Treatability Study Report for In SITU Lead Immobilization Using Phosphate-Based Binders

• Main Authors: Bricka, R M, Marwaha, Anirudha, Fabian, Gene L
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Subjects: BIOACCESSIBLE LEAD EXPOSURE RISK; Environmental Health and Safety; IN SITU TREATMENT; LEAD COMPOUNDS; LEAD MOBILITY; Logistics, Military Facilities and Supplies; MILITARY FACILITIES; PHOSPHATE-BASED LEAD STABILIZATION; PHOSPHATES; PLANT BIOAVAILABILITY; SOIL POLLUTION; SOIL REMEDIATION; Solid Wastes Pollution and Control; TEST AND EVALUATION

Metal contamination in soil is found on 69 percent of identified Department of Defense (DoD) sites with lead being the predominant heavy metal of concern. Solidification/stabilization methods are currently the most used in situ metal-contamination treatment technologies. The treatability study described in this report was designed to develop the information necessary to support the immobilization of lead contaminants in soil by in situ treatment with phosphate-based binders. The potential demonstration site for field treatment was a small arms firing range impact area at Camp Withycombe, Oregon. The study consisted of laboratory monitoring of samples treated to immobilize lead contamination using phosphate-based binders marketed by several vendors. The study was conducted by the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center (ATC) and Mississippi State University (MSU) under U.S. Army Developmental Test Command (DTC) Project No. 9-CO-160-000-572. This study was sponsored by the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) under ESTCP Project No. ER-0111. Technology performance was evaluated based on evidence of reduced soluble lead mobility, reduced human health risk, impact on soil biota, changes in soil physical properties, plant uptake, and mobility of other contaminants of concern associated with the proposed demonstration site. Data to support the evaluation of these criteria were produced through laboratory studies using soil collected at Camp Withycombe. The study utilized leaching and vegetation monitoring methods to evaluate the stability of the treated soil by attempting to build a body of evidence that indicated the formation of stable lead complexes. The results of the study were mixed in that variability in lead stability was observed in soil treated by all vendors of in situ phosphate stabilization methods. Prepared in collaboration with the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center. Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD. The original document contains color images.