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Journal of Environmental Hydrology
ISSN 1058-3912 |
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Electronic Journal of the International Association for
Environmental Hydrology
JEH Volume 16 (2008), Paper 9 Posted March 11, 2008 A REVIEW OF SOLID CARBON REACTIVE MEDIA FOR ENHANCED SUBSURFACE DENITRIFICATION IN A PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER ON IRISH FARMS
Owen Fenton
ABSTRACT Contamination of groundwater resources by a variety of anthropogenic pollutants from both point and non-point sources represents a key global environmental problem. In soil, organic carbon is needed as an energy source for heterotrophic denitrification but the potential for denitrification is limited due to carbon availability beneath the water table in the saturated zone. Research has suggested that groundwater denitrification is limited due to low organic C contents of sub-soils and aquifer media. In-situ treatment systems such as subsurface permeable reactive barriers, comprising a treatment zone of non hazardous carbon reactive materials that degrade or immobilize contaminants such as nitrates, as groundwater flows through, may be used to attenuate the movement of nutrients in agricultural settings. Some available solid carbon materials may cause clogging with subsequent bypass flow of groundwater contaminants around or through the barrier due to low hydraulic conductivity. A number of potentially suitable carbonaceous materials are identified for permeable reactive barriers in Ireland. Reference: Fenton, O. 2008. A review of solid carbon reactive media for enhanced subsurface denitrification in a permeable reactive barrier on Irish Farms. Journal of Environmental Hydrology, Vol. 16, Paper 9. CONTACT: Owen Fenton Teagasc Johnstown Castle Environmental Research Centre County Wexford Ireland. E-mail: owen.fenton@teagasc.ie |
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