ORD Site Characterization Research

Vapor Intrusion Research

Research to reduce the error associated with soil gas sampling by examining the factors that influence the collection of samples; investigate the vertical distribution of VOC’s in soils from groundwater to the surface/subslab; and long-term investigations of the soil vapor profile.
Additional research includes Fluctuation of Indoor Radon and VOC Concentrations Due to Seasonal Variations: A) Determine relationship of radon to VOC concentrations at a given site. Radon concentrations, if related, could be used as surrogate for VI issues instead of the collection of VOC samples; B) Establish relationship between subslab/subsurface and indoor air concentrations of VOCs and possibly radon; C) Examine if near residence external samples could be used as surrogate sampling location to avoid in building “exploration” for potential VI; and D) Identify any seasonal fluxes in radon and VOC concentrations as they relate to the use of HVAC in the home or building.

Brian Schumacher, shumacher.brian@epa.gov;
John Zimmerman, zimmerman.john@epa.gov

Analytical Methods

Develop new sampling, analytical, and statistical procedures to advance multimedia site measurements and data quality; Research products and services are applied by Clients for mitigation, management, and long-term stewardship of contaminated sites; Analytical methods research improves cost, accuracy, portability, and speed of analysis for the most common or most difficult to analyze inorganic and organic contaminants; Additional analytical method development will include methyl mercury analyses in liver and muscle tissues for fish taken from Superfund mercury-impacted areas and the use of semi-permeable membranes and isotope dilution mass spectrometry for PCB analyses.

G. Wayne Sovocool, sovocool.wayne@epa.gov

Volatile Organics (VOCs) in Complex Matrices

Examining use in PCB-contaminated complex matrices including soil, sediment, and fish tissue.  Participation in National Rivers and Stream Assessment (NRSA)

Mike Hiatt, hiatt.mike@epa.gov;
Steve Pia, pia.stephen@epa.gov

Sampling for Ultra-Trace Organics

Publication: Evaluation of Enhanced Comprehensive 2-D Gas Chromatography-Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry for 209 Chlorinated Biphenyl Congeners by 1-D and 2-D Consecutive Chromatographic Runs.

Lantis Osemwengie, osemwengie.lantis@epa.gov

Elemental Speciation and Metals Contamination

Researchers are solving fundamental problems regarding metal speciation in soils, sediments, and water by using advanced, molecular-level spectroscopic techniques coupled with macroscopic kinetic and thermodynamic laboratory studies and field research results. Their objective: to elucidate reaction mechanisms that influence fate, transport, reactivity, mobility, bioavailability, and toxicity of metals in the natural environment.

Georges-Marie Momplaisir, momplaisir.georges-marie@epa.gov;
Ed Heithmar, heithmar.ed@epa.gov;
Charlita Rosal, rosal.charlita@epa.gov;
Tom Hinners, hinners.tom@epa.gov

Field Analytical Methods

Research includes Immunochemical sample preparation and detection work, which provides rapid, high-throughput and cost-effective methods for quantifying trace levels of contaminants in complex matrices.  Research results can be used by analysts to support monitoring studies for Regions and Program Offices.

Jeanette VanEmon, vanemon.jeanette@epa.gov

Bioanalytical Techniques

Immunochemical and other bioanalytical methods can allow rapid on-site characterization and monitoring of remediation and cleanup activities at Superfund sites.  Future bioanalytical work will include development of dioxin assays for soil and sediments and a shift in focus to real-time and more cost-effective groundwater analytical methods.

Jeanette VanEmon, vanemon.jeanette@epa.gov

Biosensors

Immunoassay detection, immunoaffinity chromatography sample preparations, electrochemical immunosensors, and coupled immunoassay detection/chromatography/mass spectrometry methods will be developed that allow for rapid, accurate, and precise quantification of various contaminants in the field.

Kim Rogers, rogers.kim@epa.gov

Contaminated Sediments Modeling

The sediment transport, eutrophication, and diagenesis modules will be linked to account for resuspension of inorganic sediment and organic carbon, and for the settling and deposition of both inorganic sediment and organic matter. The upgraded EFDC was tested in several types of water bodies to improve the capability of the site-specific models to support management decisions. The final step will be to develop the framework for modeling remedial alternatives. The framework will include: A watershed loading model, the enhanced EFDC model, a bioaccumulation model, protocols for applying the component models, and software for evaluating uncertainties in a modeling study.

Caroline Stevens, stevens.caroline@epa.gov

Geophysics

Dale Werkema, werkema.d@epa.gov;
Danney Glaser, glaser.danney@epa.gov

VOC Analysis

John Zimmerman, zimmerman.john@epa.gov

Groundwater Sampling/Monitoring

The EPA Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling (CEAM) distributes simulation models and database software designed to quantify the movement and concentration of subsurface contaminants.  The following groundwater models were developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in conjunction with other government, academic, and commercial institutions: 3DFEMWATER/3DLEWASTE, PRZM3, and WhAEM2000.

The Center for Subsurface Modeling Support (CSMoS) provides public domain ground water and vadose zone modeling software and services to public agencies and private companies throughout the United States.  The research includes the: Fate and transport of contaminants in the subsurface; Development of methodologies for protection and restoration of ground water quality; and Evaluation of subsurface remedial technologies

Steve Gardner, gardner.steve@epa.gov

Field technologies, chemistry

Steve Billets, billets.stephen@epa.gov

Statiscial sampling design

SCOUT research activities include: Upgraded software that incorporates developed statistical methods and decision analysis strategies for environmental use; the development of Scout 2008 Version 1.0 User's Guide; a Quick Overview, Scout 2008 Version 1.0. A Statistical Software Package for the Classical and Robust Analysis of Univariate and Multivariate Data Sets with and without Non-detect Observations; Scout 2008 Version 1.0 Software; and considering addition of new modules to cover geostatistics, expanded QA/QC procedures, sample size determination, robust ANOVA and MANOVA, and decision and detection limit determination.

Sampling & analytical methods for unknown compounds, low concentrations and difficult matrices

G. Wayne Sovocool, sovocool.wayne@epa.gov;
Andy Grange, grange.andrew@epa.gov;
Bill Brumley, brumley.bill@epa.gov 

Oil Spill Dispersant Analytical Methods

Research includes chemical analysis of dispersants, method development and application to determine dispersants in seawater and mousse , and quality assurance for Dispersant Toxicity Testing.

Tammy Jones-Lepp,
jones-lepp.tammy@epa.gov; John Zimmerman, zimmerman.johnh@epa.gov; Charlita Rosal, rosal.charlita@epa.gov; Georges-Marie Momplaisir, momplaisir.georges-marie@epa.gov;
Andy Grange, grange.andrew@epa.gov; 
Don Betowski, betowski.don@epa.gov