PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The concerns regarding leaching of arsenic from playground equipment constructed of CCA treated wood and a greater public awareness of potential dangers from arsenic in drinking water have resulted in various EPA rulings and the wood treating industry's decision in December 2003 to voluntarily halt the production of CCA treated wood for residential use. Cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods for the cleanup of CCA contaminated soil and water is needed. These studies have shown that certain plants can have remediatory effects on metals in aqueous environments. More research could be done on a combination of these aquatic plants to understand more about the symbiotic or antagonistic relationship between plants and metals. Also, the results obtained from the hydroponic experiment could provide good preliminary information for using aquatic plants in cleaning contaminated lakes or lagoons. Filtering materials such as activated carbons that are currently being used extensively for removal of organic pollutants from wastewater are expensive. Disposal of spent carbon, in some cases, costs more than virgin carbon/lb. Use of natural, biodegradable, effective and economical material such as kenaf The removal of the PCP and PAHs in this type of system indicated that a multi-stage kenaf biofiltration system would be applicable for current wood-based industries. A practical application of this research would be for a large pilot-scale biofilter made of a large PVC pipe packed with the kenaf matrix on a site with groundwater contamination. Pumping contaminated groundwater through this type of biofiltration system could be very economical for the wood industry due to its ease of operation and environmentally friendly nature of material like kenaf. Stalk could make a great alternative to remedy this problem. The most important impact of this project was to show that forest products companies and poultry producers that generate woodwaste and litter can implement composting plans to reduce land filling and transportation costs, and be an environmental asset to their communities. Over 350 certified nurseries and 568 landscape maintenance contractors in Mississippi could become a great market for this type of value added product. Some poultry companies have utilized composting as an alternative to land application based on results from composting studies at the forest products department. Another positive outcome of research like this has made Forest and Wildlife Research Center website the main source of information about composting in Mississippi.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The state's furniture production ranks second nationally and furniture companies produce large quantities of hardwood and softwood sawdust, wood chips, wood flakes, fabric scraps and more during their manufacturing cycle. The forest products industry produces approximately 12 million tons of wood waste and bark residues throughout their production process. However, landfills are becoming increasingly expensive and on-site incineration, which is governed by strict Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission regulations, are not economical; thus, alternate disposal methods are needed. A six month study evaluated composting of hardwood and furniture woodwaste amended with 20% and 30% chicken litter.The following treatments were evaluated: 1):Hardwood sawdust control with no chicken manure,2):Hardwood sawdust amended with 20% chicken manure (dry-weight basis), 3):Hardwood sawdust amended with 30% chicken manure, 4):Furniture sawdust control with no chicken manure, 5): Furniture sawdust amended with 20% chicken manure (dry-weight basis), 6):Furniture sawdust amended with 30% chicken manure , and 7):Chicken manure control with no sawdust.The treatments were replicated three times and thoroughly hand-mixed before placing them into the containers. Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) was obtained from substrates. Moisture was provided through precipitation, and the substrate was aerated once or twice per week, depending on the amount of rainfall. Samples were collected at 45 day intervals for toxicity, compost maturity, weight loss, and nutrient analysis. A significant reduction in N and K concentrations occurred for all amended compost by day 180. Hardwood substrate matured quicker than furniture compost based on a radish seed germination test. A higher level of germination for both hardwood and furniture controls could be attributed to low N content of these treatments. TCLP extract results confirmed that when N is lower, germination from the radish seeds occurred at higher rate. By day 180 all the seeds had a germination rate of 100%. Chicken litter control showed the best overall weight loss; however, its toxicity levels were still much higher on day 180. PARTICIPANTS: Abdolhamid Borazjani, Lauren Mangum (master level graduate Student), and Saeed Langroodi(Doctoral level graduate student) TARGET AUDIENCES: Furniture and forest products companies, nurseries, and poultry industry PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The most important impact of this study was to show that forest products companies and poultry producers that generate woodwaste and litter can implement composting plans to reduce landfilling and transportation costs,and be an environmental asset to their communities. Over 350 certified nurseries and 568 landscape maintenance contractors in Mississippi could become a great market for this type pf vaue added product. Some poultry companies have utilized composting as an alternative to land application based on results from composting studies at the forest products department. Another positive outcome of research like this has made Forest and Wildlife Research Center website the main source of information about composting in Mississippi.
