Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: Development and Evaluation of an Integrated Model to Facilitate Risk-Based Corrective Action at Superfund Sites

EPA Grant Number: R826694C645
Subproject: this is subproject number 645 , established and managed by the Center Director under grant R828598
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
Center: UT Center for Infrastructure Modeling and Management
Center Director: Hodges, Ben R.
Title: Development and Evaluation of an Integrated Model to Facilitate Risk-Based Corrective Action at Superfund Sites
Investigators: Corsi, Richard L. , Gilbert, Robert B.
Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: September 1, 2000 through August 31, 2004
RFA: Gulf Coast Hazardous Substance Research Center (Lamar University) (1996) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , Targeted Research

Objective:

The overall objective of the proposed research is to develop a state-of-the-art model that can be used for advanced (beyond screening) studies of human exposure to hazardous chemicals near Superfund sites. As RBCA is often driven by indoor exposures to volatile chemicals, this study will focus on such conditions. Specific objectives are listed below: (1) Develop a fully-integrated source and exposure model. The model (IAM-UT, Indoor Air Model, University of Texas) should include at least two major source categories: soil vapor intrusion and volatilization during indoor water uses. However, IAM-UT should be flexible enough to allow for the introduction of other sources in the future. The model should allow for any arrangement of indoor zones (or rooms) with prescribed ventilation pathways and magnitudes. It should allow for both continuous and transient source inputs, and should ultimately determine the concentration of chemicals in each room of a prescribed building. The model should also allow for prescribed human activity patterns within a building, and resulting exposure to airborne chemicals. Finally, these exposures should be translated into human uptake (absorption) and body burden using a compartmentalized pharmacokinetic (PKO) model.(2) The IAM-UT model will be incorporated into a probabilistic methodology that will ultimately be used to design a field monitoring event to test the model's utility and to calibrate the model as needed. The probabilistic framework, referred to as the Second Moment Bayesian Method (SMBM) will allow for efficient implementation of both experimental design and data analysis.(3) The integrated IAM-UT/SMBM model will be used to complete a field monitoring event at a residence affected by soil and/or groundwater that consists of elevated levels of hazardous air pollutants. Specifically, the model will be used to assist in the design of the field monitoring event, e.g., number and location of samples, and will then be evaluated based on field monitoring results.

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

We developed a numerical model to predict chemical concentrations in indoor environments resulting from soil vapor intrusion and volatilization from groundwater. The model, which integrates new and existing algorithms for chemical fate and transport, was originally coded in FORTRAN and this version of the model was tested. An algorithm to account for human activity and water usage patterns is currently available as a user-prescribed input.Based on a previous progress report, a reviewer noted that it may be desirable to use the same programming language, i.e., C++, for all tasks. We agreed with this recommendation and converted the IAM-UT source code from FORTRAN to C++. Both codes were evaluated with identical input files to ensure consistency of results. The model was also evaluated with respect to several simple cases. These cases were chosen in order to yield analytical solutions, e.g., cases with two or three zones and a limited number of emission sources. The IAM-UT model was also tested for robustness of solution technique, i.e., solution stability and time-step sensitivity.We completed development of a general, analytical framework to calibrate the fate and transport model (Task 1) with field and laboratory data. This framework, named the Second Moment Bayesian Method (SMBM), allowed for efficient implementation of both experimental design and data analysis. Development included evaluating the accuracy of analytical approximations within the framework using numerical solutions, and coding the framework into a C++ program that can be linked with the numerical fate and transport model. We completed development of the source codes calculating first and second derivatives of all model variables. We linked these codes with a general likelihood function developed previously. The integrated IAM-UT/SMBM model allowed for analysis of data collected in Task 3. Two residential test houses near a site characterized by sub-surface contamination in Paulsboro, New Jersey were selected for this study. Two major components of the soil gas to indoor air exposure pathway were studied: (1) chemical migration through the basement foundation and (2) ventilation rate from basement to the remainder of the house. A total of 12 experiments were completed (7 basement foundation experiments and 5 basement ventilation experiments). All experiments were completed using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) as an inert tracer gas. In addition, several VOC samples were taken during the basement foundation experiments using sorbent tubes with subsequent GC analysis. The following parameters were also measured on a continuous basis during each experiment: carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, relative humidity, and differential pressure.Soil gas entry rates into the basement were location-dependent but generally increased with increased soil-basement pressure differences. Soil-basement pressure differences for these experiments ranged from -0.2 to -6.2 Pa (relative to basement). Basement ventilation rates ranged from 0.17 to 0.75 ACH, with basement-ambient pressure differences ranging from -1.1 to -7.6 Pa (relative to ambient).The data collected for this Task was analyzed within a probabilistic framework using the integrated IAM-UT/SMBM model described in Task 2. The updated means and variances for all model parameters were determined based on the maximum likelihood described in Task 2.

