In Situ Remedial Alternative and Aquifer Properties Evaluation Probe System

Abstract

In general, the purpose of the probe system is to provide improved rapid field methods using re-designed direct push technology (DPT) and “push-pull testing” concepts to evaluate in situ chemical, biochemical, surfactant, adsorptive media, and leaching and fixation remediation technologies for hazardous subsurface contaminant(s). The multi-purpose single probe system can to measure the relative permeability of the subsurface soil and groundwater to a liquid or gas ejectant and recover soil gas, soil, or groundwater samples for contaminant analyses, and can measure the chemical dosage and reaction, dissolution, adsorption, desorption, leaching, or fixation rate of a reactant such as a chemical or biochemical oxidant, metallic or bimetallic dehalogenating agent, surfactant or emulsifier solution, adsorbent media regenerant, leaching or fixation reagent that is injected and withdrawn during a push-pull test.

1 . A process for determining a permeability profile in combination with direct push-pull testing of subsurface soil and/or groundwater using a single probe, the method comprising:
 determining a permeability profile by:   ejecting a fluid into the soil or groundwater through slots in a chamber of a probe;   measuring one of the pressure and flow rate of the fluid while keeping the other of the pressure and flow rate constant;   recording the pressure or flow rate at a plurality of depths to establish a permeability profile;   selecting a desired depth for push-pull testing based on the permeability profile; and   performing a push-pull test for the evaluation of the reactant at the selected depth by:   injecting one or more reactants from the probe into the soil or groundwater;   allowing the one or more reactants to destroy a portion of contaminants in the soil or groundwater;   periodically extracting groundwater from the soil through said probe to produce a test medium; and   measuring the concentration of the one or more reactants or contaminants in the test medium to determine the efficacy of the one or more reactants.   
   
   
       2 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said one or more reactants comprises an oxidant. 
   
   
       3 . The process of  claim 2  wherein said oxidant comprises one or more of hydrogen peroxide, Fenton's reagent, modified Fenton's reagent, permanganate, persulfate, ozone, pure oxygen and air. 
   
   
       4 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said reactant comprises one or more of metallic or bimetallic nanoparticles containing iron, palladium or platinum. 
   
   
       5 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said reactant comprises one or a more of a surfactant or emulsifier for desorbing and solubilizing contaminants from the subsurface soil into groundwater. 
   
   
       6 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of slots are horizontal or vertical. 
   
   
       7 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said probe is advanced to different depths using a vibratory percussion hammer. 
   
   
       8 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the fluid is ejected from either an upper or lower chamber in the probe and the one or more reactants is injected from the other of the upper or lower chamber in the probe. 
   
   
       9 . The process of  claim 7  further comprising ejecting a sealant from an upper chamber of the probe. 
   
   
       10 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the contaminants comprise one or more organic compounds. 
   
   
       11 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the contaminants comprise one or more inorganic compounds.