Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Groundwater contamination by nitrate'

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This fact sheet is to be taken from research conducted by Uhlman and Rahman and published on the WRRC web site as: "Predicting Ground Water Vulnerability to Nitrate in Arizona". Funded by TRIF and peer reviewed by ADEQ. It also follows on "Arizona Well Owner's Guide to Water Supply" and also "Arizona Drinking Water Well Contaminants" (part 1 already submitted, part 2 in process).
Arizona's arid environment and aquifer types allow for the persistence of nitrate contamination in ground water. Agricultural practices and the prevalence of septic systems contributes to this water quality concern, resulting in nitrate exceeding the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) in several locations across the state. Working with known nitrate concentrations in 6,800 wells across the state, this fact sheet presents maps showing the probability of nitrate contamination of ground water exceeding the MCL. The importance of monitoring your domestic water supply well for nitrate is emphasized.

Molecular markers were investigated as potential tools for differentiating between the sources of elevated nitrate-N in the Hopington AB Aquifer. Residential use (septic systems) and agriculture (livestock) have been identified as key land use activities, which overlay the Hopington AB Aquifer, and thus possible contributors of nitrate-N to the groundwater. Harmful levels of nitrate-N concentrations above the drinking water limit of 10 mg/L have been detected in the well of a private resident (14 mg/L) and spring water (17 mg/L), which were located on the aquifer. DAS 1 (a diaminostilbene) and DSBP (a distyrylbiphenyl) are fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs), which in the Fraser Valley are present in 3 out of 4 popular laundry detergents, and have been detected in domestic wastewater at concentrations of 7.84 and 2.36 μg/L respectively; thus they are suitable markers for septic systems in Langley. Sulfamethazine, which is an antimicrobial approved solely for veterinary use in Canada, is widely used in the livestock industry. Good maximum recoveries for DAS 1 (60%), DSBP (125%) and sulfamethazine (125%), coupled with low method detection limits ranging from of 0.01 — 0.04 μg/L implied that solid phase extraction (SPE) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with an ultra violet (UV) detector were adequate for the determination of the molecular markers. The detection of DAS 1 (3.14 μg/L) and DSBP (0.05 μg/L) in the final effluent at a BNR (biological nutrient removal) pilot plant suggested that the FWAs were not completely removed by wastewater treatment processes including primary clarification, biological (aerobic and anaerobic), and membrane filtration; thus, once released, these FWAs may persists in the environment. In this study, DAS 1 (0.01 — 0.13 μg/L) was detected in 4 wells belonging to private residences, which were located on the Hopington Aquifer. DAS 1 (0.05 μg/L) and DSBP (0.02 μg/L) were also detected in spring water, which were located down gradient of septic systems. These results suggested that septic tank systems have contributed to the overall nitrate in the aquifers. The non-detection of the FWAs at the two control sites (Hopington C and Abbottsford) confirmed the specificity of DAS 1 and DSBP in relation to source. Overall, the FWAs exhibited fairly conservative behaviours due to their abilities to be source specific and persistent in the environment. As a result, they are useful tools for the identification of septic system sources of contamination in the environment. Sulfamethazine was not detected in any of the Hopington AB wells; however, further research is needed in order to determine if this antimicrobial was an appropriate molecular marker for livestock activities.

Many small communities depend on groundwater sources for drinking water and they often use septic tanks for their sewer system needs. However, nitrates and other pollutants from septic systems can percolate to the aquifers and deteriorate quality of the groundwater, threatening the public health. This study has developed a groundwater model using Visual MODFLOW for an aquifer that is used as a water supply source for the cities of Beaumont and Cherry Valley, California. Septic systems are the suspected major source of nitrate contamination of the aquifer. The model has been developed to clarify the extent of interactions between nitrate pollutants, infiltration and percolation from a recently established series of artificial recharge ponds, groundwater recharge from natural sources, and pumping activities to meet local water uses. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate alternative hydraulic solutions that would limit the movement of the contaminants and minimize the risk of affecting the pumping wells. The study attempts to identify the best way to recharge the aquifer and influence movement of the nitrates so that polluted waters may have lower nitrate concentrations in the future, rather than allowed to encroach on critical production wells or led away from production wells to become a problem for future generations or neighboring areas. The data needed to build the model, including geological logs, precipitation, evapotranspiration, well locations, pumping schedules, water levels, and nitrate concentrations have been obtained from the Beaumont Cherry Valley Water District. The model has been calibrated to simulate the observed groundwater levels and the extent of pollution corresponding to the historical pumping rates, recharge rates and climate. The calibrated model has been used to evaluate alternative hydraulic solutions that would either localize the nitrate pollution thus limiting the impact on public welfare, or remove the nitrate pollution for potential treatment and remediation on the surface. The study results show that increased pumping of production wells or strategic placement of additional artificial recharge may reduce the concentrations of nitrate in the Beaumont Basin.

Ground water contamination from agricultural nitrates poses potential adverse health effects to a large segment of the rural population of the United States. Contamination is especially prevalent in livestock intensive areas, which produce large quantities of animal waste with substantial nitrogen content. In this study, potential management strategies for reducing nitrate contamination of ground water from agricultural sources were examined using an economic-physical model of a representative dairy farm in Rockingham County, Virginia. A mixed integer programming model with stochastic constraints on nitrate loading to ground water and silage production was used to simulate the impacts of various nitrate loading reduction strategies on estimated farm level net returns over variable costs. A survey of all dairy operations in the county was conducted to assist in specifying the mathematical programming model, identify current nutrient management and quality issues, and gauge farmers’ attitudes toward ground water quality and agricultural chemical use. Results of the model indicate that substantial reductions in current nitrate loadings are possible with relatively minor impacts on farmers’ net returns through the use of currently practiced approaches of cost sharing for manure storage facility construction and nutrient management planning. Greater loading reductions are achievable through presently untried policies of land use restrictions, bans on purchase of commercial fertilizer, and imposition of standards on loadings to ground water. These reductions are achieved, however, at higher costs in terms of reduced net returns. Study results indicate that a wide range of policy options exist for reducing nitrate loading to ground water; these reductions, while varying in cost, do not appear to come at the expense of eliminating the economic viability of the county dairy sector. Model results indicate that reductions in nitrate loading of 40 to 70 percent (on average) could be achieved with reductions in farmers’ net returns of one to 19 percent, respectively, when cost sharing for manure storage construction was provided. Explicit consideration was given to the annual variability in nitrate loading due to weather and other factors. The result was higher policy costs than when average loadings alone were considered.
Ph. D.

This research studied two predominantly rural counties in Virginia to understand whether residents have equal access to uncontaminated drinking water by socio-economic status. Statistical associations were developed with the total value of each residence based on county tax assessment data as the independent variable to explain levels of nitrate, the presence of bacteria (total coliform and Escherichia coli), and specific household well characteristics (well age, well depth, and treatment). Nearest neighbor analysis and chi-square tests based on land cover classifications were also conducted to evaluate the spatial distribution of contaminated and uncontaminated wells. Based on the results from the 336 samples analyzed in Louisa County, rural residents with private wells may have variable access to household drinking water free of bacteria; particularly if lower-value homes in the community tend to be older with more dated, shallower wells. This study also suggested that, in Louisa County, the presence of water treatment devices was also significantly related to total home value as an index of socio-economic status. Analysis of the 124 samples taken from household wells in Augusta County did not result in any significant associations among selected well characteristics, total home value, and water quality. Lower community participation in Augusta County as a result of a more expensive water quality testing fee may have contributed to the lack of hypothesized relationships in that countyâ s case study.
Master of Science

The stable isotopes of the conservative element boron, 11B and 1°B, have been employed as co- migrating isotopic tracers to determine the origin of nitrate observed in groundwater from a large capacity (2500 gpm) irrigation well in the Avra Valley of southeastern Arizona. The isotopic ratios of the conservative element, boron, provided an identifying signature for various nitrate rich source waters. Additional chemical parameters were also examined to corroborate the isotopic indications. Findings of this investigation indicate that most of the nitrate observed in groundwater from well CMID 18 at the beginning of the 1993 irrigation season was due to municipal wastewater contamination. As the irrigation season progressed, an increasing proportion of nitrate was contributed by irrigation return flow from neighboring agricultural fields.

The stable isotopes of the conservative element boron, ¹¹B and ¹⁰B, have been employed as co-migrating isotopic tracers to determine the origin of nitrate observed in groundwater from a large capacity 0.167 m³/s (2500 gpm) irrigation well in the Avra Valley of southeastern Arizona. The isotopic ratios of the conservative element, boron, provided an identifying signature for various nitrate rich source waters. Additional chemical parameters were also examined to corroborate the isotopic indications. Findings of this investigation indicate that most of the nitrate observed in groundwater from well CMID 18 at the beginning of the 1993 irrigation season was due to municipal wastewater infiltration. As the irrigation season progressed, an increasing proportion of nitrate was contributed by irrigation return flow from neighboring agricultural fields.

