Rare-Earth Elements as Natural Tracers for In Situ Remediation of Groundwater.

ABSTRACT: The utility of rare-earth elements (REEs) as natural geochemical tracers for the analysis of groundwater remediation was examined in several example permeable reactive barriers (PRBs). The PRBs utilize zero-valent iron and organic carbon plus limestone mixtures for contaminant treatment. Zero-valent iron removed REEs from groundwater to below detection levels (2-4 ng/L) and subsequent rebound of REE concentrations in regions down-gradient of the treatment zones was not observed. In addition, REE concentrations within and down-gradient of an organic carbon/limestone PRB were significantly reduced to <1% of influent levels. Thus, REEs are sensitive tracers for evaluating the interaction of groundwater with materials placed in the subsurface for contaminant remediation. Analysis of geochemica

SUBMITTER: Wilkin RT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7868090 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature