Integrated characterization of a trichloroethylene contaminant plume in a basalt aquifer

摘要

The Idaho Universities Research Consortium through the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute is conducting an interdisciplinary scientific investigation of a trichloroethylene (TCE) contaminant plume located in a portion of the Snake River Plain Aquifer. The purpose of the research is to characterize the biological and physical systems intrinsic to the specific area of concern and develop a holistic model of how those naturally occurring processes influence the fate and transport of the contaminant plume within the basalt aquifer. The research focuses on evaluating intrinsic remediation of the plume by further understanding the hydrogeology, microbiology, and geochemistry of the fractured rock media of the Snake River Plain aquifer. The data is being used to determine if natural attenuation and/or biotechnology can be used as an acceptable alternative for environmental remediation of contaminants in fractured rock aquifers. Over forty researchers from the University of Idaho, Idaho State University, and Boise State University are involved in this integrated research effort.