La dégradation de la qualité de l'eau, la variabilité climatique et la croissance démographique font partie des facteurs limitant la disponibilité de l'eau dans les régions semi-arides de Katari et de Lago Menor (6,350 Km2), entraînant une exploitation croissante des ressources en eaux souterraines. Cette thèse a pour but de conceptualiser le système d'écoulement souterrain à grande échelle et de détecter les sources de contamination par les nitrates dans les régions de Katari et Lago Menor.Dans cette étude, on a utilisé une approche multidisciplinaire comprenant un inventaire régional des sources d’eaux souterraines et des mesures du niveau piézométrique, des techniques d’investigation géophysique (sondages électromagnétiques à domaine temporel TDEM), la construction et l’installation de piézomètres, l’analyse chimique des ions majeurs et les isotopes de 15N-NO3 et de 18O-NO3.Les résultats ont permis d'identifier les limites de deux contextes géologiques différents (le sous-système du Piémont et la plaine lacustre), la géométrie du milieu géologique poreux du Quaternaire et les limites inférieures de l'aquifère. L’analyse régionale montre que les flux souterrains suivent le modèle classique d’écoulement basé sur la gravité. Six sous-domaines ont été identifiés possédant des propriétés hydrauliques différentes. Une grande partie de l'aquifère présente un comportement non confiné, en particulier sur le Piémont, alors qu'il reste confiné dans les zones de plaine. L'épaisseur de la portion non confinée varie de 50 à 150 mètres. Les valeurs de conductivité hydraulique pour la portion non confinée vont de 1.1E-4 à 5.0E-6 m/sec, le rendement spécifique de 0,16 à 0,20 et les valeurs de recharge vont de 118 à 382 mm/year. Tandis que pour la partie confinée, les valeurs de transmissivité se situent autour de 6.0 E-6 m2/sec avec une valeur de stockage de 1.2E-2 à 6.0E-3.En particulier, dans les hautes régions du Piémont où se trouvent les fortes pressions hydrauliques, les compositions minérales, chimiques et isotopiques montrent que la source d'eau souterraine est de bonne qualité. En revanche, dans la partie inférieure du Piémont, les nappes phréatiques moins profondes de la séquence alluvial-fluvioglaciaire-lacustre rendent cette zone plus vulnérable à la contamination. En fait, le faciès chimique et la composition isotopique du NO3 dissous ont révélé que l'origine principale de cet anion est liée aux engrais azotés vers le nord-ouest du Piémont et aux déchets humaines / animales vers le SE. De plus, les processus naturels d'atténuation du nitrate se produisent principalement dans le secteur inférieur du Piémont, lorsque les eaux souterraines se mélangent au réservoir d'origine lacustre.En revanche, les eaux souterraines s'écoulant dans les plaines présentent principalement des faciès de Na (K) -Cl mettant en évidence la présence d'évaporites. Dans cette zone, les eaux souterraines sont sujettes à la contamination, en particulier lorsque la couche d'argile est absente et dans les endroits où une connexion au Piémont est mise en évidence (canaux souterrains). La contribution des eaux souterraines au lac Titicaca actuel (baie de Cohana) semble être retardée en raison de la présence de la couche d'argile.Ce modèle conceptuel d'écoulement des eaux souterraines permet une bonne compréhension du fonctionnement de l’aquifère et fournit un guide pour la collecte future de données afin d'améliorer la robustesse d’une future modélisation numérique des flux d’eau souterrains. Toutes les informations scientifiques issues de cette recherche ont été rassemblées dans une base de données spatiales SIG pour aider les décideurs à gérer et à protéger les ressources en eaux souterraines. Ces informations scientifiques contribuent également à l'assainissement de l'environnement du lac Titicaca, une priorité nationale de l'État plurinational de Bolivie
Water quality degradation, climate variability and population growth are among the factors that constrains water availability in the semi-arid Katari and Lago Menor region (6,350 Km^2), leading to an increasingly exploitation of groundwater resources. This thesis aims to conceptualize subsurface flow and trace nitrate contamination sources in the groundwater system within the Katari and Lago Menor Region.A multidisciplinary approach for field investigation was used in this study, including a regional groundwater source inventory and groundwater level measurements, geophysical investigation techniques (e.g. TDEM-Time Domain ElectroMagnetic soundings), piezometer construction and installation, and a regional sampling campaign and analysis for major ion chemistry and dual isotopes of 15N-NO3 and 18O-NO3.The results allowed identifying the limits of two different geological settings (Piedmont subsystem and Lacustrine plain), the geometry of the Quaternary porous geologic media and the bottom boundaries of the aquifer.The groundwater flow regime corresponds to a classical gravity-driven regional flow system. Six subdomains possessing different hydraulic properties were identified. A large portion of the aquifer presents an unconfined behaviour, particularly on the Piedmont, whereas it remains confined in the plain areas. The thickness of the unconfined portion varies from 50 to 150 meters. Values of hydraulic conductivity for the unconfined portion range from 1.1E-04 to 5.9E-08 m/sec, specific yield ranges from 0.16 to 0.20 and recharge values range from 118 to 382 mm/year. While for the confined part the transmissivity values range around 6.0E-06 m^2/sec with a storavity value of 1.2E-02 to 6.0E-03.In the high Piedmont areas where the hydraulic heads are high, the low mineralization and the chemical and isotopic compositions showed that the groundwater source is of good quality. In contrast, in the lower sector of the Piedmont, the shallower water tables of the alluvial-fluvioglacial-lacustrine sequence, make this area more vulnerable to contamination. Chemical facies and the isotopic composition of the dissolved NO3 revealed that the main origin of this anion is related to nitrogen fertilizers towards the NW of the Piedmont and human/animal waste towards the SE. Moreover, natural nitrate attenuation processes occur mainly in the lower sector of the Piedmont, when groundwater mixes with the reservoir of lacustrine origin. Groundwater flowing in the plain areas, present primarily Na(K)-Cl facies relating the presence of evaporites. In this area groundwater is prone to contamination, especially when the clay layer is absent and in places where a connection to the Piedmont is evidenced (subterranean channels). The contribution of groundwater to the current Lake Titicaca (Cohana Bay) appears to be retarded due to the presence of the clay layer.This basin-scale conceptual groundwater flow model provides a good understanding of the aquifer functioning, and a guide to future data collection, in order to improve the robustness of future groundwater flow numerical modeling. All the science-based information generated from this research was arranged into a GIS spatial database to support decision makers in the management and protection of groundwater resources. This science-based information also contributes to the environmental remediation of Lake Titicaca, a national priority for the Plurinational State of Bolivia

Water is a valuable and crucial resource, the protection of which poses environmental, social and economic challenges. Fundamental to the sustainable use of water is effective management. In the Canterbury region of New Zealand, nitrate contamination has become a resource management issue due to changes in land use and intensification, which have placed pressure on the region’s groundwater and surface water systems. The purpose of this study was to assess and track nitrate concentrations on the Central Canterbury Plains with specific emphasis on a local point source of nitrate, the Ashburton Meat Processors plant. To make this assessment review of historical data was followed by the collection of 131 groundwater and 25 surface water samples to analyse the geochemical properties of the water and the stable isotopic composition of nitrate in the water. It was hypothesised that nitrate concentrations at a regional scale have increased since regular records began and that the stable isotopic composition of different nitrate sources are not discernable. Nitrate concentrations across the Canterbury region were found to have increased, prompting concerns about water quality. Concentrations are elevated above natural background levels across much of the Canterbury Plains and extreme concentrations are associated with local point sources of nitrate. Nitrate concentrations down gradient of the Ashburton Meat Processing plant are shown to have declined approximately 5% per year for the past ten years, which is in contrast to the rest of the region, where average concentrations have nearly doubled in 20 years. The reduction of contamination from the point source is most likely the result of the implementation of better wastewater management practices in the early 21st century. The δ18O and δ15N values of nitrate were found to be relatively homogenous over the Canterbury Plains. Therefore, it is suggested by this study that the dual-isotope approach alone, is not a viable tool for nitrate source identification in the region. The uniform nitrate stable isotopic composition in Canterbury could be attributed to a single, principle source of nitrate, such as clover, that overprints other isotopic compositions of nitrate source, or may also be the result of soil processes and the farming techniques used in the region. This research presents important findings for the future of identifying and managing nitrate sources in the Canterbury region. Better management practices are required for the diffuse source(s) of nitrate contributing to the widespread contamination. Critical thinking and the willingness of stakeholders to engage in the identifying, documenting and solving problems is necessary to ensure the effective management and sustainability of this precious resource.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico
Irrigation is an essential input that has enhanced, substantially, food production and has improved economic development in arid regions. Irrigation, also, has generated negative impacts to the environment and to human health. The aim of this work was to quantify and qualify the irrigation impacts and of the climatic seasonality over soil and water resource in Irrigated District of Baixo AcaraÃ, CearÃ, Brazil. Ten points spread out over the studied area were selected as monitoring stations. Two of them were sited in irrigated fields. Samples were collected monthly from Dezember/2003 to November/2005, November/2006, March and May/2007. The samples were analyzed for: pH, electrical conductivity (EC), Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3 -, PO4 -2, Cl-, NH4 +, NO3 -, SO4 -2 and Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR). Soil samples were collected in two different types of land use: irrigated field and uncultivated area field. Soils samples were taken for each 50 cm until water table (7 m) was reached, during wet and irrigation seasons. Multivariate statistical method, cluster analysis, was applied to classify the shallow wells inte similar groups in relation to water quality. To identify spacial variability of Na+, Cl-, CE, PO4 -2 e NO3 - in the water table it was used a GIS platform and the software: Global Mapper 5.0, ArcGis 9.1. The geostatistic process was performed using the Surfer 7.0. According to the results the highest values of changeable bases (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ e K+), Cl-, SAR AND NO3 - were presented in the water of P1 (sample station 1). These values were over the acceptable limit of Class 1 defined by CONAMA (Resolution 357/05). The analyzed variables showed a high spacial variability and a low temporal variability. The used soil management in the irrigated field, where shallow wells (P3 and P4) were sited, is not contributing to the contamination or water table by salts, yet. Also, the results show have that irrigation caused the groundwater concentration of NO3âN to increase from 1.52 to 19.3 mg L-1, thereby, exceeding the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).
A irrigaÃÃo se constitui em um importante fator que contribui para a seguranÃa alimentar e possibilita o desenvolvimento econÃmico de muitas regiÃes, principalmente Ãridas e semi-Ãridas. Entretanto, se nÃo manejar adequadamente poderà vir a acarretar danos irreversÃveis ao meio ambiente com potenciais riscos à saÃde humana. Este trabalho teve por objetivo quantificar e qualificar o efeito da irrigaÃÃo e da sazonalidade climÃtica nos recursos solo e Ãgua do Distrito Irrigado do Baixo Acaraà â DIBAU, CearÃ. Foram selecionados 10 poÃos rasos como estaÃÃes de coletas de Ãgua, dos quais 2 (dois) estÃo inseridos no perÃmetro de irrigaÃÃo. As coletas de Ãgua foram realizadas mensalmente de dezembro de 2003 a novembro de 2005, novembro de 2006, marÃo e maio de 2007. As anÃlises quÃmicas foram realizadas no LaboratÃrio de Solo e Ãgua da EMBRAPA AgroindÃstria Tropical. Foram analisados: pH, CEa, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3 -, PPO4 -, Cl -, NH4 +, NO3 -, SO4 -2 e RAS. As coletas de solo foram efetuadas em 2 pontos amostrais inseridos nas imediaÃÃes de dois dos 10 poÃos estudados, ambas coletadas no perÃodo seco e chuvoso, a cada 50 cm de profundidade da superfÃcie atà a zona de saturaÃÃo do lenÃol freÃtico. Para se classificar os poÃos em grupos de categorias semelhantes quanto à qualidade da Ãgua empregou-se a tÃcnica de estatÃstica multivariada, analise de agrupamento, empregando-se o pacote estatÃstico SPSS 13.0. Empregou-se tambÃm a plataforma SIG e os softwares: Global Mapper 5.0, ArcGis 9.1 e o Surfer 7.0 no processamento da geoestatÃstica para determinaÃÃo da variabilidade espacial do Na+, Cl-, CE, P-PO4 - e NO3 - na Ãgua do lenÃol freÃtico; como tambÃm para determinaÃÃo da direÃÃo da linha de fluxo do lenÃol freÃtico. Pelos resultados obtidos,verifica-se que as Ãguas do P1(Alparcatas) destacam-se por apresentar os valores mais elevados das bases trocÃveis (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ e K+), Cl-, RAS e NO3-, concentraÃÃes sempre acima dos limites mÃximos aceitÃveis para Classe 1 da ResoluÃÃo 357/05 do CONAMA. Ocorreu uma grande variabilidade espacial entre os poÃos estudados para as variÃveis analisadas, ademais nÃo se observou variabilidade temporal. O manejo praticado nos solos onde estÃo inseridos os poÃos P4 e P5, perÃmetro irrigado, por ainda nÃo estarem contribuindo com a contaminaÃÃo de sais na Ãgua do lenÃol freÃtico do DIBAU. Jà se percebe um aumento preocupante dos teores de nitrato nas Ãguas dos poÃos influenciados pela agricultura irrigada (P4 e P5), excedendo significativamente aos limites mÃximos aceitÃveis pela ResoluÃÃo 357/05 e pela Portaria 518/2004 para consumo humano.

