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Results for “environmental remediation”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2004

Environmental Remediation Technologies Derived from Space Industry Research

Beginning in the 1950s and 1960s, an abundance of effort and initiative was focused on propelling the space industry outward for planetary exploration and habitation. During these early years, the push to take space science to new levels indirectly contributed to the evolution of another science field that would not fully surface until the early 1980s, environmental remediation. This field is associated with the remediation or cleanup of environmental resources such as groundwater, soil, and sediment. Because the space-exploration initiative began prior to the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in December of 1970, many NASA Centers as well as space-related support contractors allowed for the release of spent chemicals into the environment. Subsequently, these land owners have been directed by the EPA to responsibly initiate cleanup of their impacted sites. This paper will focus on the processes and lessons learned with the development, testing, and commercialization initiatives associated with four remediation technologies. The technologies include installation techniques for permeable reactive barriers (PRBs), the use of ultrasound to improve long-term performance of PRBs, emulsified zero-valent iron for product-level solvent degradation, and emulsion technologies for application to metal and polychlorinated biphenyl contaminated media. Details of the paper cover technology research, evaluation, and testing; contracts and grants; and technology transfer strategies including patenting, marketing, and licensing.

Quinn, Jacqueline↗
DOE OSTI2023

Predicting future well performance for environmental remediation design using deep learning

Here in this study, we developed a deep learning (DL) framework with a multi-channel three-dimensional convolutional neural network (MC3D-CNN) to predict well performance and thereby assist future environmental remediation design. Such prediction of extraction well performance at designated locations is critical for configuring pump-and-treat (P&T) well network design and operation, setting reasonable target closure dates for overall remedying, and estimating remedy costs. The framework is developed with operational and monitoring data routinely collected during P&T remedy operations, including well extraction and injection rates as well as in situ contaminant concentrations. Traditionally, the collected data were rarely used for purposes other than assessing past well performance and the accuracy of the conceptual site model. However, recent advances in data-driven computational approaches enable better use of the large datasets to inform future well performance, enhance site characterization, and improve remediation planning. In this study, we established a DL framework to integrate transient three-dimensional contaminant plumes and multiple aquifer properties (e.g., hydraulic conductivity and hydrostratigraphic maps) to identify characteristic patterns controlling and representing extraction well mass recovery, aiming at providing future mass recovery estimates for existing wells and candidate wells at any proposed locations. We evaluated our framework by using a realistic synthetic dataset generated from a well-calibrated flow and transport model used in the 200 West Area of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hanford Site in southeastern Washington state. The multi-channel feature in our framework allows integration of various types and temporal densities of training datasets for DL model development. Overall, we found that the trained DL model achieved an accuracy of over 90% in ranking extraction well performance in validation datasets, and over 80% in predicting high-performance-ranking well locations. This data-informed approach provides a flexible tool to support adaptive site management, streamline decision-making, and potentially reduce remediation time and costs. Our DL framework can be used as a filtering tool to improve the current P&T network optimization design by reducing the number of candidate well locations.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

FIU Project 2: Environmental Remediation Science & Technology [Slides]

FIU’s research under this project involves conducting basic and applied science to fill knowledge gaps and validate potential remediation technologies for contaminated soil and groundwater and the assessment of the fate and transport of contaminants in the environment. The aim of FIU’s research is to reduce the potential for contaminant mobility or toxicity in the surface and subsurface through the development and application of state-of-the-art scientific and environmental remediation technologies at the Hanford Site, Savannah River Site (SRS), and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), which is the Nation’s only mined geologic repository for permanent disposal of transuranic waste. FIU collaborates with scientists from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the DOE Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) in order to plan and execute research that is synergistic with the work being conducted at the sites, and that supports the resolution of critical science and engineering needs which leads to a better understanding of the long-term behavior of subsurface contaminants. The knowledge gained through this research will be used to transform experimental and modeling innovations into practical applications deployed at the sites to support EM’s primary goal of expediting the closure of major contaminated soil and groundwater sites and waste units. Collaborative relationships between FIU and the national laboratories have provided large benefits over the years to FIU, the national laboratories, the DOE complex, and the DOE EM mission. By working closely with the national laboratories, FIU’s research is not only closely aligned with the cleanup mission priorities at the DOE sites, but complements and supports ongoing work at the national laboratories for screening of new remedial technologies. This coordination and leveraging of research efforts results in time- and cost-savings, and will accelerate progress of the DOE EM environmental restoration mission.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

The diversity of aluminum-based drinking water treatment residuals for use in environmental remediation

