Earth and Space Science Project Abstract
PHYTOREMEDIATION OF AN INDUSTRIAL SITE (2001)
Presenters:
Holly Bybee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; grvychic@imsa.edu
Emma Goodman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W.Sullivan Road, Aurora,IL 60506; peacocki@imsa.edu
Anna Hang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; lucky3@imsa.edu
Lynn Peng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; evex101@imsa.edu
Diana Tung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; iluvya@imsa.edu
Tori Walters, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; tjw@imsa.edu
Yun Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; meese923@imsa.edu
Advisor:
David Workman, Ph.D., Science, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; 630-907-5049; workman@imsa.edu
Abstract:
Pytoremediation is being used by Rafson Engineering to clean up an industrial site contaminated by organic solvents and their derivatives, mainly TCE, PCE, DCE, and Vinyl Chloride. Phytoremediation uses plants to absorb pollutants out of ground water. In our case, poplar trees (planted in the spring of 2000 are the primary plant used because their deep root systems are able to reach the water table and absorb the pollutants. We will monitor this process to determine its effectiveness. We have completed a detailed site map and have monitored the growth of the trees for two years. The first water samples ere taken from the 10 test wells at the site in March of 2001. Pollutant levels were measured using an HPLC-GC. The objective is to bring the contamination levels in the groundwater to 0.001 ppm, which is drinking water quality. We will continue to monitor the evolution of the site until it is determined to be clean and able to be used for commercial or other purposes.