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| − | ==Transition of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) Fire Suppression Infrastructure Impacted by Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)== | + | ==''In Situ'' Toxicity Identification Evaluation (iTIE)== |
| − | [[Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)|Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)]] contained in [[wikipedia:Firefighting foam |Class B aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs)]] are known to accumulate on wetted surfaces of many fire suppression systems after decades of exposure<ref name="LangEtAl2022">Lang, J.R., McDonough, J., Guillette, T.C., Storch, P., Anderson, J., Liles, D., Prigge, R., Miles, J.A.L., Divine, C., 2022. Characterization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on fire suppression system piping and optimization of removal methods. Chemosphere, 308(Part 2), 136254. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136254 doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136254] [[Media:LangEtAl2022.pdf | Open Access Article]]</ref>. When replacement PFAS-free firefighting formulations are added to existing infrastructure, PFAS can rebound from the wetted surfaces into the new formulations at high concentrations<ref name="RossStorch2020">Ross, I., and Storch, P., 2020. Foam Transition: Is It as Simple as "Foam Out / Foam In?". The Catalyst (Journal of JOIFF, The International Organization for Industrial Emergency Services Management), Q2 Supplement, 20 pages. [[Media:Catalyst_2020_Q2_Sup.pdf | Industry Newsletter]]</ref><ref>Kappetijn, K., 2023. Replacement of fluorinated extinguishing foam: When is clean clean enough? The Catalyst (Journal of JOIFF, The International Organization for Industrial Emergency Services Management), Q1 2023, pp. 31-33. [[Media:Catalyst_2023_Q1.pdf | Industry Newsletter]]</ref>. Effective methods are needed to properly transition to PFAS-free firefighting formulations in existing fire suppression infrastructure. Considerations in the transition process may include but are not limited to locating, identifying, and evaluating existing systems and AFFF, fire engineering evaluations, system prioritization, cost/downtime analyses, sampling and analysis, evaluation of risks and hazards to human health and the environment, transportation, and disposal.
| + | The ''in situ'' Toxicity Identification Evaluation system is a tool to incorporate in weight-of-evidence studies at sites with numerous chemical toxicant classes present. The technology works by continuously sampling site water, immediately fractionating the water using diagnostic sorptive resins, and then exposing test organisms to the water to observe toxicity responses with minimal sample manipulation. It is compatible with various resins, test organisms, and common acute and chronic toxicity tests, and can be deployed at sites with a wide variety of physical and logistical considerations. |
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| | '''Related Article(s):''' | | '''Related Article(s):''' |
| − | *[[Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)]]
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| − | *[[PFAS Sources]]
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| − | *[[PFAS Ex Situ Water Treatment]]
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| − | *[[Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO)]]
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| − | *[[PFAS Treatment by Electrical Discharge Plasma]]
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| − | '''Contributor(s):'''
| + | *[[Contaminated Sediments - Introduction]] |
| − | *Dr. Johnsie Ray Lang | + | *[[Contaminated Sediment Risk Assessment]] |
| − | *Dr. Jonathan Miles | + | *[[Passive Sampling of Sediments]] |
| − | *John Anderson
| + | *[[Sediment Porewater Dialysis Passive Samplers for Inorganics (Peepers)]] |
| − | *Dr. Theresa Guillette
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| − | *[[Craig E. Divine, Ph.D., PG|Dr. Craig Divine]] | |
| − | *[[Dr. Stephen Richardson]] | |
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| − | '''Key Resource(s):''' | + | '''Contributors:''' Dr. G. Allen Burton Jr., Austin Crane |
| − | *Department of Defense (DoD) performance standard for PFAS-free firefighting formulation: [https://media.defense.gov/2023/Jan/12/2003144157/-1/-1/1/MILITARY-SPECIFICATION-FOR-FIRE-EXTINGUISHING-AGENT-FLUORINE-FREE-FOAM-F3-LIQUID-CONCENTRATE-FOR-LAND-BASED-FRESH-WATER-APPLICATIONS.PDF Military Specification MIL-PRF-32725]<ref name="DoD2023">US Department of Defense, 2023. Performance Specification for Fire Extinguishing Agent, Fluorine-Free Foam (F3) Liquid Concentrate for Land-Based, Fresh Water Applications. Mil-Spec MIL-PRF-32725, 18 pages. [[Media: MilSpec32725.pdf | Military Specification Document]]</ref> | + | |
| − | *Characterization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on fire suppression system piping and optimization of removal methods<ref name="LangEtAl2022"/> | + | '''Key Resources:''' |
| | + | *A Novel In Situ Toxicity Identification Evaluation (iTIE) System for Determining which Chemicals Drive Impairments at Contaminated Sites<ref name="BurtonEtAl2020">Burton, G.A., Cervi, E.C., Meyer, K., Steigmeyer, A., Verhamme, E., Daley, J., Hudson, M., Colvin, M., Rosen, G., 2020. A novel In Situ Toxicity Identification Evaluation (iTIE) System for Determining which Chemicals Drive Impairments at Contaminated Sites. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 39(9), pp. 1746-1754. [https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.4799 doi: 10.1002/etc.4799]</ref> |
| | + | *An in situ toxicity identification and evaluation water analysis system: Laboratory validation<ref name="SteigmeyerEtAl2017">Steigmeyer, A.J., Zhang, J., Daley, J.M., Zhang, X., Burton, G.A. Jr., 2017. An in situ toxicity identification and evaluation water analysis system: Laboratory validation. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 36(6), pp. 1636-1643. [https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.3696 doi: 10.1002/etc.3696]</ref> |
| | + | *Sediment Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) Phases I, II, and III Guidance Document<ref>United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2007. Sediment Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) Phases I, II, and III Guidance Document, EPA/600/R-07/080. 145 pages. [https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=P1003GR1.txt Free Download] [[Media: EPA2007.pdf | Report.pdf]]</ref> |
| | + | *In Situ Toxicity Identification Evaluation (iTIE) Technology for Assessing Contaminated Sediments, Remediation Success, Recontamination and Source Identification<ref>In Situ Toxicity Identification Evaluation (iTIE) Technology for Assessing Contaminated Sediments, Remediation Success, Recontamination and Source Identification [https://serdp-estcp.mil/projects/details/88a8f9ba-542b-4b98-bfa4-f693435535cd/er18-1181-project-overview Project Website] [[Media: ER18-1181Ph.II.pdf | Final Report.pdf]]</ref> |
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| | ==Introduction== | | ==Introduction== |
| − | [[File:LangFig1.png | thumb |400px|Figure 1. (A) Schematic of a typical PFAS molecule demonstrating the hydrophobic fluorinated tail in green and the hydrophilic charged functional group in blue, (B) a PFAS bilayer formed with the hydrophobic tails facing inward and the charged functional groups on the outside, and (C) multiple bilayers of PFAS assembled on the wetted surfaces of fire suppression piping.]]PFAS are a class of synthetic fluorinated compounds which are highly mobile and persistent within the environment<ref>Giesy, J.P., Kannan, K., 2001. Global Distribution of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate in Wildlife. Environmental Science and Technology 35(7), pp. 1339-1342. [https://doi.org/10.1021/es001834k doi: 10.1021/es001834k]</ref>. Due to the surfactant properties of PFAS, these compounds self-assemble at any solid-liquid interface forming resilient bilayers during prolonged exposure<ref>Krafft, M.P., Riess, J.G., 2015. Selected physicochemical aspects of poly- and perfluoroalkylated substances relevant to performance, environment and sustainability-Part one. Chemosphere, 129, pp. 4-19. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.08.039 doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.08.039]</ref>. Solid phase accumulation of PFAS has been proposed to be influenced by both hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions with fluorinated carbon chain length as the dominant feature influencing sorption<ref>Higgins, C.P., Luthy, R.G., 2006. Sorption of Perfluorinated Surfactants on Sediments. Environmental Science and Technology, 40(23), pp. 7251-7256. [https://doi.org/10.1021/es061000n doi: 10.1021/es061000n]</ref>. While the majority of previous research into solid phase sorption typically focused on water treatment applications or subsurface porous media<ref>Brusseau, M.L., 2018. Assessing the Potential Contributions of Additional Retention Processes to PFAS Retardation in the Subsurface. Science of the Total Environment, 613-614, pp. 176-185. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.065 doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.065] [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5693257/ Open Access Manuscript]</ref>, recently PFAS accumulations have been demonstrated on the wetted surfaces of fire suppression infrastructure exposed to aqueous film forming foam (AFFF)<ref name="LangEtAl2022"/> (see Figure 1).
