Theme: 14. Emerging Contaminants

Topic Area: 14a. 1,4-Dioxane Remediation Challenges

Formatted Title:

Bench-Scale Treatability Study of Soil Contaminated with 1,4-Dioxane

Background/Objectives:

The compound 1,4-dioxane is a clear liquid with a faint, pleasant odor. It is used as a solvent in the manufacture of other chemicals and a as a laboratory reagent. It is also a trace contaminant of some chemicals used in cosmetics, detergents, and shampoos. 1,4-Dioxane can be released into the air, water and soil at places where it is produced or used as a solvent. It does not stick to soil particles so it can easily move from soil into groundwater. High levels of 1,4-dioxane are unhealthy due to the fact it is a known carcinogen. The primary objective of the study was to identify candidate thermal treatments based on effectiveness, as well as gathering feasibility parameters for remediation.

Approach/Activities:

The Applied Technology Group of KEMRON Environmental Services, Inc. (KEMRON) performed a bench-scale laboratory study to evaluate the reductive ability of thermal treatment methods to reduce total concentrations of 1,4-dioxane from site soil materials. Testing was performed on one soil material from a site in Michigan. Site history consisted of the manufacturing of micro-porous filters, which resulted in the release of 1,4-dioxane.

This study involved evaluating two treatment alternatives including hot air injection and steam injection. The hot air treatments were conducted at 40°C and 60°C for 7 days and the steam injection treatment was conducted until two pore volumes of condensate were collected.

Results/Lessons Learned:

The treatability study revealed that each of the technologies evaluated was successful in reducing the concentration of 1,4-dioxane in the contaminated soil. It was then determined that full-scale remediation would depend on cost and feasibility of each treatment option.

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Tomecia Bradley