Project ID: 2006MA58B
Title: Perchlorate Reduction in Groundwater Using Elemental Sulfur
Project Type: Research
Start Date: 03/01/2006
End Date: 02/28/2007
Congressional District: 1st
Focus Categories: Nitrate Contamination, Toxic Substances, Water Quality
Keywords: Perchlorate, Sulfur, Bioreactor, Nitrate
Principal Investigators: Sahu, Ashish K.; Ergas, Sarina;
Federal Funds: $5,000
Non-Federal Matching Funds: $13,838
Abstract: Perchlorate (ClO4-) release in groundwater has primarily occurred in association with manufacturing of missiles, rockets, fireworks and industrial processes. Perchlorate contamination has been recorded in drinking water in 38 US states. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has proposed limits on perchlorate of 1 mg/L because of adverse effects to the thyroid. In 2004, nine towns in MA reported perchlorate concentrations greater than 1 mg/L.
The overall objective of this proposal is to engineer a novel technology to treat perchlorate contaminated water using elemental sulfur in the presence of perchlorate reducing bacteria.
The data obtained from the experiments can be used to scale up the system to pilot scale to treat perchlorate contamination in groundwater. The treatment process can be employed at a municipal water treatment facility or can be used as an in situ treatment technology for contaminated groundwater plumes such as permeable reactive barriers.
Progress/Completion Report, PDF