Journal Articles on this Report : 1 Displayed | Download in RIS Format

Publications Views

Other subproject views:	All 3 publications	1 publications in selected types	All 1 journal articles
Other center views:	All 359 publications	104 publications in selected types	All 90 journal articles

Publications

Type	Citation	Sub Project	Document Sources
Journal Article	Olson DA, Corsi RL. Characterizing exposure to chemicals from soil vapor intrusion using a two-compartment model. Atmospheric Environment 2001;35(24):4201-4209.	R826694C645 (Final)	Full-text: Science Direct-Full Text HTML Exit Abstract: Science Direct-Abstract Exit Other: Science Direct-Full Text PDF Exit

Supplemental Keywords:

RFA, Scientific Discipline, Health, PHYSICAL ASPECTS, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Water, Waste, TREATMENT/CONTROL, Chemical Engineering, Waste Treatment, Risk Management, Contaminated Sediments, Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Risk Assessments, Hazardous Waste, Physical Processes, Ecology and Ecosystems, Environmental Engineering, Hazardous, Risk Assessment, environmental technology, sediment treatment, hazardous waste management, hazardous waste treatment, cumulative risk, cumulative exposure, decision making process, Superfund site remediation, soil and groundwater remediation, risk characterization, Superfund sites, contaminated sediment, risk based modeling, environmental risks, exposure, chemical contaminants, contaminated soil, kinetic studies, modeling, exposure dose, remediation, human exposure, superfund site, integrated model, risk based corrective action, risk based model, exposure assessment, hazardous substance contamination, human health risk

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

2001

2002

2003

Main Center Abstract and Reports:

