Services Offered PRIMA is an independent laboratory that specializes in bench-scale testing that analytical labs cannot do. Bench-scale testing can help you identify an appropriate remediation technology, spot potential problems before going into the field, and assure your client that your approach to the environmental concerns at his/her site is sound.
	LAB SERVICES		CONSULTING SERVICES
LABORATORY SERVICES PRIMA’s facility is a modern laboratory designed to perform a broad range of bench-scale tests. Bench-scale laboratory 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 are specially designed to address the particular needs of the client. SOIL OXIDANT DEMAND (SOD) Knowing the amount of oxidant consumed by soil is necessary when determining the amount of oxidant that must be injected into the subsurface during in situ chemical oxidation. PRIMA can measure the soil oxidant demand for the following oxidants: Activated Persulfate (alkaline activation, peroxide activation, iron-EDTA activation) Klozur® CR Ozone Permanganate (KMnO4 or NaMnO4) EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! Soil oxidant demand does not tell you whether a contaminant is destroyed by the oxidant!
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 hydrocarbons 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.
EVALUATION OF SECONDARY EFFECTS Many remediation technologies may do more than simply reduce the concentration of contaminants in soil or groundwater. For example, most oxidants have the potential to convert naturally occurring soil chromium to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], while addition of a carbon source to stimulate anaerobic bioremediation may mobiliize the arsenic. PRIMA routinely evaluates the site-specific effect of remediation treatments on secondary parameters.   TECHNOLOGY OVERSIGHT AND DEVELOPMENT Many emerging technologies in the environmental arena are essentially field applications of well-known chemistry. PRIMA has extensive experience with several innovative technologies and recognizes the importance of chemical knowledge when designing effective treatment systems. PRIMA is committed to evaluating and developing new technologies when the current state-of-the-art cannot provide satisfactory results at acceptable cost. PRIMA 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 naturally 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 has designed and performed tests to assess site-specific attenuation including:
Natural attenuation of DDT in anaerobic site sediment, Post-treatment attenuation of Cr(VI) formed during in situ chemical oxidation, Post-treatment attenuation of arsenic generated under anaerobic conditions, 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.
IN VITRO BIOACCESSIBILITY TESTS (aka Physiologically Based Extraction Tests, PBETS) Soil may be elevated in lead or arsenic, but if these compounds are not bioavailable, then the soils may pose little risk to human health or the environment. PRIMA performs in vitro bioaccessibility testing (also known as physiologically based extraction tests) to assess bioavailability of lead and arsenic.
OTHER TESTING PRIMA has conducted numerous bench-scale tests to identify unknowns and to assist clients in better understanding their site. Examples of such tests include:
Investigation of natural formation of Cr(VI) by soils, Measurement of manganese and iron oxides in soil, 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, Assessment of leaching of perchlorate from soil, Measurement of aquatic humic substances (Methods of Water and Wastewater Analysis), Evaluation of the matrix effects of surfactants on Oil and Grease analysis.
CONSULTING SERVICES Understanding the science behind different management options can help identify the best approach for addressing environmental issues at a site and help stake-holders accept and support that approach. PRIMA offers chemical expertise to assist clients with the following: Scientific review of previous treatability studies and other reports, Development and/or review of testing protocols, Literature searches/reviews, Identification of unknowns (through in-house laboratory testing, literature review, and/or coordination of outside laboratory testing), Presentation of scientific issues and information to clients, legal counsel, regulatory agencies, stakeholders, students and other interested groups, and Unusual projects requiring chemical knowledge.

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