| + | In waterways impacted by numerous naturally occurring and anthropogenic chemical stressors, it is crucial for environmental practitioners to be able to identify which chemical classes are causing the highest degrees of toxicity to aquatic life. Previously developed methods, including the Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) protocol developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)<ref>Norberg-King, T., Mount, D.I., Amato, J.R., Jensen, D.A., Thompson, J.A., 1992. Toxicity identification evaluation: Characterization of chronically toxic effluents: Phase I. Publication No. EPA/600/6-91/005F. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development. [https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-09/documents/owm0255.pdf Free Download from US EPA] [[Media: usepa1992.pdf | Report.pdf]]</ref>, can be confounded by sample manipulation artifacts and temporal limitations of ''ex situ'' organism exposures<ref name="BurtonEtAl2020"/>. These factors may disrupt causal linkages and mislead investigators during site characterization and management decision-making. The ''in situ'' Toxicity Identification Evaluation (iTIE) technology was developed to allow users to strengthen stressor-causality linkages and rank chemical classes of concern at impaired sites, with high degrees of ecological realism. |
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| − | Fire suppression systems with potential PFAS impacts include fire fighting vehicles that carried AFFF and fixed suppression systems in buildings containing large amounts of flammable materials such as aircraft hangars (Figure 2). PFAS residue on the wetted surfaces of existing infrastructure can rebound into replacement PFAS-free firefighting formulations if not removed during the transition process<ref name="RossStorch2020"/>. Simple surface rinsing with water and low-pressure washing has been proven to be inefficient for removal of surface bound PFAS from piping and tanks that contained fluorinated AFFF<ref name="RossStorch2020"/>
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| − | [[File:LangFig2.png | thumb|left|600px|Figure 2. Fixed fire suppression system for an aircraft hangar, with storage tank on left and distribution piping on right.]]
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| − | In addition to proper methods for system cleaning to remove residual PFAS, transition to PFAS-free foam may also include consideration of compliance with state and federal regulations, selection of the replacement PFAS free firefighting formulation, a cost benefit analysis for replacement of the system components versus cleaning, and PFAS verification testing. Foam transition should be completed in a manner which minimizes the volume of waste generated as well as preventing any PFAS release into the environment.
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| − | ==PFAS Assembly on Solid Surfaces==
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| − | The self-assembly of [[Wikipedia: Amphiphile | amphiphilic]] molecules into supramolecular bilayers is a result of their structure and how it interacts with the bulk water of a solution. Single chain hydrocarbon based amphiphiles can form [[Wikipedia: Micelle | micelles]] under relatively dilute aqueous concentrations, however for hydrocarbon based surfactants the formation of more complex organized system such as [[Wikipedia: Vesicle (biology and chemistry) | vesicles]] is rarely seen, requiring double chain amphiphiles such as phospholipids. Associations of single chain cationic and anionic hydrocarbon based amphiphiles into stable supramolecular structures such as vesicles has however been demonstrated<ref>Fukuda, H., Kawata, K., Okuda, H., 1990. Bilayer-Forming Ion-Pair Amphiphiles from Single-Chain Surfactants. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 112(4), pp. 1635-1637. [https://doi.org/10.1021/ja00160a057 doi: 10.1021/ja00160a057]</ref>, with the ion pairing of the polar head groups mimicking the a double tail situation. The behavior of single chain fluorosurfactant amphiphiles has been demonstrated to be significantly different from similar hydrocarbon based analogues. Not only are [[Wikipedia: Critical micelle concentration | critical micelle concentrations (CMC)]] of fluorosurfactants typically two orders of magnitude lower than corresponding hydrocarbon surfactants but self-assembly can occur even when fluorosurfactants are dispersed at low concentrations significantly below the CMC in water and other solvents<ref name="Krafft2006">Krafft, M.P., 2006. Highly fluorinated compounds induce phase separation in, and nanostructuration of liquid media. Possible impact on, and use in chemical reactivity control. Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry, 44(14), pp. 4251-4258. [https://doi.org/10.1002/pola.21508 doi: 10.1002/pola.21508] [[Media:Krafft2006.pdf | Open Access Article]]</ref>. The assembly of fluorinated amphiphiles structurally similar to those found in AFFF have been shown to readily form stable, complex structures including vesicles, fibers, and globules at concentrations as low as 0.5% w/v in contrast to their hydrocarbon analogues which remained fluid at 30% w/v<ref>Krafft, M.P., Guilieri, F., Riess, J.G., 1993. Can Single-Chain Perfluoroalkylated Amphiphiles Alone form Vesicles and Other Organized Supramolecular Systems? Angewandte Chemie International Edition in English, 32(5), pp. 741-743. [https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.199307411 doi: 10.1002/anie.199307411]</ref><ref name="KrafftEtAl_1994">Krafft, M.P., Guilieri, F., Riess, J.G., 1994. Supramolecular assemblies from single chain perfluoroalkylated phosphorylated amphiphiles. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 84(1), pp. 113-119. [https://doi.org/10.1016/0927-7757(93)02681-4 doi: 10.1016/0927-7757(93)02681-4]</ref>.
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| − | Krafft found that fluorinated amphiphiles formed bilayer membranes with phospholipids, and that the resulting vesicles were more stable than those made of phospholipids alone<ref name="KrafftEtAl_1998">Krafft, M.P., Riess, J.G., 1998. Highly Fluorinated Amphiphiles and Collodial Systems, and their Applications in the Biomedical Field. A Contribution. Biochimie, 80(5-6), pp. 489-514. [https://doi.org/10.1016/S0300-9084(00)80016-4 doi: 10.1016/S0300-9084(00)80016-4]</ref>. The similarities in amphiphilic properties between phospholipids and the hydrocarbon-based surfactants in AFFF suggests that bilayer vesicles may form between these and the fluorosurfactants also present in the concentrate. Krafft demonstrated that both the permeability of resulting mixed vesicles and their propensity to fuse with each other at increasing ionic strength was reduced as a result of the creation of an inert hydrophobic and lipophobic film within the membrane, and also suggested that the fluorinated amphiphiles increased [[Wikipedia: van der Waals force | van der Waals interactions]] in the hydrocarbon region<ref name="KrafftEtAl_1998"/>. Thus this low permeability may allow vesicles formed by the surfactants present in AFFF to act as long term repositories of PFAS not only as part of the bilayer itself but also solvated within the vesicle. This prediction is supported by the observation that supramolecular structures formed from single chain fluorinated amphiphiles have been demonstrated to be stable at elevated temperature (15 min at 121°C) and have been shown to be stable over periods of months, even increasing in size over time when stored at environmentally relevant temperatures<ref name="KrafftEtAl_1994"/>.
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| − | Formation of complex structures at relatively low solute concentrations requires the monomer molecules to be well ordered to maintain tight packing in the supramolecular structure<ref>Ringsdorf, H., Schlarb, B., Venzmer, J., 1988. Molecular Architecture and Function of Polymeric Oriented Systems: Models for the Study of Organization, Surface Recognition, and Dynamics of Biomembranes. Angewandte Chemie International Edition in English, 27(1), pp. 113-158. [https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.198801131 doi: 10.1002/anie.198801131]</ref>. This order results from electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonding, and in the case of fluorinated amphiphiles, hydrophobic interactions. The geometry of the amphiphile also potentially contributes to the type of supramolecular aggregation<ref>Israelachvili, J.N., Mitchell, D.J., Ninham, B.W., 1976. Theory of Self-Assembly of Hydrocarbon Amphiphiles into Micelles and Bilayers. Journal of the Chemical Society, Faraday Transactions 2: Molecular and Chemical Physics, 72, pp. 1525-1568. [https://doi.org/10.1039/F29767201525 doi: 10.1039/F29767201525]</ref>. Surfactants which adopt a conical shape (such as a typical hydrocarbon based surfactant with a large polar head group and a single alkyl chain as a tail) tend to form micelles more easily. Increasing the bulk of the tail makes the surfactant more cylindrically shaped which makes assembly into bilayers more likely.
