Project Summary (1995-2000)

Given the cost of running field studies and the difficulty in obtaining field sites, the construction of an intermediate scale study facility could accelerate the development of in situ remediation/bioremediation technologies. A weighing lysimeter-a 2.5m in diameter and 4m deep cylindrical device- is being constructed to accommodate trichloroethylene (TCE) contaminated soil. This device is permitting the testing of remediation technologies developed at the University of Arizona. It is also providing sufficient soil effluent for use in toxicological studies. The container itself is placed in the ground within a housing structure such that investigators have access to all sides of the container underground. The surface of the container is exposed to the atmosphere. The bottom of the container is placed on a large truck scale so that the total mass of the container can be monitored on an hourly basis. This study is a truly integrated investigation in which soil scientists, environmental health scientists, and engineers participate in the various phases of the project.