Modeling the Fate and Transport of TNT in Soils

摘要

The model, BIOROOT, was implemented as a predictive tool to assess the fate andtransport and to determine the effects of vegetative remediation anticipated during remediation of trinitrotoluene (TNT) contaminated soils. The model is designed to incorporate biological, physical, chemical, and environmental factors in predicting the degradation fate of trinitrotoluene (TNT). Lagoons from an explosives washout facility at the Umatilla Depot Activity near the city of Hermiston, Oregon were utilized to illustrate the model. Four scenarios were simulated: (1) no degradation of the TNT contaminant, (2) degradation half life values of 1 year, (3) amending the soil with 10% organic material, and (4) initiating vegetative remediation using the alfalfa plant. Vegetative remediation demonstrated an ability to prevent TNT from entering the soil-water phase and leaching into the ground water.