An Anion Characterization of a Constructed Wetland Used for Chlorinated Ethene Remediation

<p>Chlorinated ethene's physical properties as well as ubiquitous state at DOD installations makes it a priority for innovative remediation efforts. Current techniques are expensive and time consuming to maintain. Constructed wetlands suggest an inexpensive and operational alternative to conventional technologies. Sub-surface flow wetlands provide the anaerobic zones necessary to reduce the recalcitrant chlorinated solvents prior to anaerobic or aerobic mineralization of its daughter products. A vertical flow cell to include sequential sedimentary layers of two hydric soil lifts and a mix of hydric soil and woody compost was the subject of this investigation. This study focused on the statistical significance among the three constructed strata. Concentrations of mono-carboxylic acids and other anions are indicators of the reductive conditions necessary for remediation. Acid anion concentrations were expected to be higher in the assumed anaerobic strata of the constructed cell as a result of the fermentation of humic substances. Decreases in sulfate and nitrate were also expected over the upward flowing wetland profile due to the reductive anoxic conditions. Evidence in this study validate these assumptions and suggest that constructed wetlands are a viable alternative to current remediation methods. Findings also suggest manipulation of the physical parameters such as strata depth soil type flow rate etcof a wetland could increase the cell's remediation effectiveness.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>