Publications
- N.Little, H.Borazjani, S.V.Diehl. 2009. Evaluation of a New Bio-based Oil Absorbent. 10th Int. In-Situ and On-Site Bioremediation Symposium. BattellePress.ISBN978-0-9819730-1-2 H. Borazjani, S.V. Diehl, M.L. Prerwitt. 2009. Fourteen Years Evaluation of Pump & Treat at A Wood Treatent Site. 4th Int. Conf.on Science & Technolog. Procc. July 28-31. Houston, Texas.Vol (1).pp221-226
|
Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Nature's Broom is an absorbent bio-based product consisting of saw dust and rice hulls which is being considered for commercial use by state highway departments to help remediate oil spills. Baseline testing on the absorbent's ability to encapsulate and degrade common petroleum products such as motor oil or hydraulic fluid which are considered to be the intended use of the product. It would be beneficial to both the forest products and agricultural markets to find a useful and beneficial niche market for small particle size saw dust and rice hulls. In a three months long study this absorbent was evaluated for its ability to degrade certain petroleum products such as hydraulic fluid and motor oil. Three sets of treatments were created for this evaluation: 1) controls containing only Nature's Broom and de-ionized water, 2) Nature's Broom artificially contaminated with 10,000 ppm of universal hydraulic fluid and de-ionized water, and 3) Nature's Broom contaminated with 10,000 ppm of a commercial motor oil and de-ionized water. Moisture content was kept at 60% for optimum bacterial growth.Modified standard method 5520-F was used for TPH analysis. Dilution plate technique on selected media was used for microbial counts. PARTICIPANTS: Abdolhamid Borazjani, and Lauren Mangum (master level graduate student). TARGET AUDIENCES: Wood treating companies that use diesel as carrier oil, transportation department, and environmental consultants. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Levels for bacteria acclimated to TPH grew exponentially in all three treatments throughout the nine week test. The exponential growth of the bacteria acclimated to TPH present in Nature's Broom was the main reason for degradation of the petroleum hydrocarbons. TPH analysis yielded slightly different results for each treatment in this test. TPH levels in the motor oil samples decreased by 75% over the nine week test period. TPH levels remained steady for the hydraulic fluid treatments. These results suggest that there was little or no degradation of the hydraulic fluid, which was to be expected because of the stable nature of hydraulic fluid. Overall, Nature's Broom showed ability to degrade motor oil over three month time period. Microbes in hydraulic fluid might need a longer gestation period than motor oil to achieve the same level of degradation for this more stable substance. More studies are needed to further investigate this product for its adsorbent and petroleum removal capabilities.
Publications
- Borazjani, H., Diehl, S. V., Hannigan, M., and Prewitt, M. L. 2008. Long-term performance of a pump & treat system at a wood treating site. In: 38th Annual MS Water Resources Resesearch Conference Proceedings, April, Jackson, MS, p. 12-16.
- Borazjani, H., Diehl, S. V., and Prewitt, M. L. 2007. Phytoremediation of wood preservatives, Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Research Advances, 10(1): 4pp.