R828598    UT Center for Infrastructure Modeling and Management

Subprojects under this Center: (EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
R822721C529 Environmentally Acceptable Endpoints: Risk Based Remediation Using Bioremediation
R822721C552 Degradative Solidification/Stabilization Technology for Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
R822721C569 Treatment and Product Recovery: Supercritical Water Oxidation of Nylon Monomer Manufacturing Waste
R822721C620 Colloidal Fouling of Membranes: Implications in the Treatment of Textile Dye Wastes and Water Reuse
R822721C626 Catalytic Hydroprocessing of Chlorinated Organics
R822721C627 The Interaction of Microbial Activity and Zero Valent Iron Permeable Barrier Technology
R822721C630 Microbial Cometabolism of Recalcitrant Chemicals in Contaminated Air Streams
R822721C633 Catalyst Lifetime Studies for Chlorocarbon Steam Reforming
R822721C635 Electrokinetic/Surfactant-Enhanced Remediation of Hydrophobic Pollutants in Low Permeability Subsurface Environments
R822721C636 Transformation Reactions of Nitroaromatic and Nitrogen Heterocyclic Compounds on Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Surfaces: Enhancement of GAC Adsorption in Natural and Engineered Environmental Systems
R822721C640 Environmentally Friendly Organic Synthesis in Supercritical Fluids
R822721C645 Development and Evaluation of an Integrated Model to Facilitate Risk-Based Corrective Action at Superfund Sites
R822721C651 Adjustable Biopolymer Chelators for Cadmium, Lead and Mercury
R822721C653 New Electrochemically Smart Catalysts for Hazardous Waste Management and Development of Capillary Electrophoresis for Analysis of their Products
R822721C655 Soil Sampling in South Alabama Oil Fields
R822721C659 Subsurface Contamination Site Characterization via a Computer-Aided Visual Tool
R822721C661 New Insoluble supports for Protein Immobilization for Use in Metalloprotein Affinity Metal Chromatography
R822721C663 Soil Remediation with Ultra-High-Efficiency Hydrocyclones
R822721C669 Solid Acid Catalyzed Alkylation in Supercritical Fluids
R822721C679 Regeneration/Reactivation of Carbon Adsorbents by Radio Frequency (RF) Induction Heating
R822721C687 Improved Halogen Resistance of Catalytic Oxidation
R822721C696 Phytoremediation and Bioremediation of Land Contaminated By PAHs, PCBs, and TNT
R822721C697 Fundamental and Kinetic Investigation of Sorbent Technology for Optimum Mercury Emission Control
R822721C700 Effects of Natural and Cyclic Variations on Contaminant Fate and Transport
R822721C703 Enhancement of DNAPL Dissolution Rates by Dechlorinating Anaerobes
R826694C620 Colloidal Fouling of Membranes: Implications in the Treatment of Textile Dye Wastes and Water Reuse
R826694C625 Enhanced Treatment of DNAPLs Contaminated Soils and Groundwater Using Biosurfactants: In-Situ Bioremediation
R826694C626 Catalytic Hydroprocessing of Chlorinated Wastes
R826694C627 The Interaction of Microbial Activity and Zero Valent Iron Permeable Barrier Technology
R826694C629 Biofiltration of BTEX in Petroleum-Contaminated Soil Remediation Off-Gas
R826694C630 Microbial Cometabolism of Recalcitrant Chemicals in Contaminated Air Streams
R826694C633 Catalyst Lifetime Studies for Chlorocarbon Steam Reforming
R826694C635 Electrokinetic/Surfactant-Enhanced Remediation of Hydrophobic Pollutants in Low Permeability Subsurface Environments
R826694C636 Transformation Reactions of Nitroaromatic and Nitrogen Heterocyclic Compounds on Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Surfaces: Enhancement of GAC Adsorption in Natural and Engineered Environmental Systems
R826694C640 Environmentally Friendly Organic Synthesis in Supercritical Fluids
R826694C645 Development and Evaluation of an Integrated Model to Facilitate Risk-Based Corrective Action at Superfund Sites
R826694C651 Adjustable Biopolymer Chelators for Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury Remeidation
R826694C659 Subsurface Contamination Site characterization Via a Computer-Aided Visual Tool
R826694C661 New Insoluble supports for Protein Immobilization for Use in Metalloprotein Affinity Metal Chromatography
R826694C669 Solid Acid Catalyzed Alkylation in Supercritical Reaction Media
