Laboratory Services PRIMA Environmental’s facility is a modern laboratory designed to perform a broad range of bench-scale tests. Bench-scale la boratory testing is used to evaluate emerging remediation technologies, test new applications of an existing technology, develop design parameters for field treatment systems, obtain bioavailability data for risk assessments, measure parameters not covered by EPA methods, and learn more about what naturally occurs at a site. All tests performed by PRIMA Environmental are specially designed to address the particular needs of the client.
TECHNOLOGY EVALUATIONS Technology evaluations provide a wealth of site-specific information that is necessary to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the proposed approach. For example, technology evaluations can confirm removal of chemicals of concern (COCs) from site materials, estimate dose and time requirements needed to achieve removal, identify the mode of removal (e.g. chemical destruction versus volatilization), and predict potential short-term and long-term effects of treatment on other water or soil parameters. Examples of technology evaluations performed by PRIMA Environmental include:
Oxidation of chlorinated solvents and pesticides by permanganate, Effect of in situ permanganate treatment on the aqueous concentration of Cr(VI), Comparison of reducing agents such as ferrous iron, calcium polysulfide, and organic acids for conversion of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) in soil and groundwater, Fenton oxidation for destruction of BTEX, MTBE, petroleum hydrocarbons, and chlorinated hydro carbons in soil and water, Comparison of oxidizing agents (ozone, Fenton’s reagent and permanganate) for removal of methyl salicylate and biphenyl ether from groundwater, Comparison of adsorbents for removal of arsenic from groundwater, Removal of multiple COCs (nitrate, metals and cyanide) by zero-valent iron, Determination of treatment system design parameters for destruction of BTEX and MTBE in water, Measurement of rate constants for reductive dehalogenation of chlorinated solvents by zero-valent iron, Effect of chemical stabilization of mine tailings on the quality of leachate, Determination of dose requirements for stabilization of metals in soil by EnviroBlend and triple super phosphate, Evaluation of Metals Reducing Compound (MRC) for treatment of TCE and prevention of mobilization of arsenic, and Screening of oxidants for removal of DDT, DDE, and toxaphene from soil.
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT Many emerging technologies in the environmental arena are essentially field applications of well-known chemistry. PRIMA Environmental is committed to seeking out and developing new technologies when the current state-of-the-art cannot provide satisfactory results at acceptable cost. PRIMA Environmental and its staff have assisted in the development of the following technologies: Sulfur Modified Iron (SMI-IIIÔ) for the removal of arsenic, nitrate, hexavalent chromium, and copper from water. In situ reduction and stabilization of Cr(VI) in soil and groundwater, Shot-blast dust residual for the removal of arsenic from stormwater, and Field screening method for delineation of petroleum hydrocarbon impacts in soil.
ATTENUATION The ability of compounds to attenuate is of interest both for the primary chemical of concern as well as for compounds that might be generated during in situ remediation. PRIMA Environmental has designed and performed tests to assess whether compounds are likely to atten uate at the site including:
Natural attenuation of DDT in anaerobic site sediment, Evaluation of attenuation of Cr(VI) formed during in situ chemical oxidation. Tests asses attenuation within the treatment zone and downgradient of the treatment zone since oxidation could adversely affect the ability of soil to attenuate Cr(VI), and Generation of buffering curves to estimate the amount of acid that can be added (usually as Fenton’s reagent or from decomposition of persulfate) without causing significant long-term changes in pH
BIOACCESSIBILITY The toxicity, fate, and appropriate method of removal a COC often depend not only upon the total analytical quantity of the COC, but also upon the form and the bioaccessibil ity of the COC. PRIMA Environmental can perform tests to elucidate these forms and help assess their bioavailabiltiy and behavior in the environment. Tests include:
Speciation of metals such as Cr(III)/Cr(VI), Extraction of lead and arsenic from soil using physiologically-based extraction test (PBET) procedures described in Environmental Science & Technology and in “Guide for Incorporating Bioavailability Adjustments into Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessments at US Navy and Marine Corps Facilities” NFESC User’s Guide UG-2041-ENV (July 2000).
OTHER TESTING PRIMA Environmental has conducted numerous bench-scale tests to identify unknowns and to assist clients in better understanding their site. Example s of such tests include:
Investigation of natural formation of Cr(VI) by soils, Measurement of manganese and iron oxides in soil using procedures described in Methods of Soil Analysis, Part II, Measurement of easily reducible manganese (vs. total manganese), which can be used to evaluate availability of manganese to plants as well as assess the potential for natural formation of Cr(VI), and Measurement of lead distribution in soil to evaluate whether sieving can reduce the amount of soil to be disposed, Identification of black residue on fixtures at a public pool.  Copyright © PRIMA Environmental 2003 - 2008