Sulfate, nitrate, and certain trace elements are common groundwater contaminants observed at mining sites. Their source, fate, and remediation were investigated at a former uranium mining site. First, groundwater samples collected across the site were analyzed for geochemistry, stable isotopes, and trace elements. Then, two pilot-scale ethanol injection tests were conducted for biostimulation of nitrate and sulfate reduction. Groundwater was monitored in the test area before and after the tests. The results showed a mixing of two discrete sources of sulfate. Quantification of these two sources using two methods showed that sulfide-mineral oxidation of the mine tailings served as a steady but low-discharge source while sulfuric acid (applied during ore processing in the 1960s) served as a variable, strong source. It appears that sulfuric acid served as a sustained source of sulfate for approximately 40 years. This source may be from accumulation of sulfate salts (formed from sulfuric acid) in the source zone due to the arid climate of the site. Results showing correspondence of isotopic compositions of ammonium and nitrate confirmed the generation of nitrate via nitrification. Moreover, it was observed that ammonium concentration is closely related to concentrations of uranium and a series of other trace elements including chromium, selenium, vanadium, iron, and manganese. It is hypothesized that ammonium-nitrate transformation processes influence the disposition of the trace elements through mediation of redox potential, pH, and possibly aqueous complexation and solid-phase sorption. As for the biostimulation, sulfate reduction condition has been maintained for a period of approximately 3 years after a single input. Atypical fractionation behavior of the delta34S in sulfate was hypothesized to be caused by release of sulfate from sulfate minerals associated with the sediments. Elevated hydrogen sulfide concentrations were not observed until approximately four months after the start of the test. This behavior, in concert with the observed changes in aqueous iron and manganese species, suggests that hydrogen sulfide produced from sulfate reduction was precipitated, presumably in the form of iron sulfides, until the exhaustion of readily reducible iron oxides. Hydrogen sulfide produced thereafter appears to have been in part re-oxidized.

Because of the impact on human health and sustainable livelihood, the topic of drinking water and sanitation facilities is becoming a seriously discussed issue among international organizations as well as developing agencies in industrialized countries. The importance of water and sanitation management initialized this master thesis.

 

The aim of the project is to do an assessment of the drinking water quality as well as the sanitation situation in the village Condrita in the Republic of Moldova. This was done by studying the existing water and sanitation facilities, sampling the water, evaluating the reason for the poor water quality and mapping the current situation using ArcGIS. Furthermore, technologies for improving the drinking water and sanitation facilities are suggested.

 

The work was carried out by doing a literature study on how water sources and sanitation facilities should be constructed in order to ensure people’s health and to meet their needs. Geographic coordinates and water samples were collected from twenty-two public wells and springs. Interviews on the water situation and sanitation facilities were performed. Furthermore, water samples were analysed with respect to nitrate, turbidity, electrical conductivity and coliform bacteria amongst others. Pesticide contamination was also taken into consideration when one of the wells was analysed. Water sources were classified as improved or unimproved according to definitions by WHOSIS. Moreover, the DRASTIC vulnerability model was used to evaluate the groundwater susceptibility to contaminants.

 

In general, the water quality in the study area was poor and measured values of the analyzed parameters exceeded international or Moldovan standards for nitrate, hardness, electrical conductivity and total coliform bacteria. Four wells were contaminated with E. coli bacteria. Furthermore, turbidity measurements exceeded Moldovan standards in seven out of twenty-two water sources. No pesticide contamination was detected. Sampled water from the densely populated parts of the village as well as unimproved water sources proved to be of poorer quality. Map results showed that a majority of the groundwater within the study area was subject to a moderate or high risk of becoming contaminated. The current sanitation situation is that most families use simple pit latrines, which are placed far away from the dwelling-houses. Digging a new toilet when the existing one is full is a common practice in Condrita. Hand-washing facilities are seldom placed in proximity to the toilets.

 

Pit latrines are believed to be the most important source of groundwater contamination in the study area. Other sources are agricultural activities and poor practice when abstracting water from the wells. A feasible solution to improve both the drinking water quality and the sanitation situation would be to install ecosan toilets. Improvements of the well’s features that are suggested include construction of an apron slab as well as proper lids for covering the well.

Orientadores: Carlos Roberto Espindola, Sueli Yoshinaga Pereira
Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Geociencias
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Resumo: Procurou-se detectar alguns aspectos ligados à possibilidade de contaminação do aqüífero livre do município de Pereira Barreto. Com a implantação da Usina Hidrelétrica de Três Irmãos, ocorreu uma elevação generalizada do aqüífero livre, da região, suscetibilizando-o a receber influências negativas da superfície. Foram realizadas análises de nitrato (N-NO3) em amostras colhidas nos poços de monitoramento distribuídos na área urbana deste município. Foram realizados Mapeamento da Vulnerabilidade e de Riscos no entorno da área urbana, aplicando a metodologia GOD e utilizados os preceitos teóricometodológicos adotados em abordagem sistêmica, considerando homem-natureza de uma forma integrada. Observou-se que as diferenciações nas concentrações de nitrato estão ligadas ao uso e ocupação superficial. Na maioria dos poços que apresentam concentrações acima dos padrões aceitáveis pela Portaria 518 do Ministério da Saúde, estas estão vinculadas às cargas de nitrogênio impostas pelo cemitério municipal. No mapeamento da vulnerabilidade foram encontradas, em sua maioria, classes de moderada a alta vulnerabilidade, estas últimas localizadas ao redor dos cursos d'águas, associadas às baixas profundidades do freático. A delimitação das áreas de maiores riscos à contaminação, indicadas no mapa, também aponta para uma associação com a forma de uso e ocupação superficial. Assim, as áreas detentoras de cultivo agrícola, em que se empregam consideráveis cargas de fertilizantes nitrogenados ou pesticidas, compostos por substâncias danosas persistentes e móveis, foram classificadas como de alto risco. Dessa maneira, os problemas ambientais encontrados não representam mais do que uma forma sob a qual a problemática social se expressa. Empreendimentos como Usinas Hidroelétricas podem alterar a vulnerabilidade das águas subterrâneas, deixando-as mais susceptíveis a receberem contaminações da superfície. Além disso, observa-se que as mais significativas fontes de contaminação estão diretamente associadas tanto ao processo produtivo (cultivos), quanto aos problemas de infra-estrutura urbana (lixões, fossas sépticas etc)
Abstract: This work aims to detect some aspects related to the probable contamination of the unconfined groundwater located in Pereira Barreto city. The up rising of the unconfined groundwater, due to the construction of the Hidreletric dams of Três Irmãos in this area, which contributed to the of contamination susceptibility from surface. To detect possible contamination, N-NO3 analysis in water, colected from monitoring wells located along urban areas, was carried out. Vulnerability and Risc maps were made using methods GOD. The theoretical-methodological roles used by systemic approaching were used, considering man and nature as integrated form. As results, was observed that the differentiations in the nitrate concentrations is due to the surface use and occupation. Most of the weels that shown nitrate concentration up to the limit, proposed by Health Department (Decree 518), was due to the nitrogen charges from municipal cemetery. As vulnerability results, was observed medium and high levels, mainly near and around water flows, associated to unconfined groundwater low depth in this location. High vulnerability risc area delimitation (showed in risc maps) is also related to area use and occupation. Thus, areas with agriculture activities, that use considerable loads of nitrate fertilizers and pesticides with toxic and mobile compounds, was classified as high risc areas. The environmental problems founded in the area, represents a minor part of the social problem expressed in the study location. Thus, construction and activities like hydroelectric power plants can modify the vulnerability of groundwaters, leaving them susceptible to receive contamination from surface. In second hand, was observed that the most significant contamination sources are from agricutural activities and urban infrastructure like landfills and domestic sewage
Mestrado
Análise Ambiental e Dinâmica Territorial
Mestre em Geografia

Variable groundwater quality in complex aquifer-aquitard systems presents a challenge for sustainable groundwater development. In the Lower Murrumbidgee alluvial fan of the Murray-Darling Basin in semi arid inland Australia, shallow groundwater is saline (12000 µ S/cm) and locally contaminated by nitrate. Deep fresh aquifers (150 µ S/cm), developed as an irrigation water supply, were thought to be protected from downwards leakage by laterally extensive aquitards. However, hydrochemical sampling, augmented by historic data, revealed that aquifer salinisation (400 to 4000 µ S/cm) had occurred at some sites to 50 m depth since the mid 1980s. Aquitard windows, landscape depositional features at a scale of 10s to 100s of metres which are rarely detected by conventional investigations, were proposed as conduits for rapid downwards leakage in stressed systems. Intensive research was conducted at the Tubbo site where downhole geophysical logging and minimally disturbed cores were used to describe a saline clayey silt to 15m depth, an indurated clayey sand and 2 deep deposits of hard clayey silt. Fracturing was inferred by the scale dependency of aquitard permeability (Kv 10E-11 to 10E-6 m/s). Lithological variation near the surface was delineated by electrical imaging which revealed a 40m wide aquitard window beneath a veneer of smectite clay. Intensive monitoring of groundwater pressures in six piezometers (23-96 m depth) near the Tubbo irrigation bore and two other peizometers upgradient, indicated that the indurated clayey sand formed an effective hydraulic barrier but the deep silty deposits were spatially discontinuous. Groundwater samples were collected before, three times during, and after the 1998-99 irrigation season. A large, but delayed TDS increase occurred in the shallow aquifer and small pulses of saline water were sustained in the middle aquifer but shortlived in the deep aquifer. Hydrochemical and isotopic data dC-13, dH-2, dO-18, C-14 and H-3) showed the middle aquifer mixing with the deep aquifer, though retaining the signature of a palaeowater. Hydrochemical changes were accounted for with PHREEQC inverse mass balance models for the shallow aquifer. Mixing of aquifer water with 20-70% saline porewater from the upper aquitard occurred, together with ion exchange and NaCl dissolution. Based on an axisymmetric radial FEFLOW model, 5-30% of the volume pumped was accounted for by vertical leakage from the middle aquifer. Leakage from the shallow aquifer was small but significant, as it allowed high salinity water to migrate. Permeability and compressible storage measurements (Ss 10E-5 to 10E-4 /m) were used to constrain model calibration, and to show that direct mixing occurred mainly via aquitard windows at depth, and between the shallow and middle aquifers via leaky boreholes. Fracture flow and aquifer-aquitard interaction by diffusion were of secondary importance.

