Technology News and Trends: February 2006

[continued on page 2] The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) recently completed a field-scale pilot study on the use of an in-situ sulfate-reducing bioreactor/ permeable reactive barrier (SRBR/PRB) to address metals contamination in ground water at the Stoller Chemical Site in Jericho, SC. The SRBR/PRB contains common biomaterial such as coastal hay, woodchips, and livestock manure that encourages growth of sulfate-reducing bacteria, thereby passively treating influent ground water. The study evaluated the technology’s effectiveness based on achievement of maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) within the SRBR/PRB, hydraulic performance of the system, longevity of such a passive system, presence or absence of plugging from aluminum hydroxide or metallic precipitates, constructability, and potential cost savings.