Engineered Natural Geosorbents for In Situ Immobilization of DNAPLs and Heavy Metals

A. Research Objective The overarching goal of the proposed research is to develop a comprehensive data and mechanistic knowledge base with respect to the binding and sequestration reactions of organic DNAPL components and heavy metals with different types of soil matrices. A principal ultimate use of this knowledge and information base will be its application as a platform for designing specifically engineered natural geosorbents (ENGs) capable of insitu long-term immobilization of non-aqueous phase organic liquids and heavy metals at contaminated DOE sites and facilities. The sorption and sequestration performance of ENGs for DNAPLs and heavy metals will be monitored and evaluated by measuring their environmental mobility (desorption and leaching) and bioavailability (toxicity and bioaccumulation) to indicator organisms. Appropriate field tests will be designed to demonstrate the efficacy of in-situ immobilization and inactivation of DNAPLs and heavy metals using the engineered natural geosorbents.