In the year 2000, 170 countries decided to stand together and solve some primary and common global problems like poor health, water, and sanitation. Obtaining access to safe drinking water is every individual’s right. The UN defines safe drinking water as “the water required for each personal or domestic use must be safe, therefore free from micro-organisms, chemical substances and radiological hazards that constitute a threat to a person's health” (UNDESA, 2014). This thesis focuses on identifying the number of people who potentially receive spring water from a piped source in rural mountainous areas. There are three significant steps and data requirements which are necessary to meet this study’s objective. These are to: 1) obtain data classifying the various sources of drinking water in each country by specifying the percentage of population served by a particular water in rural and urban areas, 2) determine the number of countries which are undeveloped or developing, and 3) identify specific countries which are defined as mountainous (and thus likely to have spring fed piped water systems) based on elevation and slope in order to estimate the number of people living in mountainous areas. Results show that 183.54 (million) people were estimated to receive piped water from the springs in mountainous areas. Approximately, 34% of the population is from the Eastern Asia and South-Eastern Asia regions, and 33% reside in the Latin America and Caribbean Islands. These were followed by Western Asia and North Africa Regions with 15% and Central Asia and Southern Asia Regions with 14% of their population estimated to receive piped spring water.

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Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos
Agricultural practices present themselves as potentially polluting to groundwater. The recharge areas, where the aquifers tend to be more vulnerable, are under important agricultural areas, and there are not many researches that evaluate the impact of agricultural activity on groundwater quality. The occurrence of high nitrate concentrations, as an effect of the intensive use of fertilizers and nitrogen-rich agricultural products, along with the disposal of agro-industrial residues on the ground, such as nitrogen-rich vinasse, are some of the biggest concerns due to agricultural activity. Considering the existence of extensive areas of sugar cane production, as well as the need for preserving the recharge areas occurring at the Water Resources Management Unit nº 13 (Tietê-Jacaré), this research has as its main goal the accomplishment of a survey and systematization, from water quality existing data, of nitrate occurrence in Serra Geral, Bauru and Guarani Aquifer Systems groundwater, at the Tietê- Jacaré hydrographic basin. Thus, the existing data from groundwater quality monitoring performed by the São Paulo State Environmental Agency were consolidated, for the nitrate parameter, and, moreover, there had been analyzed results from groundwater analyses, for the Nitrate parameter, of a total of 151 private deep wells located in agricultural areas at the Tietê-Jacaré basin, registered at the São Paulo State Water Department. The integrated data, grouped for each Aquifer, has been submitted to basic statistics analysis, calculating its averages, medium, maximum and minimums. The medium ones were used as a reference, for comparison to the orientating values of quality reference, prevention and intervention. Of general form, from the results of the existing analyses, it is observed that the Nitrate concentrations are low, finding higher values in wells that take water from Bauru and Serra Geral Aquifers. None of the raised concentrations were above the national drinking water standard, however, the occurrence of nitrate concentrations above the prevention value deserves attention, indicating alteration on natural balance, mainly for human influence. The wells and their nitrate concentrations were located on a Tietê-Jacaré land use map, through which the ones located in sugar cane areas were identified. The nitrate data for those wells on sugar cane production areas were submitted, separately, to another basic statistics analysis, calculating the averages, medium, maximum and minimum, for comparison with the other wells located in areas with different land use types. On average, the concentrations of the wells in sugar cane area are higher than the concentrations for other wells, especially for the Bauru and Guarani Aquifers. In general, there are increasing concentrations throughout time, indicating the need for continuous monitoring for the nitrate parameter, beyond the establishment of preventive actions to avoid nitrate pollution.
As práticas agrícolas apresentam-se como potencialmente poluidoras às águas subterrâneas. As áreas de recarga, onde os aqüíferos tendem a ser mais vulneráveis, coincidem com importantes áreas agrícolas, e ainda são escassos os trabalhos que avaliam o impacto da atividade agrícola sobre a qualidade das águas subterrâneas. A ocorrência de altas concentrações de nitrato, como efeito da aplicação intensiva e prolongada em extensas áreas de fertilizantes e insumos agrícolas nitrogenados, além da prática da disposição de resíduos agro-industriais no solo, principalmente a vinhaça, rica em nitrogênio, são umas das maiores preocupações devido à atividade agrícola. Considerando a existência de extensas áreas de plantio de cana-de-açúcar, bem como a necessidade de preservação de áreas de recarga ocorrentes na Unidade de Gerenciamento de Recursos Hídricos nº 13 (Tietê-Jacaré), a presente pesquisa teve por objetivo principal a realização de um levantamento e sistematização da ocorrência de nitrato nas águas subterrâneas dos Sistemas Aqüíferos Serra Geral, Bauru e Guarani, a partir de dados existentes de qualidade da água, na bacia hidrográfica do Tietê-Jacaré. Foram consolidados os dados existentes, quanto ao parâmetro nitrato, do monitoramento da qualidade das águas subterrâneas realizado pela CETESB na bacia e, além disso, fez-se um levantamento da ocorrência de nitrato em águas de poços profundos localizados em áreas rurais da mesma. Assim, foram estudados resultados de análises de água subterrânea, quanto ao parâmetro Nitrato, de um conjunto total de 151 poços particulares localizados em áreas rurais da bacia do Tietê-Jacaré, cadastrados junto ao DAEE. Os dados integrados, agrupados por aqüífero, foram submetidos à análise estatística básica, calculando-se as suas médias, medianas, máximos e mínimos. As medianas foram utilizadas como referência, para comparação com os valores orientadores de referência de qualidade, prevenção e intervenção. De forma geral, a partir dos resultados das análises existentes, observa-se que as concentrações de Nitrogênio-Nitrato são baixas, encontrando-se valores mais elevados em poços que exploram os Aqüíferos Bauru e Serra Geral. Nenhuma das concentrações levantadas foi superior ao padrão de potabilidade, no entanto, merecem atenção as concentrações de nitrato que estão acima do valor de prevenção, indicando alteração do equilíbrio natural, principalmente por influência antrópica. Através das Coordenadas UTM dos poços e suas respectivas concentrações de Nitrato levantadas junto ao DAEE, os mesmos foram locados em um mapa georreferenciado de uso do solo da bacia do Tietê-Jacaré, através do qual foram identificados aqueles que se localizam em áreas de cultivo de cana-de-açúcar. Os dados integrados dos poços em área de cultivo agrícola de cana-de-açúcar foram submetidos, em separado, a nova análise estatística básica, calculando-se as médias, medianas, máximos e mínimos, para efeito de comparação com os demais poços localizados em áreas com diferentes classes de uso do solo. Em média, as concentrações dos poços em área de cana são superiores às encontradas para as concentrações dos demais poços, tanto para o Aqüífero Guarani, como para o Aqüífero Bauru. De uma forma geral, observa-se a existência de uma tendência de aumento das concentrações ao longo do tempo, indicando a necessidade de continuidade do monitoramento do referido parâmetro, além do estabelecimento de ações de prevenção à poluição por nitrato.

L uso improprio di fertilizzanti e pesticidi nell'agricoltura intensiva, può causare danni all'ambiente, in particolar modo alle produzioni, al suolo e all'acqua. L attività svolta è servita a valutare la contaminazione delle acque sotterranee a causa di pratiche agricole intensive (coltivazioni in serre). L'area di studio si trova nella zona costiera della provincia di Ragusa (Sicilia sud-orientale), dove numerose Serre esistenti possono provocare la contaminazione delle acque sotterranee. Il rischio di inquinamento è soprattutto correlato con il processo di infiltrazione di macro-elementi azoto, fosforo, potassio, e l'uso massiccio di fertilizzanti e pesticidi, che possono passare attraverso la zona non satura del profilo del terreno. Inoltre, la zona è caratterizzata dalla presenza di numerosi pozzi (circa 15 pozzi a km2) per uso agricolo che causano il sovrasfruttamento della falda acquifera e il conseguente rischio di intrusione di acqua di mare. Il rischio di inquinamento degli acquiferi è stato valutato attraverso l'analisi dei campioni di acqua sotterranee (con frequenza mensile) raccolti in pozzi di monitoraggio; in particolare, sono stati misurati, composti azotati, fosforo solubile, potassio e i principali antiparassitari comunemente usati nell'area di studio. Tale attività ha avuto una durata di tre anni (2009-2011)- I risultati mostrano che valori alti di conducibilità elettrica e di cloruri possono causare riduzione della produzione e danni alle foglie, per la maggior parte dei sistemi agricoli monitorati. Inoltre sono stati osservati alti tenori di concentrazioni di nitrati che possono causare problemi di salute. Infine in due pozzi su otto sono stati ritrovati alte concentrazioni di pesticidi.

ArcView and ArcInfo were used to identify and delineate areas contaminated by fluoride, sulfate, chloride, and nitrate in the Woodbine Aquifer. Water analysis data were obtained from the TWDB from the 1950s to 1990s covering 9 counties. 1990s land use data were obtained to determine the relationship with each contaminant. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to calculate relationships between variables. Land uses had little effect on distributions of contaminants. Sulfate and fluoride levels were most problematic in the aquifer. Depth and lithology controlled the distributions of each contaminant. Nitrate patterns were controlled mainly by land use rather than geology, but were below the maximum contaminant level. In general, contaminant concentrations have decreased since the 1950s.

Molte attività antropiche danno origine a problemi ambientali per i quali è necessario trovare soluzioni. La presenza di sostanze indesiderabili nell'acqua, infatti, può rappresentare un rischio per la salute e l'igiene sia degli uomini che degli animali. È quindi fondamentale trovare metodi per evitare gli inquinanti di queste matrici, in modo da renderli compatibili con il mantenimento di condizioni ambientali adeguate e salutari. Questa tesi si propone di valutare la qualità delle acque sotterranee di un'area in cui la qualità dell'acqua non è mai stata studiata, in particolare indagando la presenza di pesticidi e nitrati al fine di comprendere l’impatto della viticoltura sull'inquinamento delle acque sotterranee. Questo studio nasce dalla necessità di migliorare la governance delle acque e di implementare le migliori pratiche di gestione e misure di mitigazione per prevenire l'inquinamento delle acque e quello ambientale. I risultati degli studi di monitoraggio hanno mostrato una contaminazione delle acque sotterranee da parte di pesticidi e nitrati e quindi è stata effettuata una valutazione della fonte di contaminazione da pesticidi e nitrati attraverso studi isotopici di N e O di NO3-, e attraverso analisi idrologiche utilizzando il modello CRITERIA 3D. Come una delle principali conclusioni del lavoro si può affermare che la presenza di pesticidi nelle acque sotterranee in un’area ad attività vitivinicola intensa, non può essere correlata solo alle proprietà e al destino chimico-ambientale delle sostanze o alle condizioni pedoclimatiche, ma anche al comportamento dell'utilizzatore finale. In effetti, la fonte di contaminazione valutata, è risultata essere dovuta sia a una contaminazione diffusa che a una contaminazione puntiforme. Per quanto riguarda l'influenza della fertilizzazione a base di azoto sulla presenza di nitrati nelle acque sotterranee, i risultati hanno mostrato un'elevata vulnerabilità dell'acquifero ai cambiamenti esterni. Dalle indagini isotopiche è emerso che la maggior parte dell'NO3- rilevato nelle acque sotterranee, deriva dall'utilizzo di fertilizzanti azotati inorganici, in accordo con le pratiche di uso del suolo e di viticoltura dichiarate dagli agricoltori della zona. Il risultato più importante dello studio, tuttavia, è stato che alla fine del processo, l'approccio multi-actor e la strategia di coinvolgimento adottati, hanno avuto successo nel migliorare gli atteggiamenti verso pratiche più sostenibili.
Many anthropic activities give rise to environmental problems for which it is necessary to find solutions. The presence of undesirable substances in water, indeed, can pose a risk to the health and hygiene of both men and animals. It is, therefore, essential to find methods in order to avoid pollutants from these matrices, so as to make them compatible with the maintenance of healthy environmental conditions. This thesis aims to assessing the groundwater quality of an area in which the quality of water was never studied, particularly investigating the occurrence of pesticides and nitrate in order to understand the grant of viticulture on water pollution. This study derives from the necessity to improve the water governance and to implement the best management practices and mitigation measures to prevent groundwater and environmental pollution. The results of monitoring studies showed a contamination of groundwater by pesticides and nitrate and thus an evaluation of PPPs and nitrates source contamination was carried out through isotopic studies of N and O of NO3- , and through hydrologic analysis by use of the model CRITERIA 3D. As one of the main conclusions of the work, the occurrence of PPPs in groundwater in areas with intensive viticultural activities cannot be related just to chemical environmental fate properties or pedoclimatic conditions, but also to end-user behavior. In fact, the contamination source evaluated, resulted to be due to both diffuse and point-source contamination. For what concerns the influence of nitrogen-based fertilization on nitrate occurrence in groundwater, the results showed a high vulnerability of the aquifer to external changes. Isotopic investigations showed that most of the NO3- detected in the groundwater, derived from the use of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers, in agreement with the land use and viticulture practices declared by the farmers. The most important result of the study, however, was that at the end of the overall process, the multi-actor approach and engagement strategy adopted were successful in improving attitudes to more sustainable practices.

Molte attività antropiche danno origine a problemi ambientali per i quali è necessario trovare soluzioni. La presenza di sostanze indesiderabili nell'acqua, infatti, può rappresentare un rischio per la salute e l'igiene sia degli uomini che degli animali. È quindi fondamentale trovare metodi per evitare gli inquinanti di queste matrici, in modo da renderli compatibili con il mantenimento di condizioni ambientali adeguate e salutari. Questa tesi si propone di valutare la qualità delle acque sotterranee di un'area in cui la qualità dell'acqua non è mai stata studiata, in particolare indagando la presenza di pesticidi e nitrati al fine di comprendere l’impatto della viticoltura sull'inquinamento delle acque sotterranee. Questo studio nasce dalla necessità di migliorare la governance delle acque e di implementare le migliori pratiche di gestione e misure di mitigazione per prevenire l'inquinamento delle acque e quello ambientale. I risultati degli studi di monitoraggio hanno mostrato una contaminazione delle acque sotterranee da parte di pesticidi e nitrati e quindi è stata effettuata una valutazione della fonte di contaminazione da pesticidi e nitrati attraverso studi isotopici di N e O di NO3-, e attraverso analisi idrologiche utilizzando il modello CRITERIA 3D. Come una delle principali conclusioni del lavoro si può affermare che la presenza di pesticidi nelle acque sotterranee in un’area ad attività vitivinicola intensa, non può essere correlata solo alle proprietà e al destino chimico-ambientale delle sostanze o alle condizioni pedoclimatiche, ma anche al comportamento dell'utilizzatore finale. In effetti, la fonte di contaminazione valutata, è risultata essere dovuta sia a una contaminazione diffusa che a una contaminazione puntiforme. Per quanto riguarda l'influenza della fertilizzazione a base di azoto sulla presenza di nitrati nelle acque sotterranee, i risultati hanno mostrato un'elevata vulnerabilità dell'acquifero ai cambiamenti esterni. Dalle indagini isotopiche è emerso che la maggior parte dell'NO3- rilevato nelle acque sotterranee, deriva dall'utilizzo di fertilizzanti azotati inorganici, in accordo con le pratiche di uso del suolo e di viticoltura dichiarate dagli agricoltori della zona. Il risultato più importante dello studio, tuttavia, è stato che alla fine del processo, l'approccio multi-actor e la strategia di coinvolgimento adottati, hanno avuto successo nel migliorare gli atteggiamenti verso pratiche più sostenibili.
Many anthropic activities give rise to environmental problems for which it is necessary to find solutions. The presence of undesirable substances in water, indeed, can pose a risk to the health and hygiene of both men and animals. It is, therefore, essential to find methods in order to avoid pollutants from these matrices, so as to make them compatible with the maintenance of healthy environmental conditions. This thesis aims to assessing the groundwater quality of an area in which the quality of water was never studied, particularly investigating the occurrence of pesticides and nitrate in order to understand the grant of viticulture on water pollution. This study derives from the necessity to improve the water governance and to implement the best management practices and mitigation measures to prevent groundwater and environmental pollution. The results of monitoring studies showed a contamination of groundwater by pesticides and nitrate and thus an evaluation of PPPs and nitrates source contamination was carried out through isotopic studies of N and O of NO3- , and through hydrologic analysis by use of the model CRITERIA 3D. As one of the main conclusions of the work, the occurrence of PPPs in groundwater in areas with intensive viticultural activities cannot be related just to chemical environmental fate properties or pedoclimatic conditions, but also to end-user behavior. In fact, the contamination source evaluated, resulted to be due to both diffuse and point-source contamination. For what concerns the influence of nitrogen-based fertilization on nitrate occurrence in groundwater, the results showed a high vulnerability of the aquifer to external changes. Isotopic investigations showed that most of the NO3- detected in the groundwater, derived from the use of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers, in agreement with the land use and viticulture practices declared by the farmers. The most important result of the study, however, was that at the end of the overall process, the multi-actor approach and engagement strategy adopted were successful in improving attitudes to more sustainable practices.

Includes bibliographical references.
The purpose of this study was to develop a computational Finite Element model, validated by experimentation, to assist in the understanding of groundwater contamination problems. It was mainly aimed at studying the extent and manner of travel of contaminants in the saturated soil of unconfined aquifers which may be pumped by of wells.

The presence of nitrates (NO3-) in groundwater is a worldwide concern. The high energy demand and environmental impact of available technologies requires investigating new technologies. This thesis was focused on investigating the usage of bioelectrochemical systems (BES) for treating nitrate-polluted groundwater. BES uses microorganisms able to catalyze oxidation/reduction processes by delivering/obtaining electrons from an electrode. In this thesis, microorganisms able to use the electrode as an electron donor (biocathode) to reduce nitrates into dinitrogen gas (inert) were investigated. As a result, a process could be patented, in which BES are able to treat nitrates at high denitrification rates (up to 700 gN•m-3NCC•d-1), with a competitive energy demand (0.68•10-2 – 1.27•10-2 kWh•gN-1treated), without sludge generation nor chemical dosing. Moreover, the microorganisms were electrochemically characterized, and the key subcommunities of the process were elucidated. In summary, bioelectrochemical systems have the potential for becoming a competitive alternative for the treatment of nitrate-polluted groundwater
La presència de nitrats (NO3-) en aigües subterrànies és una preocupació global. L’alt cost energètic i ambiental de les tecnologies actuals requereixen la investigació de noves estratègies. Aquesta tesi ha investigat la utilització de sistemes bioelectroquímics (BES) pel tractament d’aigües subterrànies contaminades per nitrats. Les BES es basen en microorganismes capaços de realitzar oxidacions/reduccions tot alliberant/captant electrons d’un elèctrode. Aquesta tesi ha investigat l’ús de bactèries capaçes d’utilitzar l’elèctrode com a donador d’electrons (biocàtode) per reduir el nitrat a dinitrogen gas (compost inert). Com a resultat, s’ha patentat un procés que permet desnitrificar a altes velocitats (700 gN•m-3NCC•d-1), a un cost energètic competitiu (0.68•10-2 – 1.27•10-2 kWh•gN-1tractat), sense generar fangs ni addicionar substàncies químiques. També s’ha caracteritzat electroquímicament els microorganismes i s’ha elucidat les subcomunitats microbianes responsables de la desnitrificació. En definitiva, aquesta tesi demostra que els sistemes bioelectroquímics poden esdevenir una alternativa competitiva pel tractament d’aigües subterrànies contaminades per nitrats

The influence of groundwater discharge on the hydrology and biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen in a fringing intertidal wetland was studied by characterizing groundwater discharge, determining N-cycling rates in cores, and examining nitrate reduction in situ using 15N enrichment and natural gradient tracer techniques. Groundwater discharge was estimated by three independent methods: Darcy's Law, a water/salt mass balance, and a subsurface tracer test. Seasonal patterns of discharge predicted by Darcy's Law and the mass balance were similar. Discharge maxima and minima occurred in April and September, respectively. The water/salt mass balance provided the more reasonable estimate of groundwater flux at high flows, and the Darcy technique was better at estimating low flow at our site. The high discharge seasonally purged porewater from the marsh to the estuary, and marsh processing of groundwater solute loads would occur only during this period. Mineralization, nitrification, potential denitrification (DNF), and potential dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) rates were estimated in cores during periods of high and low groundwater discharge. All N-cycling processes occurred in sediments <1.5 meters deep. Natural abundance isotope measures, and core experiments indicated that coupled nitrification-denitrification was a sizeable sink for mineralized N. Mineralization, nitrification, and DNRA rates were 6--12x greater during Spring high discharge. DNF rates, were 10x higher during Fall low discharge. Despite accelerated mineralization and nitrification during high discharge, the DNF:DNRA ratio was <1, indicating that more of the N cycled through nitrification was retained as ammonium rather than exported as dinitrogen through coupled nitrification-denitrification. Nitrate reduction pathways in the marsh were studied in situ by creating a nitrate plume enriched in 15N. Isotopic enrichment of the ammonium, PON, dissolved nitrous oxide, and dissolved dinitrogen pools initially accounted for 14--36% of the observed nitrate loss. Adjustment of these estimates with potential losses through gas evasion, and ammonium turnover, accounted for nearly all of the N missing from the mass balance. The adjusted mass balance indicated that 68% of the nitrate load was denitrified, and 30% was assimilated and retained in the marsh.

