New Technology Helps Mother Nature Expedite Cleanups

摘要

Chlorinated solvents are the source of some of the Nation's most problematic groundwater contamination. According to a national water quality assessment by the US Geological Survey between 1992 and 1999, 70 percent of domestic and public wells contain at least one form of chlorinated solvents, nitrates, or pesticides, and 47 percent had at least two compounds. The widespread use of solvents such as dry cleaning agents, engine degreasers, and paint removers has not only polluted the Nation's groundwater but, according to the Army Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), represents one of the largest remediation liabilities for the Department of Defense.