|
Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Four sets of aquatic plants were screened in a preliminary trial. Duckweed (Lemna minor), water lily (Nymphaea spp.), parrotfeather (Myriophyllum aquaticum), and an azolla (Azolla filiculoides)/duckweed (Lemna minor) mixture were the subject plants. Each plant was divided into two groups with three jars in each group. One group served as a control, the other was to serve as the treatment group. In the treatment groups, 100 ml of CCA solution (adjusted to 5 mg/L arsenic, 7 mg/L chromium, and 2.5 mg/L copper concentrations) was added to each jar. The plants were placed into each respective jar and allowed to sit for 5 days. All plant samples were collected, dried, digested, and a chemical analysis was performed on specimens to see which plants were most adequate in accumulating selected metals. Duckweed and parrotfeather were selected for further studies. The removal of selected metals by duckweed and parrotfeather from a simulated aqueous environment contaminated with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) and copper sulfate was studied in a controlled laboratory experiment. The duckweed and parrotfeather's tissues were analyzed to evaluate the removal of copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As) from CCA contaminated water (125 mg/L Cu, 220 mg/L Cr, and 205 mg/L As) and from copper sulfate contaminated water (60 mg/L Cu) over a 7 day period. The vigor of the plants was also recorded during this period. The results from this project were presented in Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute annual meeting and also were published as a Research Advance by the Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC) and is on the FWRC website. PARTICIPANTS: One Master's level graduate student worked on this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Waste water treaters and environmental consultants as well as wood treating companies. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The results showed that both the duckweed and parrotfeather removed the metals from the water in each experiment. For the CCA contaminated water study, duckweed removed approximately 60% of each metal from solution while parrotfeather removed approximately 45% of each metal. For the copper contaminated water study, duckweed removed approximately 85% of the copper concentration from solution while parrotfeather removed approximately 77% copper from solution. As for the vigor of the plants in the CCA study, duckweed remained rather healthy throughout most of this study. Parrotfeather sharply declined in vigor after two days into the experiment. In the copper study, both plants remained fairly healthy through the duration of the experiment. Duckweed and parrotfeather were both found to be effective accumulators of the metals present in CCA- and copper-contaminated water. Duckweed could be considered a superior accumulator because of its ability to remove large concentrations of metals and remain vigorous and healthy. These studies have shown that certain plants can have remediatory effects on metals in aqueous environments. More research could be done on a combination of these aquatic plants to understand more about the symbiotic or antagonistic relationship between plants and metals. Also, the results obtained from the hydroponic experiment could provide good preliminary information for using aquatic plants in cleaning contaminated lakes or lagoons.
Publications
- Borazjani, H., Schipke, B.W., Diehl, S.V., Prewitt, M.L. 2007. Evaluation of materials for filtration of TPH-contaminated water. Five pages in Proceedings of the Ninth International In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation Sympoisum, May 7-10, 2007. Baltimore, MD.
- Borazjani, H., Diehl, S.V., Prewitt, M.L. 2007. Phytoremediation of Wood Preservatives. Research Advances. FWRC.Vol. 10, No.1
- Keith, C., Borazjani, H., Diehl, S.V., Prewitt, M.L., Su, Y., Han, F., and Baldwin, B.S. 2007. Aquatic Phytoremediation of CCA and Copper Contaminated Water. Thirty Seventh Annual Mississippi Water Resources Conference Proc. April 24-25. Jackson, MS. pp23-28.
- Turner, K.D., Borazjani, H., Baldwin, B., Prewitt, M. L., Diehl, S.V. 2007. Phytoremediation of soil contaminated with pentachlorophenol (PCP). Six pages in Proceedings of the Ninth International In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation Symposium, May 7-10, 2007. Baltimore, MD.
|
Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
The removal of selected metals by duckweed (Lemna minor) and parrotfeather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) from a simulated aqueous environment contaminated with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) and copper sulfate was studied in a controlled laboratory experiment. The duckweed and parrotfeather's tissues were analyzed to evaluate the removal of copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As) from CCA- contaminated water (125 mg/L Cu, 220 mg/L Cr, and 205 mg/L As) and from copper sulfate-contaminated water (60 mg/L Cu) over a 7 day period. The vigor of the plants was also recorded during this period. The results showed that the duckweed and parrotfeather both removed the metals from the water in each experiment. For the CCA-contaminated water study, duckweed removed approximately 60% of each metal from solution while parrotfeather removed approximately 45% of each metal. For the copper- contaminated water study, duckweed removed approximately 85% of the copper concentration from
solution while parrotfeather removed approximately 77% copper from solution. As for the vigor of the plants in the CCA study, duckweed remained rather healthy throughout most of this study. Parrotfeather sharply declined in vigor after two days into the experiment. In the copper study, both plants remained fairly healthy through the duration of the experiment.
Impacts
The concerns regarding leaching of arsenic from playground equipment constructed of CCA treated wood and a greater public awareness of potential dangers from arsenic in drinking water have resulted in various EPA rulings and the wood treating industry's decision in December 2003 to voluntarily halt the production of CCA treated wood for residential use. Cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods for the clean up of CCA contaminated soil and water are needed.
Publications
- Borazjani H, TN Chamblee, Y Vizzier, HA Stewart, SV Diehl. 2006. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Upholstery Manufacturing 19(5):26-27.