This project allowed for the discovery of a previously unknown groundwater system in the wet tropics ‘The Behana Creek Perched Aquifer’. This aquifer has a major impact on groundwater nitrate attenuation and flux budgets to The Great Barrier Reef in far north Queensland. This thesis investigated groundwater for denitrification by utilising nitrate isotopes in conjunction with a novel wastewater tracer ‘caffeine’ which enabled a new source of nitrate contamination to be identified in the alluvial aquifer.

Thesis (M. S.)--Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2010.
Committee Member: Pavlostathis, Spyros; Committee Member: Spain, Jim; Committee Member: Tezel, Ulas. Part of the SMARTech Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Collection.

Sustainable development of urban aquifers requires assessment of the magnitude and variability of contamination, plus quantification of key processes controlling contaminant migration. Changing groundwater quality in the urban, Triassic sandstone, Birmingham aquifer has been investigated, along with the attenuation of chlorinated solvents, major contaminants in this system. Results from water quality surveys conducted over the last twenty years have been collated and assessed, whilst solvent sorption to aquifer lithologies has been investigated. Sorption of PCE (perchloroethylene) to aquifer sandstone is best described by linear isotherms (mean linear Kd = 0.2882:0.087 Ikg-1 ). Sorption varies with respect to lithology, does not correlate to sample foe and is under-predicted by estimates made using sample foe, hydrophobic partitioning theory and commonly applied literature Koe data. Evidence from successive water quality surveys indicates increasing levels of solvents over time, TCE (trichloroethylene) having the greatest impact upon groundwater quality. PCE levels are rising more slowly probably due to slower rates of dissolution and greater magnitude of sorption. Evidence of solvent biodegradation is limited. Closure of heavily contaminated abstraction boreholes has implications for the removal of solvents from the aquifer and long-term water quality, given the relatively limited attenuation of solvents indicated by the laboratory and field studies.

From the Proceedings of the 1986 Meetings of the Arizona Section - American Water Resources Association, Hydrology Section - Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science and the Arizona Hydrological Society - April 19, 1986, Glendale Community College, Glendale, Arizona

In the last decades, nitrate pollution has become a major threat to groundwater quality. The consequences include health concerns and environmental impacts. Nitrate contamination is mainly derived from agricultural practices, such as the application of manure as fertilizer. The Osona area (NE Spain) is one of the areas vulnerable to nitrate pollution from agricultural sources. Nitrate is derived from intensive farming activities and the high nitrate content results in a loss of water availability for domestic uses. The most important natural nitrate attenuation process is denitrification. Denitrifying bacteria are generally heterotrophic and use carbon compounds as the electron donor. Nevertheless, a limited number of bacteria are able to carry out chemolithotrophic denitrification, and to utilize inorganic compounds. Several field studies have suggested by means of geochemical and/or isotopic data that denitrification in some aquifers is controlled by pyrite oxidation. However, the feasibility of pyrite-driven denitrification has been questioned several times in laboratory studies. This thesis is concerned with the role of pyrite in denitrification and its potential use as a bioremediation strategy. Earlier studies showed the occurrence of denitrification processes in a small area located in the northern part of the Osona region and suggested that sulfide oxidation had an important role in natural attenuation. Therefore, the first part of this thesis deals with the characterization of the denitrification processes occurring in the Osona aquifer and their spatial and temporal variations. Denitrification processes linked to pyrite oxidation were identified in some zones of the studied area by means of multi-isotopic methods integrated with classical hydrogeological methods. Nitrate removal from groundwater can be accomplished by the enhancement of in situ biological denitrification. One such bioremediation strategy is biostimulation, which involves the addition of suitable electron donors and/or energy sources to stimulate indigenous denitrifying microorganisms. The second part of this thesis is devoted to clarify the role of pyrite as electron donor for denitrification and to evaluate the feasibility of a bioremediation strategy based on pyrite addition to stimulate native denitrifying bacteria. Nitrate consumption in experiments amended with pyrite and inoculated with “Thiobacillus denitrificans” demonstrated that this bacterium is able to reduce nitrate using pyrite as the electron donor. The efficiency in nitrate removal and the nitrate reduction rate depended on the initial nitrate concentration, pH and pyrite grain size. High nitrate removal efficiency was attained in long-term flow-through experiments under laboratory conditions similar to those found in slow-moving, nitrate-contaminated groundwater. In addition, biostimulation experiments performed with sediments and groundwater from the Osona aquifer showed that the addition pyrite stimulated the activity of the indigenous microbial community and enhanced the nitrate removal. Furthermore, the long-term efficiency of the process was demonstrated. Hence, biostimulation with pyrite could be considered to remediate nitrate contamination in groundwater in future water management strategies, although further research is needed, especially at field scale. It is critical for the success of the bioremediation strategy that not only the processes but also the microbial populations and their changes induced by the bioremediation treatment be well understood. The addition of pyrite resulted in an increase in the proportion of denitrifying bacteria and both autotrophic and heterotrophic denitrifiers were stimulated. Bacterial populations closely related to the “Xanthomonadaceae” might probably be the dominant autotrophic denitrifiers that used pyrite as the electron donor in the biostimulated experiments. The N and O isotopic enrichment factors associated with the pyrite‐driven denitrification were computed and used to recalculate the extent of the natural nitrate attenuation in the Osona aquifer. This refinement becomes useful to predict the evolution of the contaminant in the aquifer, and it should be taken into account for potential implementation of induced remediation techniques. The isotopic approach was proved to be an excellent tool to identify and quantify natural denitrification processes in the field, and to monitor the efficacy of bioremediation strategies in the laboratory. In order to improve the long-term performance of potential bioremediation strategies based on pyrite-driven denitrification, it is necessary to know the contribution of attached and free-phase denitrifying bacteria to this process in aquifers. The last part of this thesis addresses the ability of “T. denitrificans” to grow and colonize pyrite surfaces. In the colonization experiments, attachment onto pyrite surface was required for at lest a small number of the cells in order to accomplish pyrite-driven denitrification. Nevertheless, both attached and planktonic cells probably contributed to the overall denitrification. However, the details of the relative roles of the two phases and the specific mechanisms remain to be addressed.
A les darreres dècades, la contaminació de nitrat de l’aigua subterrània ha esdevingut un dels principals problemes que afecten la qualitat dels recursos hídrics subterranis. La presència de nitrat a l’aigua subterrània està relacionada, principalment, amb pràctiques agrícoles, com per exemple, l’ús intensiu de purins com a fertilitzant orgànic. La comarca d’Osona (Catalunya) és una de les àrees declarades vulnerables a la contaminació per nitrat d’origen agrícola. El nitrat procedeix principalment de la intensa activitat agrícola i ramadera. El principal procés d’atenuació natural del nitrat és la desnitrificació. La majoria dels bacteris desnitrificants són heteròtrofs i usen compostos orgànics com a font d’electrons. Tanmateix, també existeixen bacteris desnitrificants autòtrofs que són capaços d’usar compostos inorgànics, com a donants d’electrons. Estudis de camp previs han demostrat a partir de dades geoquímiques i/o isotòpiques que en alguns aqüífers la desnitrificació està controlada per l’oxidació de pirita. Tot i així, hi ha estudis de laboratori que qüestionen la viabilitat de la desnitrificació lligada a l’oxidació de pirita (compost inorgànic donant d’electrons). En aquesta tesi s’estudia el paper de la pirita en la desnitrificació i la seva possible aplicació com a estratègia de bioremediació d’aigües contaminades amb nitrat. Estudis previs demostraren l’ocurrència de processos de desnitrificació a Osona, en una petita àrea situada en el sector nord de la zona d’estudi. Els resultats d’aquests estudis suggereixen que l’oxidació de sulfurs hi juga un paper molt important en l’atenuació natural. A la primera part de la tesi s’exposa la caracterització dels processos de desnitrificació que tenen lloc en l’aqüífer d’Osona, així com de les seves variacions temporals i espacials. S’han usat mètodes multi-isotòpics integrats amb mètodes hidrogeològics clàssics, que han servit per identificar l’existència de processos de desnitrificació lligats a l’oxidació de pirita en algunes zones de l’àrea d’estudi. L’eliminació del nitrat de l’aigua subterrània pot aconseguir-se mitjançant estratègies que incentiven la desnitrificació biològica in situ. Una de les estratègies de bioremediació in situ és la bioestimulació, que consisteix en afegir donants d’electrons o fonts d’energia apropiades per tal d’estimular l’activitat de bacteris desnitrificants existents en el medi. En la segona part de la tesi s’esbrina el paper de la pirita com a potencial donant d’electrons en els procés de desnitrificació i s’avalua la viabilitat d’una estratègia de bioremediació, basada en l’addició de pirita per estimular l’activitat de bacteris desnitrificants autòctons. Experiments amb pirita i inoculats amb “Thiobacillus denitrificans” han demostrat que aquest bacteri és capaç de reduir el nitrat utilitzant la pirita com a donant d’electrons. A més a més, s’ha determinat que l’eficiència i la velocitat de reducció del nitrat depèn de la seva concentració inicial, del pH i de la mida de gra de la pirita. En experiments de flux continu, de llarga durada que simulen el flux d’aigües subterrànies contaminades amb nitrat, s’han aconseguit altes eficiències en l’eliminació del nitrat. A més a més, s’han realitzat experiments de bioestimulación amb pirita usant aigua subterrània i sediments de l’aqüífer d’Osona. Aquests experiments han demostrat que afegint pirita s’aconsegueix d’estimular l’activitat dels bacteris desnitrificants autòctons i, per tant, induir i/o augmentar la desnitrificació. També, s’ha provat l’alta eficiència d’aquest procés a llarg termini. Per tant, l’ús de la pirita podria tenir-se en compte com a estratègia per a l’eliminació de nitrat en properes mesures de gestió dels recursos hídrics. Tanmateix, cal més investigació, i especialment, a escala de camp. Per aconseguir l’èxit amb la bioremediació cal conèixer amb detall els processos i les poblacions microbiològiques que intervenen en els canvis poblacionals associats al tractament de bioremediació. Els resultats dels experiments de bioestimulació han demostrat que els bacteris desnitrificants autòtrofs dominants en el sistema són probablement poblacions relacionades amb Xanthomonadaceae. L’addició de pirita puposa un increment en la proporció de bacteris desnitrificants i produeix l’estimulació tant dels desnitrificants autòtrofs com dels heteròtrofs. A més a més, s’han calculat els factors d’enriquiment isotòpic de N i O associats al procés de desnitrificació per oxidació de pirita. Aquests factors d’enriquiment s’han usat per recalcular el grau d’atenuació natural del nitrat que té lloc en l’aqüífer d’Osona. Aquest recàlcul pot ser d’utilitat a l’hora de predir l’evolució de la contaminació en l’aqüífer i cal tenir-lo en compte a l’hora d’implementar possibles tècniques de remediació induïda. Per tant, la metodologia isotòpica ha demostrat ser una eina excel∙lent per identificar i quantificar processos de desnitrificació natural i per monitoritzar l’eficàcia d’estratègies de bioremediació en el laboratori. Per millorar el rendiment i la durabilitat de potencials estratègies de bioremediació basades en la desnitrificació i oxidació de pirita és necessari conèixer la contribució relativa dels bacteris desnitrificants planctònics i dels bacteris adherits als sediments. Així, a l’última part de la tesi l’interès s’enfoca en l’avaluació de l’habilitat de “T. denitrificans” en colonitzar i créixer sobre la superfície de la pirita. Els resultats experimentals de colonització suggereixen que per aconseguir la desnitrificació amb pirita com a donant d’electrons, cal que una part dels bacteris s’adhereixi a la superfície de la pirita. No obstant, sembla que ambdós bacteris, adherits i planctònics, contribueixen al procés global. Tanmateix, queda pendent d’examinar el paper específic de cada tipus en la desnitrificació.