Drinking water treatment residuals (DWTRs) are complex mixtures of organic and inorganic phases generally disposed of as waste materials. However, their strong sorptive properties could be further exploited to immobilize contaminants. To characterize these materials, we applied a range of analytical techniques to a set of aluminum-based DWTRs. Here we determined surface areas, elemental compositions using CHNS analysis and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), performed thermogravimetric analyses paired with mass spectrometry (TGA-MS), and used synchrotron-based methods: X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Elemental analyses and specific surface area measurements – that vary between 7.23 ± 0.03 and 197.6 ± 0.9 m 2 g –1 – indicate that non-coagulant additives must play an important role in controlling sorption. High resolution powder XRD reveals the presence of only a few crystalline minerals mostly derived from source waters or additives. Fe was detected by XRF in all samples, whereas Mn was present in significant levels in samples with potassium permanganate as additive. The chemical speciation of these elements was characterized by performing spectral decompositions of XAS spectra. The spectral features of Fe are consistent with iron(III) oxides/hydroxides and structural iron in clays. On the other hand, Mn is predominantly present under its reduced form, Mn(II).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Compact, high-power superconducting radio-frequency accelerators for environmental applications

Electron-beam irradiation has been proven to destructively reduce or eliminate a wide variety of organic chemicals, viruses and bacteria from wastewater, as well as reducing sulfur and nitrous oxides emission from coal-fired power plants. It is estimated that there are approximately 30,000 such particle accelerators in use worldwide for industrial processes including surface and bulk processing of material, medical sterilization, and environmental remediation. Maximum beam power from accelerators used in these applications is currently limited to less than 500 kW, and a higher beam power is needed to reduce treatment costs. The market availability of continuous-wave (CW) electron-beam accelerators with power of the order of ~100 kW is also very limited. Superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) linear accelerators (linacs) are commonly used at basic research laboratories throughout the world due to their exceptionally high efficiency as compared to current industrial varieties. Recent advances in cryogenics, SRF thin films and high-power magnetrons allow for the design of increasingly compact and efficient CW SRF electron linacs in the energy range 1-10 MeV, with up to 1 MW of beam power. A new class of compact, high-efficiency electron-beam accelerators may provide cost-effective solutions for a range of industrial and environmental remediation applications, particularly with respect to tackling one such class of contaminants so-called “forever chemicals”, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which are ubiquitous in a wide range of products and for which there is currently no effective destruction technology. We have recently demonstrated the key technologies required for such accelerators by: 1) operating a Nb3Sn SRF accelerating cavity cooled by commercial cryocoolers up to an accelerating gradient of 12.4 MV/m and 2) demonstrating the phase-locking as well as a high-efficiency power combining scheme for industrial magnetron transmitters. In this presentation, we will introduce the principles and benefits of MW-class SRF linacs, based on the conduction-cooled SRF technology that we have demonstrated for environmental remediation. We propose the development of a 4 MeV, 20 kW prototype to be built at Jefferson Lab as a first accelerator demonstrator unit. We will also present the results from samples study on the effect of electron-beam irradiation on so-called “forever chemicals” such as 1,4-dioxane and PFAS, using an existing multi-purpose 10 MeV, low-power, CW SRF linac at Jefferson Lab.

Ciovati, Gianluigi↗
DOE OSTI2023

Kirigami Photopiezo Catalysts for Self-Sustainable Environment Remediation

Photo(electro)-piezo catalysis has emerged as one of the most effective strategies for sustainable environmental remediation. While various (nano)materials have been investigated for enhancing the intrinsic properties related to the interfacial band structure, increasing the efficiency by integration of materials with rational design for stress–strain applications has not yet been considered. Herein, we introduce kirigami strain engineering to photopiezo catalysts for enhancing efficiency by increasing the magnitude of applied strain and density of bends. Macroscale stretching motion is converted into localized bending by a pliable kirigami structure using similar or even lower input energy, which can be easily modulated by natural waves. The kirigami structure leads to a significant enhancement (~250%) in the degradation of dyes, and we discovered the significant contribution of the oxygen reduction pathway in the charge-transfer mechanism, which corresponds to the observed enhancement. In conclusion, the photopiezo catalytic effects of kirigami were further highlighted by the small water reservoir test, showing its feasibility in nature for self-sustainable environmental remediation that can be modulated using motions of winds, waves, and life vibrations.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Engineered Wood: Sustainable Technologies and Applications

Natural wood has been used for construction, fuel, and furniture for thousands of years because of its versatility, renewability, and aesthetic appeal. However, new opportunities for wood are arising as researchers have developed ways to tune the material's optical, thermal, mechanical, and ionic transport properties by chemically and physically modifying wood's naturally porous structure and chemical composition. Such modifications can be used to produce sustainable, functional materials for various emerging applications such as automobiles, construction, energy storage, and environmental remediation. In this review, we highlight recent advancements in engineered wood for sustainable technologies, including thermal and light management, environmental remediation, nanofluidics, batteries, and structural materials with high strength-to-weight ratios. Additionally, the current challenges, opportunities, and future of wood research are discussed, providing a guideline for the further development of next-generation, sustainable wood-based materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