- Keith C, H Borazjani, SV Diehl, Y Su, BS Baldwin. 2006. Removal of copper, chromium, and arsenic by water hyacinths. Pages 15-19 in Proceedings of the 36th Annual Mississippi Water Resources Research Conference, Jackson, MS.
- Borazjani H, D Wiltcher, SV Diehl. 2005. Bioremediation of polychlorinated biphenyl and petroleum contaminated soil. Pages 502-507 in Proceedings of Environmental Science and Technology 2005(II).
|
Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Compost Study: Due to abundance of chicken litter in Mississippi, chicken manure was used as a replacement for horse and cow manure as amendment. In a six month outdoor composting study, sawdust from furniture waste was amended with 10% and 20% poultry breeder litter. Freshly sawn southern yellow pine sawdust was also amended with 30% of the same breeder litter. Unamended woodwaste and pine sawdust provided the controls. All treatments and controls were replicated three times. Samples were collected at days 0, 45, 90 and 180. Woodwaste sawdust amended with 10% and 20% showed significant reduction in weight after 90 days. This reduction in weight reached to over 40% for both treatments by day 180. No significant reduction in weight occurred for freshly sawn pine sawdust. All treatments showed a reduction in toxicity by day 90. Further reduction in toxicity occurred only for woodwaste sawdust amended with 20% breeder litter. In comparison with day 0, pH levels improved
to near 6.50 for all treatments.
Impacts
One small Mississippi company located in the Mississippi Delta estimates spending $6,000 per month for land filling their wood waste residue. Alternative disposal options like composting would greatly benefit many different wood product industries with their wood wastes.
Publications
- Borazjani, H., P. Black, S.V. Diehl. 2005. Kenaf medium multi-stage biofiltration system for clean-up of cresote and pentachlorophenol- contaminated groundwater. 6 pages in W.G. Lyon, J.J. Hong, R.K. Reddy, editors; Proceedings of Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. (1)., American Science Press, New Orleans.
- Hatten, Nick, H. Borazjani, and S.V. Diehl. 2005. Leaching of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium from Sawdust Amended with Chicken Litter. Proceedings 2005 Mississippi Water Resources Conference. pp. 99-110.
- Muin, M., H. Borazjani, S.V. Diehl. 2005. Enhanced wood-preservative wastewater remediation in the presence of commerical surfactants. 8pp. in B.B. Alleman and M.E. Kelley editors, In Situ and On-Site Bioremdiation-2005. Proceedings of the Eighth International In Situ and On-site Bioremediation Symposium. Baltimore, MD. June6-9, 2005.
|
Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
CCA contaminated water with 5, 10, and 20 mg/L of arsenic was evaluated in a hydroponics greenhouse experiment using water-hyacinth floater plants for a period of 17 days. Plants were monitored every 1-2 days for addition of contaminated water and nutrients. Copper, chromium and arsenic analysis results from plant tissues and water samples indicated that water-hyacinth plants did not remove arsenic from contaminated water for 5, 10, and 20 mg/L concentration. These plants were able to remove moderate amounts of copper (26% from 5mg/L treatment), but no removal of copper was observed for 10 and 20 mg/L treatments. However, water hyacinth showed good removal efficiencies for chromium. These floaters accumulated/removed 72% chromium from 5mg/L treatment and 21% and 19% for 10mg/L and 20mg/L treatments respectively. Evaluation of the plant's health and vigor showed 20 mg/L of arsenic had a toxic effect on water-hyacinth resulting in wilt and death of these plants.
Impacts
Phytoremediation is an emerging bioremediation technology that has proven to be successful in some remediation areas, in particular in hyperaccumulation of heavy metals. Metal contamination of water from various sources such as pesticides, fertilizers, wood preservatives, smelter wastes, and coal combustion has become a serious environmental concern. Current remediation methods are expensive (due to use of chemicals) or disruptive. Use of selective metal accumulator plants could provide an alternative clean-up option that would be as simple as growing plants in the field.
