Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

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Environmental Research

 

Atmospheric Oxidant Measurements and Modeling

The role of hydroxyl radical in the atmosphere is well established as a key molecule in almost all atmospheric chemical cycles. Work at WSU is aimed at the development of a method for measuring ambient levels of the very reactive OH molecule, and using this method to document diurnal and seasonal variations in OH levels as a basis for evaluating atmospheric chemical models. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is another atmospheric oxidant which plays an important role in cloud water chemistry and can be a contributor to pollutant damage to vegetation. Studies are underway at WSU to measure deposition rates of hydrogen peroxide to vegetation and to model the uptake of (H2O2) by plants. Results from both the OH and (H2O2) investigations will provide a better basis for judging the accuracy of current models related to ozone formation, acid deposition, and global chemical cycles.

 

 

Biogenic Hydrocarbon Emissions

Another area of cooperative research with the National Center for Atmospheric Research is the investigation of the emission and fate of biogenic hydrocarbons emitted from vegetation. Field programs have recently been conducted in deciduous and pine forests in the eastern U.S. in the BOREAS program in the boreal forest zone of central Canada. The objective in this research is to develop accurate models of the emission process and to obtain details of the chemical oxidation of hydrocarbons in the atmosphere.

 

 

Biological Reduction of Cr(VI)

Biological reduction through the stimulation of indigenous bacteria can have significant advantages over chemical reduction processes at sites contaminated with hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). Consequently, we are studying the fundamental and applied aspects of Cr(VI) reduction in both batch and continuous flow column experiments using pure and mixed cultures of bacteria to enable the development of a model that can be used to design and operate in situ groundwater remediation systems. This project is a collaborative effort between the Departments of Chemical and Civil Engineering and Microbiology and is part of the Center for Environmental, Sediment and Aquatic Research. (CESAR) (yonge@wsu.edu)

 

 

Catalyzed Peroxide Treatment

Treatment of hazardous and industrial wastes using catalyzed peroxide is an emerging area that is applicable to a variety of contaminants and contaminant matrices. This process technique has been shown to be effective for complete or partial destruction of recalcitrant materials in both soils and industrial waste streams. Destruction is afforded by hydroxyl radical that is formed under appropriate reaction conditions. This work is being extended to high pressure catalyzed peroxide oxidation where significant reductions in peroxide requirements are anticipated. In addition, the use of native minerals as natural catalysts is being investigated.

 

 

Contaminant Emissions

An additional area of expertise that utilizes a multidisciplinary research approach is the prediction of volatile organic carbon emissions. An accurate prediction technique has been developed within our research group that utilizes an inert tracer (SF6). Full advantage of this predictive tool is realized by combining the areas of atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric modeling, and industrial wastewater treatment. Current projects taking advantage of this collaborative effort include CCl4 venting from soils and associated groundwater treatment system, and VOC emissions from industrial treatment facilities.

 

 

Disjunct Eddy Flux Instrumentation for Ecological Biocomplexity

 

 

Fate and Effects of Industrial Chemicals in Wastewater Treatment Process

Industrial additives, solvents, and pesticides are often disposed to sanitary sewers and then enter wastewater treatment facilities where they may upset the processes due to their potential toxicity to microorganisms. A number of research projects are investigating the fate and potential microbial toxicity of these chemicals to microorganisms commonly found in wastewater treatment processes.

 

 

Global Warming

Climate change research under active investigation at WSU includes development and application of methods to measure methane emissions from ruminant livestock, from landfills and wastewater systems, and from natural gas facilities. These programs involve application of the SF6 tracer ratio method. These projects are aimed at improving our understanding of emission mechanisms and emission fluxes from specific components of the global methane budget. Measurements are in progress across the U.S. and in Europe, and plans are underway to cooperate with scientists from India to make methane emissions from livestock in India.

 

 

Non-Ideal Sorption Behavior of Chlorocarbons on Soils

Often times the limiting factor in determining remediation time scales and achievable limits of residual contaminants in the vadose zone is dependent upon the inability of existing models to adequately account for non-ideal sorption behavior that has been observed on a variety of soils contaminated with chlorocarbons. Fundamental information is being gained regarding the behavior of carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene in near-molecular size pores by producing silica oxide soil "simulant" particles with highly characterized pore distribution and surface chemistry. This project is a collaborative effort between the Departments of chemical and Civil Engineering and is part of the NSF IGERT Center for Multiphase Environmental Research. (yonge@wsu.edu)

 

 

PM10 Emissions, Transport and Dispersion

Windblown dust and particles associated with vehicles and roadways are two important sources of PM10 (less than 10 um diameter) particles in the atmosphere. Measurements of PM10 emissions from paved and unpaved roads are being made to aid the analysis of the impact of PM10 in an urban area. At the same time, measurements and modeling are being conducted to examine the relative importance of windblown dust from cultivated and/or natural lands on a regional scale. The results will be used to guide development of practical and cost-effective control strategies for reducing particulate air pollution in both rural and urban areas. (claiborn@wsu.edu)

 

The environmental engineering faculty are involved in a broad range of research that exhibits excellence in both fundamental and applied areas. A significant and unique strength of the group is its wide range of research expertise and, more importantly, the utilization of this expertise in concept development and application. Current research encompasses the sub disciplines of air, soil, surface water, and groundwater.

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