End State: Vision for Future Land Use at Hanford

An end state vision is influenced by practical constraints associated with technology limitations, resource availability, costs, timing, and unintended consequences of remedial actions, and a site’s next intended use. Therefore, subsurface environmental remediation goals often need to be balanced against the risks and costs of contaminant removal versus leaving contamination in place. For example, in regions where contaminant concentrations are high but immobile, the intended site use should be evaluated in conjunction with the risk of re-mobilization with an aggressive remedy. By contrast, the technological challenges, cost, and time to reach remedial objectives of cleaning up low levels of contamination distributed over large areas in the subsurface may require different considerations for a site’s next intended use.

environmental remediation, environmental managemen↗
DOE OSTI2022

High efficiency normal conducting linac for environmental water remediation

A continuous wave (CW) electron accelerator for the treatment of industrial streams including an electron beam source, a modified high efficiency slot coupled cavity, at least one focusing magnet positioned surrounding the accelerator to contain the beam in the accelerator, an efficient radio frequency power supply means for supplying power of a radio frequency to the cavity to induce a TM01 accelerating mode in the cavity, an electron beam spreader or raster, a fixed magnet array or two-dimensional scanning magnet for deflecting the accelerated beam into a desired shape, and an exit window for extracting the deflected electron beam. The accelerator includes a graded-beta cavity to enable use with a low-power pulsed electron source. The accelerator benefits from a low wall-power loss accelerating cavity that is energized with efficient RF sources, enabling it to be operated in continuous wave mode.

Hannon, Fay↗
DOE OSTI2023

Online Analytics for Remedy Support at DOE Environmental Management Sites

Environmental data is important for managing environmental restoration/waste site remediation, planning of monitoring efforts, addressing climate resilience, and engaging with stakeholders and regulators. A major challenge is how to manage the many different types and the large volume of environmental data in a way that allows practitioners and site managers to understand data implications and support decisions. The Suite Of Comprehensive Rapid Analysis Tools for Environmental Sites (SOCRATES, https://www.pnnl.gov/projects/socrates) is a web application that provides data access, visualization, and rapid analytics to help make sense of environmental data, support remedy decisions, and communicate information. Development of SOCRATES has been funded through the DOE Richland Operations Office (RL) to support communication and decision making for the Hanford Site, thus is only tied into Hanford environmental data. However, the capabilities of SOCRATES are more broadly applicable to DOE-EM sites engaged in environmental remediation and management. This report describes the work to develop mechanisms for bringing non-Hanford data into SOCRATES so that other DOE-EM sites could make use of the visualization and analysis capabilities to support communication and decision making related to managing environmental restoration/waste site remediation, optimization/exit strategies for pump-and-treat systems, planning monitoring efforts, addressing climate resilience, and/or engaging with stakeholders and regulators. The background, approach, data transfer formats, examples, and next steps for this new SOCRATES-EM software are described in this report.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

SubTER ZTEM (Z-Axis Tipper Electromagnetic) Survey Results, Mineral Mountains Area, Utah

This data was acquired as part of the Subsurface Science, Technology and Engineering Research, and Development (SubTER) Crosscut which is a collaboration across the Department of Energy offices involved in research activities in energy production/extraction, subsurface storage, and environmental remediation. The contents of this zip contains the ZTEM survey measured and processed results for the Mineral Mountains area, Utah. The data were acquired through subcontract to Geotech Inc of Aurora, ON, Canada and their narrative report is included. There are also two readme.txt file included that further describe the data.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Multi-hydrophilic functional network enables porous membranes excellent anti-fouling performance for highly efficient water remediation

Membrane technology is believed as a cost-effective approach for solving the water issues, where as it suffers from serious membrane fouling. Surface grafting and surface coating have been proved to be effective in abating the membrane fouling; however, these processes always need additional procedures and compromise the initial permeance of the membranes. Herein, we developed a kind of highly permeable polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membranes with excellent anti-fouling performance through one-step phase inversion of the PAN casting solution containing water-soluble active additives. During the process, the water-soluble active additives could segregate towards the membrane surface and pore walls; thereby finely tailoring the pore structures of the PAN-based membranes. Moreover, the active additives could react with each other to form crosslinked networks containing multi-hydrophilic functional groups including CH2-O-CH2, -OH or-Si-OH. Consequently, the PAN-based membranes exhibited surprising superhydrophilicity with water contact angle below 10. even after soaking in water for one week and the anti-fouling permeance of the membranes increased significantly with permeance recovery rate above 93%. Interestingly, the modified membranes also demonstrated both high permeances and high separation efficiency, thereby showing strong promise in water environmental remediation including wastewater treatment and oil/water emulsion separation.

Anti-fouling↗