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The city of Natal comprises an area of about 170 km? (65,63 squares miles). The Dunas-Barreiras Aquifer is the most important reservoir of the coastal basin of RN. It is being responsible for the water supplying of about 70% of the population, however, due to the sewage disposal system by cesspools and drains, it is presently affected in a great extent by nitrates contamination. Thus, the present work proposes to research the utilization of contaminated water by nitrates of this fountainhead and find cost of the potable water through the ionic exchange technology. This technology consists in the removal of mineral salts by the exchange of cations for one ion of hydrogen (H+), through the passage of water by cationic resin bed and, secondly, by the exchange of the anions for hydroxyl ions (OH-) through a anionic resin bed. The obtained results have showed the waters derived from fountains, big water holes and shallow wells were microbiologically contaminated, while the waters derived from deep wells (above 70 m 76,58 yards) were free of contamination. Thus, only these ones are suitable to the use of ionic technology. The experiments were conducted with the resin IMAC-HP-555 such as kinetic, thermodynamic, and adsorption by fixed bed studies, being obtained several project variables for the experimental column, as follow: work temperature of 25oC; resin maximum capacity maximum e mean of adsorption ==0,01692 g NO3-1/g R e 0,0110 g NO3-1/g R, respectively. On the experimental column were performed breakthrough tests which pointed for an average ideal average speed of work of 13.2 m / h, with an average efficiency of 45% of adsorption, an optimal concentration of NaCl desorption of 8%, and an ideal desorption time of 80 minutes for the equilibrium conditions of water from the Dunas-Barreiras aquifer. Scale projection for ion-exchange column for denitrification, for these variables, using a computer modeling programme, to project the column of ion exchange ROREX-420/2000, obtained a cost for the drinking water denitrified by this system of R$ 0,16 / m3
A cidade de Natal-RN abrange uma ?rea de aproximadamente 170 km2. O aq??fero Dunas-Barreiras, mais importante reservat?rio da bacia costeira do RN, abastece cerca de 70% da cidade. Devido ? aus?ncia de sistema de saneamento municipal e a cidade ter adotado forma de disposi??o de esgotos atrav?s de fossas e sumidouros, este aq??fero apresenta-se, em grande parte, contaminado por nitratos. O trabalho em quest?o se prop?e a pesquisar o aproveitamento da ?gua contaminada desse manancial, assim como estimar o custo da ?gua pot?vel atrav?s da tecnologia de troca i?nica. O estudo da qualidade das ?guas do aq??fero Dunas-Barreiras mostrou que, as ?guas provenientes de fontes, cacimbas e po?os rasos apresentaram-se contaminadas microbiologicamente, enquanto as ?guas provenientes de po?os profundos (superior a 70 m) apresentaram-se isentas, sendo ent?o somente essas adequadas para aproveitamento pela tecnologia de troca i?nica. Foram realizados v?rios experimentos cin?tico, termodin?mico, utilizando (resina IMAC-HP-555) o m?todo da imers?o em volume finito e din?micos da adsor??o por troca i?nica usando-se uma coluna. A partir destes resultados foi projetada uma coluna piloto onde se usou uma resina ani?nica, operando no ciclo cloreto, para remo??o seletiva de nitrato. Os resultados obtidos indicaram uma temperatura de trabalho de 25oC, velocidade m?dia ideal de trabalho de 13,6 m/h, capacidade de adsor??o m?xima e m?dia da resina =0,01692 g NO3-1/g R e 0,0110 g NO3-1/g R, respectivamente, concentra??o ideal de dessor??o do NaCl de 8% e tempo ideal de dessor??o de 80 minutos para as condi??es de equil?brio da ?gua do aq??fero Dunas-Barreiras. Experi?ncia de proje??o de aumento de escala realizada para sistema de coluna de troca i?nica para desnitrifica??o, com as vari?veis determinadas, adotou-se um programa de modelagem computacional para projetos de coluna de troca i?nica, ROREX-420/2000, onde se obteve um custo da ?gua pot?vel desnitrificada de R$ 0,16/m3. Para um volume de ?gua pot?vel produzido igual a 2.100 m3/ ciclo de opera??o foi obtida uma efici?ncia m?dia de remo??o de nitratos de 45%

COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DO PESSOAL DE ENSINO SUPERIOR
A contaminação do meio ambiente de subsuperfície com resíduos perigosos e tóxicos tem se tornado um dos maiores problemas ambientais em vários países, com muitos locais apresentando contaminação da água subterrânea. Existem diversas técnicas de controle de contaminação da água subterrânea, sendo que a mais comumente utilizada é a de pump-and-treat. Apesar de ser eficaz no controle da migração de plumas de contaminação, o pump-and-treat possui várias restrições físicas e químicas que limitam a sua eficácia quanto à remediação a longo prazo, especialmente se utilizado de forma isolada, ou no caso de aquíferos contaminados com líquidos não miscíveis com a água (NAPLs - Non Aqueous Phase Liquids). Técnicas adicionais e associadas a sistemas de controle de migração de plumas são muitas vezes recomendadas, tendo em vista o lento processo de dissolução natural destes líquidos em águas subterrâneas. Diante destas limitações, diversas técnicas alternativas ao pump-and-treat têm sido pesquisadas, sendo que uma das mais promissoras é o tratamento in situ dos contaminantes através das barreiras reativas, especialmente no caso de aquíferos contaminados com organoclorados alifáticos (solventes clorados). O projeto envolve a execução de uma barreira com materiais reativos e porosos (reatores) ao longo do caminho da pluma de contaminação. À medida que água percola passivamente através do reator, os contaminantes vão sendo degradados, minimizando ou prevenindo-se a contaminação do aquífero a jusante da barreira. O processo de degradação envolve a decloração redutiva dos organoclorados na presença de metais de valência nula (por exemplo, o ferro metálico). Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo geral fazer uma avaliação da utilização de barreiras reativas no processo de remediação de aquíferos contaminados com solventes clorados, enfatizando-se a sua aplicabilidade e limitações. A pesquisa tem ainda, como objetivo específico, mostrar que o tratamento de aquíferos deve ser feito de modo sequencial, ou seja, deve envolver diferentes tecnologias de remediação, de acordo com as características dos contaminantes presentes e seus subprodutos. Foram realizados vários ensaios de permeabilidade e de transporte de massa, para determinação da condutividade hidráulica e dos parâmetros de transporte de massa, em diferentes misturas de pó de ferro e pó de quartzo. Foram também realizados ensaios de batelada e de coluna com diferentes contaminantes na presença de pó de ferro, cujos resultados permitem uma avaliação das taxas de degradação destes compostos, bem como dos seus subprodutos. Conclui-se que a técnica da decloração redutiva com uso do ferro metálico pode apresentar resultados bem distintos, dependendo do contaminante em questão. Alguns contaminantes podem inclusive não apresentar degradação ou mesmo tempos de meia vida tão altos, que inviabilizem o uso da técnica em projetos de barreiras reativas. A produção de subprodutos clorados tão ou até mais tóxicos que o próprio contaminante original, e que não são degradados pelo mesmo princípio reativo, reforça a necessidade de tratamentos sequenciais na remediação de aquíferos.
Underground contamination with hazardous wastes has been one of the largest environmental problems in several countries, with many sites presenting groundwater contamination. There are several technologies to control and remediate groundwater contamination and the technology more commonly used is the so called pump-and-treat. In spite of the potential for its use in the control of the migration of a plume, pump-and-treat possesses several physical and chemical restrictions that limit its effectiveness as a strategy of aquifer decontamination on long duration remediation works, especially if used isolated or when the aquifer is contaminated with NAPLs (Non Aqueous Phase Liquids). Additional and associated techniques to the control system of the plume migration are often recommended according the slow process of natural dissolution of these liquids in groundwater. Because these limitations, several technologies are being investigated. One of the most promising is the in situ treatment of the contaminant in reactive barriers, especially in aquifers contaminated with chlorinated aliphatic organic compounds (chlorinated solvents). The design involves the construction of a barrier with reactive and porous materials (reactors) that are placed in the aquifer to intercept the contaminant plume. As water passively flows through the reactor, the contaminants are degraded, therefore minimising or avoiding the aquifer contamination downstream the barrier. The degradation process involves the reductive dechlorination of the compounds in the presence of zero-valent metals (e.g. metallic iron). The general objective of this research is to make an evaluation of the use of reactive barriers in the emediation of aquifers that are contaminated with chlorinated solvents, and is emphasised its applicability and limitations. The specific objective of the research is to show that the treatment of aquifers should be made of sequential way, that is, it should involve different technologies of remediation according to the characteristics of the contaminants and their by-products. Several permeability and mass transport experiments were made for determination of the hydraulic conductivity and the parameters of mass transport in different mixtures of powder of iron and quartz. Batch and column tests were also made with different contaminants in the presence of iron powder and the results allow evaluating the degradation rates of these compounds and their by-products. The conclusion is that the reductive dechlorination with metallic iron can have different results depending on the type of contaminant. Some contaminants can not present any degradation or they have so high half-life times that the use of this technology in reactive barrier design is out of practice. Finally the formation of chlorinated by-products, which are more toxic than the own original contaminant and not degraded by the same technology, emphasises that the treatment of aquifers should be sequential.
La contaminación del medio ambiente, particularmente subsuperficies, con residuos peligrosos y tóxicos se ha convertido en uno de los mayores problemas ambientales en varios paises, donde en muchos locales existe contaminación del agua subterránea. Existen diversas técnicas de control de contaminación del agua subterránea, entre ellas, la que se utiliza comúnmente es la de pump-and-treat. A pesar de su eficacia en el control de la migración de plumas de contaminación, el pump-and-treat posee varias restriciones físicas y químicas que limitan su eficacia a largo plazo, especialmente si se utiliza aisladamente, o en el caso de aquíferos contaminados con líquidos no miscibles con la agua (NAPLs - Non Aqueos Phase Liquids). Frecuentemente se recomiendan técnicas adicionales y asociadas a sistemas de control de migración de plumas, considerando la lentitud del proceso de disolución natural de estos líquidos en aguas subterráneas. Frente a estas limitaciones, diversas técnicas alternativas al pump-and-treat han sido investigadas y una de las más prometedoras es el tratamiento in situ de los contaminantes a través de las barreras reactivas, especialmente en el caso de aquíferos contaminados con organoclorados alifáticos (solventes clorados). Este proyecto propone la ejecución de una barrera con materiales reactivos y porosos (reactores) a lo largo del camino de la pluma de contaminación. A medida que el agua pasa pasivamente a través del reactor, los contaminantes se van degradando, minimizando o previniendo la contaminación del aquífero. El proceso de degradación utiliza la decloración reductiva de los organoclorados en presencia de metales de valencia nula (por ejemplo, el hierro metálico). Esta investigación tiene como objetivo general hacer una evaluación de la utilización de barreras reactivas en aquíferos contaminados con disolventes clorados, enfatizando su aplicabilidad y limitaciones. Outro objetivo específico de esta investigación es mostrar que el tratamiento de aquíferos debe ser realizado sucesivamente, o sea, debe envolver diferentes tecnologías de acuerdo con las características de los contaminantes existentes y sus subproductos. Se realizaron varios ensayos de permeabilidad y de transporte de masa, para determinación de la conductividad hidráulica y de los parámetros de transporte de masa, en diferentes mexclas de polvo de hierro y polvo de quartzo. También fueron realizados ensayos de batelada y de columna con diferentes contaminantes en presencia de polvo de hierro. Los resultados permiten una evaluación de las tasas de degradación de estos compuestos, así como de sus subproductos. Se concluye que la técnica de la decloración reductiva con uso del hierro metálico puede presentar resultados bien diferentes, dependiendo del contaminante en questión. Algunos contaminantes pueden incluso no presentar degradación o tiempo de vida media tan altos, que inviabilizen el uso de la técnica en proyectos de barreras reactivas. La producción de subproductos clorados tan o hasta más tóxicos que el contaminante original, y que no son degradados por el mismo principio reactivo, refuerza la necesidad de tratamientos sequenciales para la curación de aquíferos.

