The groundwater plume at Test Area North (TAN) will serve as a focus for in situ investigation of field rates of biogeochemical transformations. Like many DOE groundwater plumes, the TAN plume consists of a small high concentration area, i.e., “hot spot,” and a very large dilute plume area. In addition, the plume at TAN, like many groundwater plumes at DOE sites, is subject to natural microbial and geochemical processes that are degrading or sequestering contamination. Although many of these processes are understood through laboratory investigations, observing them in the field is problematic. Furthermore, the relationship of the field rate of biogeochemical processes to subsurface fluid fluxes is poorly understood. Research is proposed at TAN to elucidate the processes leading to TCE degradation and to quantify its rate. This activity will focus on the use of molecular techniques that will allow very specific interrogation of subsurface microbial communities. In addition, the use of in situ reactive stable isotope traces will allow definition of specific microbial pathways. Results of this research will provide key confirmation data for the TAN remediation efforts as well as for defining the scientific approaches for implementing monitored natural attenuation at other contaminated sites.
- Contacts:
- Mark Ankeny, (208) 526-5748, Send E-mail