Peter Bennett, Principal Consultant at Haley & Aldrich, is the lead author of a newly published report, “Extending the applicability of compound-specific isotope analysis to low concentrations of 1,4-dioxane – phase 2.” Bennett and Dr. Ramon Aravena of the University of Waterloo produced the report as part of a project for the Department of Defense Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP).
The project allows for the use of an advanced tool, compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA), to assess 1,4-dioxane degradation in groundwater. CSIA is a powerful tool for verifying degradation of common groundwater pollutants, but prior to this project, CSIA was not sensitive enough for application at many sites with 1,4-dioxane contamination. This project enhanced the sensitivity of CSIA for widespread use at 1,4-dioxane sites. The new method involves pre-concentration of 1,4-dioxane onto a sorbent and is now commercially available at the University of Waterloo Environmental Isotope Laboratory.
This method can provide regulators with convincing evidence of 1,4-dioxane degradation at industrial-release sites and can inform appropriate remedial strategies.
To learn more, read the full report on the SERDP website. To understand how this might be applicable to your sites, please contact Peter, a remediation practice leader and forensic analysis expert.