In this research the economic behaviour associated with the consumption of arsenic and fluoride contaminated groundwater and the use of arsenic and fluoride removal technologies in affected areas of Bangladesh and Mexico is analysed using a number of tools of economic analysis including analysis of household surveys and stated preference methods. In the first section, a health production function approach is used in order to estimate the economic costs of arsenicosis in rural households of Shahrasti, Bangladesh. Then, experimental data from rural communities in Bangladesh are used to assess the adoption of groundwater arsenic removal technologies in relation to risk and time preferences. The identification of such preferences is important because they determine people's propensity to use arsenic removal technologies and their ability to avoid arsenic related illnesses. Further, time inconsistent preferences can trigger self-control related problems like procrastination in the use of water filters. In the second section, a contingent valuation survey is used to elicit household willingness to pay responses for safe drinking water in Zacatecas, Mexico. The objective is to investigate households' willingness to pay for improved water quality through the installation of a new filtration system to remove fluoride and arsenic from groundwater. It was found that individuals' subjective perceptions of contamination might change their attitude towards the installation of water purification systems, thereby changing the effective price of potable groundwater that they are willing to pay. Different types of contamination (by arsenic and fluoride in this case) had differing effects on values. Value estimates also changed as the socioeconomic profiles of survey respondents changed. Further interdisciplinary research was conducted in order to achieve a better understanding of the problem of environmental contamination with arsenic, fluoride and heavy metals in Mexico.

Kyoto University (京都大学)
0048
新制・課程博士
博士(農学)
甲第10433号
農博第1371号
新制||農||880(附属図書館)
学位論文||H15||N3849(農学部図書室)
UT51-2003-N924
京都大学大学院農学研究科地域環境科学専攻
(主査)教授 青山 咸康, 教授 三野 徹, 教授 河地 利彦
学位規則第4条第1項該当

xiii, 67 p. : ill. (some col.) A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number.
The bedrock aquifer of the Southern Willamerte Basin, Oregon, USA, is contaminated with arsenic at concentrations as high as several ppm. Single-well push-pull tests were conducted to investigate how microbial metabolisms control arsenic occurrence and levels in the aquifer. Test solutions containing ethanol were injected into the aquifer; dissolved gases, groundwater, and sediments were then sampled to monitor the speciation of carbon, iron, sulfur, and arsenic. Ethanol amendment stimulated a series of microbial metabolisms, including arsenate reduction, iron reduction, and sulfate reduction. Arsenate reduction converts arsenate to arsenite; iron reduction produces ferrous iron; sulfate reduction releases sulfide. Arsenite and ferrous iron then combine with sulfide and form arsenic sulfide and iron sulfide minerals. Results of the experiments demonstrate that the interactions among microbial metabolisms and mineral precipitation influenced arsenic contamination in the aquifer. These results shed new light on potential bioremediation strategies in the area.
Committee in Charge: Dr. Qusheng Jin, Chair; Dr. Mark Reed; Dr. Samantha Hopkins

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Rhode Island, 2006.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 108-112). Also available online via the University of Rhode Island Watershed Hydrology Laboratory publications home page.

Elevated levels of dissolved nitrate in waterways, particularly in groundwater, is a common and serious environmental problem that remains largely unsolved despite intensive research efforts. Major risks posed by dissolved nitrate in water are two-fold: (a) it is hazardous to human health, and (b) it contributes to eutrophication. Many environmental regulators in developed communities have recommended that the level of nitrate in drinking water should not exceed 10 mg/L. the major source of nitrate contamination is discharging agricultural wastes into surface water. This contamination can later find its way into groundwater resources by penetration through soil (which can be amplified by high irrigation in contaminated sites) due to high solubility and mobility of nitrate ions. For decades, researchers worldwide have studied different routes to tackle the problem of nitrate contaminated groundwater. Among numerous studies, many researchers have proposed application of chemicals to reduce nitre to other nitrogenous compounds (which are either easier to treat or less toxic). Among these studies, nanoparticles have demonstrated significant potentials in removing nitrate, as reactive nanoparticles can bind nitrate ions onto their surfaces, acting as both adsorbents and reactants to convert nitrate. Many studies have evaluated effectiveness of zero valent iron nanoparticles (NZVI) and magnetite nanoparticles (MNP) in converting nitrate to ammonium. However, the fate of nitrate after its transformation to ammonium has remained an unanswered question. Many of the previous studies have also neglected the possibility of the agglomeration and post-contamination of water resources by nanoparticles. In this study, sodium alginate powder was used to immobilize the NZVI and MNP to avoid postcontamination issues and agglomeration of nanoparticle. In the experimental studies, NZVIs were successfully embedded in multiple batches of lab synthesized alginate beads, which have the III characteristics of initially sinking in water but later floating on the surface. A methodology was introduced to produce NP-impregnated alginate beads, and later impacts of alginate presence was assessed on the efficiency of the nanoparticles in removing nitrate. To protect the reactivity of NZVI, magnetite nanoparticles were simultaneously embedded in the beads to provide electron mediating sites for increasing the efficiency of nitrate removal by NZVI and prolong NZVI age. This PhD thesis reports a comprehensive experimental approach on the use of NZVI/MNP to reduce nitrate-nitrogen (NO3 --N) to ammoniacal-nitrogen (NH4 +-N) and then immobilise NH4 +-N; thereby allowing nitrogen to be separated and potentially removed from polluted groundwater. Two different common adsorbents including powdered activated carbon (PAC) and zeolite were evaluated based on their capacity in adsorbing ammonium. In addition, a novel method was used to make the alginate beads floating on the surface of the treated water. This method combined with stabilization of nanoparticles (inside the beads) is potential to assure easier recovery of the nanoparticles after treatment and avoid any post-contamination issue. Overall, this PhD project covers two aspects: experimental studies and process simulation. The Experimental results have: (a) determined a process of synthesizing the NZVI-impregnated beads of desirable characteristics for acting as floating reactors in groundwater flume, (b) quantified the efficiencies of the synthesised beads to chemically reduce NO3 --N and then immobilise nitrogen inside the beads for potential removal from the water, and (c) demonstrated the beneficial effects of adding MNPs into NZVI impregnated beads. The process simulation aspect of this research has produced simple theoretical illustration of the nitrate transformation process by a MATLAB code to describe the nitrate removal processes in these nanoparticle-impregnated beads and verify the experimental results. Finally, this research has laid the foundation for using nanoparticle-impregnated floating beads to provide in situ treatment of nitrate-contaminated water, which can potentially be a viable technical alternative to conventional technologies, such as permeable reactive barrier (PRB) systems, for groundwater remediation.

The evaluation of groundwater quality has become increasingly important as more industrial waste and solid domestic refuse comes into contact with groundwater. Often the quantity and extent of contamination is determined by direct sampling of the groundwater and soil. An alternative method of detecting contaminated groundwater is by noting the electrical resistivity of the contaminated soil. The feasibility of logging resistivity while conducting cone penetrometer testing has been investigated in this research. To this end a two stage program was devised, consisting of lab testing and then field tests of a working tool. Lab testing was carried out using a prototype probe designed to evaluate the feasibility of the project. The lab testing consisted of determining the resistivity of a number of different soil, electrolyte, and organic contaminant mixtures while varying the configuration of the probe. On the basis of lab testing the necessary requirements for the module dimensions and electronics were chosen and were fine tuned by field tests. The module itself consists of an insulated four electrode array and is mounted behind a standard 15 sq cm piezo-cone (CPTU). Upon completion of the development phase the instrument was tested at four different sites. From field testing it was determined that the resistivity cone (RCPTU) was able to accurately map changes in groundwater chemistry on the basis of resistivity measurements. The results of the resistivity testing were verified by groundwater sampling. It was also found that changes in lithological properties, as determined by the cone penetration test (CPT), could influence the resistivity. Basic guidelines for the use of the RCPTU in contaminant investigations are presented.
Applied Science, Faculty of
Civil Engineering, Department of
Graduate

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2010.
Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains ix, 49 p. : ill. (some col.), col. maps. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 47-49).