Publications
- Prewitt, M.L., Borazjani, H., and Diehl, S.V. 2003. Use of Soil to Enhance Microbial Degradation for Remediation of PCP Treated Wood. Pgs 15-29. In Proceedings: Managing the Treated Wood Resource II. Special seminar sponsored by American Wood Preservers' Association Utilities Solid Waste Activities Group.
|
Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
A multi-stage biofiltration system was designed and constructed that used three biofilter chambers connected by plastic tubing to optimize the conditions for decontamination. The biofilters were constructed from three-foot long 4 inch diameter acrylic pipes with a PVC cap and a valve system attached to the bottom to collect samples. Plastic tubing was attached to the valve and administered at the top of the next biofilter for the effluent to travel through the multi-stage system. With 1630 ppb of selected PAHs and 30 ppb of PCP, contaminated groundwater was stored in a 30-gallon drum to feed the biofilters. The matrices chosen for this experiment were ground up kenaf core and sand. As the contaminated groundwater moved through the multi-stage biofiltration system, all traces of PCP and PAHs were removed. All PCP removed from the groundwater after filtering through the first biofiltration chamber in all three applications. The PAHs were removed after filtering through
the second biofiltration chamber in all three replications. Kenaf in the first biofilter removed over 90% of contaminates. The analysis of the matrices indicated that the two kenaf biofilters adsorbed or biodegraded 100% of PCP and PAHs from the contaminated groundwater.
Impacts
The removal of the PCP and PAHs in this type of system indicated that a multi-stage kenaf biofiltration system would be applicable for current wood-based industries. A practical application of this research would be for a large pilot-scale biofilter made of a large PVC pipe packed with the kenaf matrix on a site with groundwater contamination. Pumping contaminated groundwater through this type of biofiltration system could be very economical for the wood industry due to its ease of operation and environmentally friendly nature of material like kenaf.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Use of kenaf core and stalk as a filtering material for removal of VOC's (benzene, toluene, and xylene) from wastewater was studied. Ten grams of kenaf chips (core & stalk) were weighed and packed into two glass clean up columns (i.d.1.8 cm) to form a column height of 40 cm. The influent wastewater samples were poured through the filtration column units with elution time of 30 minutes. Effluent results indicated significant reduction of benzene, toluene, and xylene by 71, 77, and 80 percent respectively for core packed unit. The column packed with stalk kenaf performed better than core and removed benzene, toluene, and xylene by 89, 88, and 85 percent respectively. Graduate student = 1.
Impacts
Filtering materials such as activated carbons that are currently being used extensively for removal of organic pollutants from wastewater are expensive. Disposal of spent carbon, in some cases, costs more than virgin carbon/lb. Use of natural, biodegradable, effective and economical material such as kenaf stalk could make a great alternative to remedy this problem.
Publications
- Prewitt, M.L., Borazjani, H., Diehl, S.V. 2002. Soil enhanced microbial degradation of pentachlorophenol-treated wood. Forest Products Journal (in press).
- Shiohara, K., Borazjani, H., Hannigan, M. 2002. Flocculant selectivity for organic compounds and metals from process water. In pages 279-286 of Ex Situ Biological Treatment Technologies. V.S. Magar, F.M. von Fahnestock, and A. Leeson (editors).
- Shiohara, K., Borazjani, H. 2000. Evaluation of selected commercial flocculants for removal of organic and inorganic wood preservative from process water. In: Proc., 2000 Mississippi Water Resources Conference. Pp. 291-299.
|
Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
A commercial surfactant (Brij 35) was studied in combination with and without a bacterial species known to break down pentachlorophenol (PCP) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with creosote. The effects of the surfactant, the bacterium, and the combination of the surfactant and bacterium, were evaluated in the biodegradation of process water highly contaminated with PAHs and PCP. Studies were conducted with 900 ml of process water in 1-liter amber jars. Nutrients along with the surfactant and/or bacterium were added to each jar and aeration was applied throughout the period of the study with an air sparger. Unconditioned controls and sterilized controls were also run. Samples were collected, extracted, and analyzed at 30 days and 60 days for PAHs and PCP, and also at day 90 for further PCP analysis. Total selected PAHs were significantly reduced in the surfactant and surfactant amended bacterial treatments. The results for PCP varied showing an
increase during the study. Graduate students = 1.
Impacts
The limited availability of many environmental contaminants to microorganisms is a major factor that affects biodegradation. Surfactants can enhance the bioavailability of hydrophobic substances by increasing the solubility and surface area through the formation of micelles.