R826694C679 Regeneration and Reactivation of Carbon Adsorbents by Radio Frequency Induction Heating
R826694C696 Phytoremediation and Bioremediation of Land Contaminated By PAHs, PCBs, and TNT
R826694C697 Fundamental and Kinetic Investigation of Sorbent Technology for Optimum Mercury Emission Control
R826694C700 Effects of Natural Cyclic Variations on Contaminated Fate and Transport
R826694C703 Enhancement of DNAPL Dissolution Rates by Dechlorinating Anaerobes
R826694C705 A Pilot Plant for Producing Mixed Ketones from Waste Biomass
R826694C722 The Effects of an Oily-Phase on VOC Emissions from Industrial Wastewater
R826694C724 Mercury Removal from Stack Gas by Aqueous Scrubbing
R826694C725 Transport, Fate and Risk Implications of Environmentally Acceptable Endpoint Decisions
R826694C731 Development and Application of a Real-Time Optical Sensor for Atmospheric Formaldehyde
R826694C734 An Advanced System for Pollution Prevention in Chemical Complexes
R828598C001 Field Study Abstract: A Model of Ambient Air Pollution in Southeast Texas Using Artificial Neural Network Technology
R828598C002 Hollow Fiber Membrane Bioreactors for Treating Water and Air Streams Contaminated with Chlorinated Solvents
R828598C003 Fugitive Emissions of Hazardous Air Pollutants from On-Site Industrial Sewers
R828598C004 Biofiltration Technology Development
R828598C005 A Risk-Based Decision Analysis Approach for Aquifers Contaminated with DNAPLs
R828598C006 In-Situ Remediation for Contaminated Soils Using Prefabricated Vertical Drains
R828598C007 Membrane Technology Selection System for the Metal Finishing Industry
R828598C008 Sequential Environments for Enhanced Bioremediation of Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons
R828598C009 Waste Minimization in the Magnetic Tape Industry: Waterborne Coating Formulations for Magnetic Tape Manufacture
R828598C010 Soil Remediation by Agglomeration with Petroleum Coke
R828598C011 Recovery of Dilute Phosphoric Acid in Waste Streams Using Waste Gas Ammonia: The Regenerative MAP/DAP Process
R828598C012 Stochastic Risk Assessment for Bioremediation
R828598C013 Selective Removal of Heavy Metals from Wastewater by Chelation in Supercritical Fluids
R828598C014 Optimization of Treatment Technologies for Detoxification of PCB Contaminated Soils
R828598C015 Wastewater Remediation by Catalytic Wet Oxidation
R828598C016 Permanence of Metals Containment in Solidified and Stabilized Wastes
R828598C017 Combustion Enhancement by Radial Jet Reattachment - Low Generation of Hazardous Gases and High Thermal Efficiency
R828598C018 A Process To Convert Industrial Biosludge and Paper Fines to Mixed Alcohol Fuels
R828598C019 Homogeneous Catalysis in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
R828598C020 Ultrasonic Enhancement of the Removal of Heavy Metals
R828598C021 The Binding Chemistry and Leaching Mechanisms of Advanced Solidification/Stabilization Systems for Hazardous Waste Management
R828598C022 Development of an Air-Stripping and UV/H2O2 Oxidation Integrated Process To Treat a Chloro-Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Ground Water
R828598C023 A Comparative Study of Siting Opposition in Two Counties
R828598C024 Sonochemical Treatment of Hazardous Organic Compounds II: Process Optimization and Pathway Studies
R828598C025 Laser Diagnostics of the Combustion Process within a Rotary Kiln Incinerator
R828598C026 Use of Inorganic Ion Exchangers for Hazardous Waste Remediation
R828598C027 Kaolinite Sorbent for the Removal of Heavy Metals from Incinerated Lubricating Oils
R828598C028 Destruction of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in Process Streams Using Catalytic Steam Reforming
R828598C029 Integrated Process Treatment Train (Bioremediation {Aerobic/Anaerobic} and Immobilization) for Texas Soils Contaminated with Combined Hazardous Wastes
R828598C030 Photo-Oxidation by H2O2/VisUV of Off-Gas Atmospheric Emissions from Industrial and Environmental Remediation Sources
R828598C031 Concentrated Halide Extraction and Recovery of Lead from Soil
R828598C032 Biodegradable Surfactant for Underground Chlorinated Solvent Remediation