Publications
- Shiohara, K., Diehl, S.V., and Borazjani, H. 2001. Use of a commercial surfactant for enhanced biodegradation of organic wood-preservative contaminated process water. In: Proc., Mississippi Water Resources Conf., Raymond, MS, April 10-11. pp. 48-51.
|
Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
The objective of this study was to investigate kenaf as an alternative medium for biofiltration treatment of creosote and pentachlorophenol contaminated water and to determine if composting of spent kenaf could biodegrade the adsorbed pollutants. The multi-stage biofiltration systems were constructed of 75-cm long acrylic pipes with a PVC cap and a valve system attached to the bottom to collect the effluent samples. The first and second biofilter chambers were packed with kenaf, with the first biofilter being inoculated with a bacterial culture. The third and final biofilter contained sand. As the contaminated water moved through the system, all traces of PCP and PAHs were removed. The two kenaf biofilters removed or biodegraded 100% of the contaminants. Composting of spent kenaf from biofilter #1 reduced the PAHs concentration from 78.5 ppm to 4.71 or 94% reduction and PCP from 5.2 ppm to 1.12 or 78% reduction.
Impacts
Biofiltration is an alternative technology that could efficiently clean up groundwater. Some biofiltration systems have provided a removal rate equal to or superior to free-cell systems. Application of matrices like kenaf and reuse of kenaf as compost could provide a very cost effective and environmentally-friendly method for groundwater treatment.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
The objective of this study was to evaluate different commercial flocculants that are currently being used by industry for the treatment of wood preserving process wastewater containing organic and inorganic pollutants. In this study, five commercial polymeric flocculants were evaluated for the treatment of wood-preservative contaminated process water. The wastewater used for the test contained high levels of oil and grease, suspended solids, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with creosote, pentachlorophenol (PCP), and chromated copper arsenate (CCA). Analyses of selected PAHs revealed that all five flocculants were able to remove more than 85% of the total selected PAHs with similar results. However, the results for PCP varied from the removal of 89% to as high as 98%. All five flocculants significantly reduced the concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons, suspended solids, oil and grease, copper, chromium
and arsenic in process water.
Impacts
Treatment of wastewater is difficult because the wastewater contains various chemical compounds with different chemical and physical properties, which require certain conditions and chemical reactions for treatment. No major prior studies have been done on the removal efficiency of commercial flocculants/coagulants for the treatment of process water from wood treating facilities. These results will provide accurate information on using a selected flocculant for specific pollutants or conditions.
Publications
- Borazjani, H., S.V. Diehl, D.A. Strobel, L. Wasson. 1999. In-situ bioremediation of creosote and pentachlorophenol-contaminated groundwater at a wood-treating site. In: Bioremediation of Nitroaromatic and Haloaromatic Compounds, 5(7):75-81. Bruce C. Alleman and Andrea Leason (eds). Battelle Press, Columbus, OH.
|
Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
The objectives of this study are: (1) to evaluate different commercial surfactants for enhancing biodegration of wood-preservatives in wastewater containing high levels of pentachlorophenol (PCP), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), oil and grease; (2) to develop an in-situ biological technique for the clean-up of organic wood-preservatives in groundwater. Three 60-day bioreactor studies were conducted to evaluate several surfactants including Brij 35, Tween 20, Tween 80, Triton X-100, Span 20, Span 80, Tergitol, Caprylic acid, and Lauryl sulfate for enhancing biodegradation of wastewater containing high levels of PCP and PAHs. In all bioreactor studies, degradation of total PAHs for all treatment including controls were significant (>90%). Microtox toxicity levels decreased as PAH contamination level decreased. Addition of surfactants may not be needed for PAH degradation. PCP degradation, however, only occurred thus far in the Brij 35 study at the highest
surfactant concentration. Most day-60 samples (except Brij 35) maintained toxicity in relation to PCP levels. Oil and grease results were variable. The 1998 results of an in-situ groundwater study from monitoring well (WC-5) showed further reduction in PAHs to 4.04 mg/L. Again, no significant degression of PCP occurred.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Borazjani, H., S.V. Diehl, M. Hannigan. 1998. In-situ bioremediation of creosote and PCP contaminated groundwater at a wood-treating site. In: Bioremediation Techniques. Battel Press. (In press).