R828598C033 A Software Guidance System for Choosing Analytical Subsurface Fate and Transport Models Including a Library of Computer Solutions for the Analytical Models
R828598C034 Hydrodynamic Modeling of Leachate Recirculating Landfill
R828598C035 Measurement of Oxygen Transfer Rate in Soil Matrices
R828598C036 Sorbent Technology for Multipollutant Control During Fluidized Bed Incineration
R828598C037 Pollution Prevention by Process Modification Using On-Line Optimization
R828598C038 Pollution Prevention by Process Modification
R828598C039 Water Solubility and Henry's Law Constant
R828598C040 Transferring Technical Information on Hazardous Substance Research by Publishing on the World Wide Web
R828598C041 Stress Protein Responses to Multiple Metal Exposure in Grass Shrimp
R828598C042 Life-Cycle Environmental Costing for Managing Pollution Prevention in the Chemical and Petroleum Refining Industries: A Cross-Border Approach
R828598C687 Improved Halogen Resistance of Catalytic Oxidation Through Efficient Catalyst Testing
R828598C696 Phytoremediation and Bioremediation of Land Contaminated By PAHs, PCBs, and TNT
R828598C697 Fundamental and Kinetic Investigation of Sorbent Technology for Optimum Mercury Emission Control
R828598C700 Effects of Natural Cyclic Variations on Contaminated Fate and Transport
R828598C703 Enhancement of DNAPL Dissolution Rates by Dechlorinating Anaerobes
R828598C705 A Pilot Plant for Producing Mixed Ketones from Waste Biomass
R828598C722 The Effects of an Oily-Phase on VOC Emissions from Industrial Wastewater
R828598C724 Mercury Removal from Stack Gas by Aqueous Scrubbing
R828598C725 Transport, Fate and Risk Implications of Environmentally Acceptable Endpoint Decisions
R828598C731 Development and Application of a Real Time Optical Sensor for Atmospheric Formaldehyde
R828598C734 An Advanced System for Pollution Prevention in Chemical Complexes
R828598C743 Field Demonstration of Ultrasound Enhancement of Permeable Treatment Walls
R828598C744 Optical Fibers Coated With Titania Membrane/UV-Generating Crystal in a Distributed-Light Photoreactor for VOC Oxidation
R828598C749 Characterization and Modeling of Indoor Particulate Contaminants In a Heavily Industrialized Community
R828598C753 Adsolubilization and Photocatalysis in a Semiconducting Monolithic Reactor for Wastewater Treatment
R828598C754 Remote Detection of Gas Emissions in Industrial Processes
R828598C759 Searching for Optimum Composition of Phosphogypsum: Fly ash: Cement Composites for Oyster Culch Materials
R828598C761 Development of a Phytologically-Based Biosorptive Water Treatment Process
R828598C766 Chlorinated Solvent Impact and Remediation Strategies for the Dry Cleaning Industry
R828598C769 Soil/Sediment Remediation by Hot Water Extraction Combined with In-Situ Wet Oxidation
R828598C771 Fluoracrylate Polymer Supported Ligands as Catalysts for Environmentally Benign Synthesis in Supercritical Fluids
R828598C774 The Feasibility of Electrophoretic Repair of Impoundment Leaks
R828598C777 Surfactant Enhanced Photo-oxidation of Wastewaters
R828598C778 Stationary Power Generation Via Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: A Response to Pollution and Global Warming
R828598C786 Photocatalytic Recovery of Sulfur and Hydrogen From Hydrogen Sulfide
R828598C787 Biosurfactant Produced from Used Vegetable Oil for removal of Metals From Wastewaters and Soils
R828598C789 Genetic Engineering of Enzymatic Cyanide Clearance
R828598C791 Characterizing the Intrinsic Remediation of MTBE at Field Sites
R828598C799 Simultaneous Water Conservation/Recycling/Reuse and Waste Reduction in Semiconductor Manufacturing
R828598C801 Building Defined Mixed Cultures To Biodegrade Diverse Mixtures Of Chlorinated Solvents
R828598C802 Engineering of Nanocrystal Based Catalytic Materials for Hydroprocessing of Halogenated Organics
R828598C807 Commercial Demonstration of Hydrogen Peroxide Injection to Control NOx Emissions from Combustion Sources
R828598C809 Evaluating Source Grouting and ORC for Remediating MTBE Sites
R828598C810 Application of Total Cost Assessment To Process Design In the Chemical Industry
R828598C846 Quantitative Demonstration of Source-Zone Bioremediation in A Field-Scale Experimental Controlled Release System