- Diehl, S.V., H. Borazjani. 1998. Enhanced biodegradation of organic wood-preservative contaminated wastewater by commercial surfactants. In: Proc., 28th Mississippi Water Resources Conference, pp. 246-249.
- Diehl, S.V., H. Borazjani. 1998. Enhanced biodegradation of organic wood-preservative contaminated wastewater by commercial surfactants. Technical Completion Report. U.S. Department of Interior, Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute. 18 pp.
|
Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
The objective of this study is to develop an in-situ biological technique for the clean-up of organic wood-preservatives in groundwater. Monthly injections of oxygen (in the form of hydrogen perodide), nutrients (in the form of a water soluble fertilizer) and bacteria are continuing. A significant biodegradation of total selected PAHs has been occuring since this study began in September 1993. PAH concentrations have been reduced from 31.84 to 5.94 mg/L in 36-months. These concentrations have consistently remained below 6 mg/L since January 1995. PCP levels have been reduced from 0.607 to 0.329 mg/L over the 36- month period. Tetrachlorophenol levels have been consistently low or non-detected since January 1995. Bacteria populations have fluctuated over the 36 month of this study. Initial levels were 1500 colonies per ml. A high occurred in January 1995 with 238,000 colonies per ml, and current levels are 140,000 colonies per ml. In order to restimulate the
degradation of these contaminants, addition of oxygen has been increased three-fold and the addition of nutrients has been increased two-fold since December 1996. No significant bioremedration of PAHs of PCP occurred during 1997 but bacterial population remained high. TKN levels were also increased. Different surfactants at three concentrations are being evaluated in laboratory bioreactors for degradation of water contaminated with PCP and PAHs and for toxicity to microorganisms. Currently Brij35 is under evaluation. Graduate students = 0.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- BORAZJANI, H., S.V. DIEHL, K.L. HURT, D.A. STROBEL, L. WASSON, and M. HANNIGAN. 1997. Bioremoval of creosote and PCP from soil and groundwater at wood treating sites. In: Proc., 2nd Southeastern Pole Conference MS State, MS January 22-25, 1996 pp. 97-101.
|
Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs
The objective of this study is to develop an in-situ biological technique for the clean-up of organic wood-preservatives in groundwater. Monthly injections of oxygen (in the form of hydrogen peroxide), nutrients (in the form of a water soluble fertilizer) and bacteria are continuing. A significant biodegradation of total selected PAHs has been occurring since this study began in September 1993. PAH concentrations have been reduced from 31.84 to 5.94 mg/L in 36 months. These concentrations have consistently remained below 6 mg/L since January from 0.607 to 0.329 mg/L over the 36 month period. Tetrachlorophenol levels have been consistently low or non-detected since January 1995. Bacteria populations have fluctuated over the 36 months of this study. Initial levels were 1500 colonies per ml, a high occurred in January 1995 with 238,000 colonies per ml, and current levels are 140,000 colonies per ml. In order to restimulate the degradation of these contaminants, addition
of oxygen has been increased three-fold and the addition of nutrients has been increased two-fold since December 1996. Different surfactants at three concentrations are being evaluated in laboratory bioreactors for degradation of water contaminated with PCP and PAHs and for toxicity to microorganisms. Currently Brij35 is under evaluation. Graduate students=0.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- BORAZJANI, A. AND S.V. DIEHL. 1995. In-situ biological methods for clean-up of creosote and pentachlorophenol in groundwater. Proc., 25th Miss. Water Res. Conf., Water Resources Research Institute, Miss. State Univ., pp. 288-293.
- MUIN, M., A. BORAZJANI, S.V. DIEHL AND D.A. STROBEL. 1995. Biodegradation of organic wood-preservative wastewater in the presence of commercial surfactants. Emerging Tech. for Haz. Waste Mgt., IE&C Spec. Symp., Atlanta, GA., pp. 522-524.
- BORAZJANI, A., S.V. DIEHL, K.L. HURT, D.A. STROBEL, L. WASSON, AND M. HANNIGAN. 1997. Bioremoval of creosote and pentachlorophenol from soil and groundwater at wood treating sites. Proc., S.E. Pole Conf., Miss State Univ. In press.
|
|