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| − | Perfluoroalkyl chains are significantly more bulky than their hydrocarbon based analogues both in cross sectional area (28-30 Å<sup>2</sup> versus 20 Å<sup>2</sup>, respectively) and mean volume (CF<sub>2</sub> and CF<sub>3</sub> estimated as 38 Å<sup>3</sup> and 92 Å<sup>3</sup> compared to 27 Å<sup>3</sup> and 54 Å<sup>3</sup> for CH<sub>2</sub> and CH<sub>3</sub>)<ref name="KrafftEtAl_1998"/><ref name="Krafft2006"/>. Structural studies on linear PFOS have shown that the molecule adopts an unusual helical structure<ref>Erkoç, Ş., Erkoç, F., 2001. Structural and electronic properties of PFOS and LiPFOS. Journal of Molecular Structure: THEOCHEM, 549(3), pp. 289-293. [https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-1280(01)00553-X doi:10.1016/S0166-1280(01)00553-X]</ref><ref name="TorresEtAl2009">Torres, F.J., Ochoa-Herrera, V., Blowers, P., Sierra-Alvarez, R., 2009. Ab initio study of the structural, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of linear perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and its branched isomers. Chemosphere 76(8), pp. 1143-1149. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.04.009 doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.04.009]</ref> in aqueous and solvent phases to alleviate steric hindrance. This arrangement results from the carbon chain starting in the planar all anti conformation and then successively twisting all the CC-CC dihedrals by 15°-20° in the same direction<ref>Abbandonato, G., Catalano, D., Marini, A., 2010. Aggregation of Perfluoroctanoate Salts Studied by <sup>19</sup>F NMR and DFT Calculations: Counterion Complexation, Poly(ethylene glycol) Addition, and Conformational Effects. Langmuir 26(22), pp. 16762-16770. [https://doi.org/10.1021/la102578k doi: 10.1021/la102578k].</ref>. The conformation also minimizes the electrostatic repulsion between fluorine atoms bonded to the same side of the carbon backbone by maximizing the interatomic distances between them<ref name="TorresEtAl2009"/>.
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| − | A consequence of the helical structure is that there is limited carbon-carbon bond rotation within the perfluoroalkyl chain giving them increased rigidity compared to alkyl chains<ref>Barton, S.W., Goudot, A., Bouloussa, O., Rondelez, F., Lin, B., Novak, F., Acero, A., Rice, S., 1992. Structural transitions in a monolayer of fluorinated amphiphile molecules. The Journal of Chemical Physics, 96(2), pp. 1343-1351. [https://doi.org/10.1063/1.462170 doi: 10.1063/1.462170]</ref>. The bulkiness of the perfluoroalkyl chain confers a cylindrical shape on the fluorosurfactant amphiphile and therefore favors the formation of bilayers and vesicles the aggregation of which is further assisted by the rigidity of the molecules which allow close packing in the supramolecular structure. Fluorosurfactants therefore cannot be regarded as more hydrophobic analogues of hydrogenated surfactants. Their self-assembly behavior is characterized by a strong tendency to form vesicles and lamellar phases rather than micelles, due to the bulkiness and rigidity of the perfluoroalkyl chain that tends to decrease the curvature of the aggregates they form in solution<ref>Barton, C.A., Butler, L.E., Zarzecki, C.J., Flaherty, J., Kaiser, M., 2006. Characterizing Perfluorooctanoate in Ambient Air near the Fence Line of a Manufacturing Facility: Comparing Modeled and Monitored Values. Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association, 56, pp. 48-55. [https://doi.org/10.1080/10473289.2006.10464429 doi: 10.1080/10473289.2006.10464429] [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/10473289.2006.10464429?needAccess=true Open Access Article]</ref>. The larger tail cross section of fluorinated compared to hydrogenated amphiphiles tends to favor the formation of aggregates with lesser surface curvature, therefore rather than micelles they form bilayer membranes, vesicles, tubules and fibers<ref>Krafft, M.P., Guilieri, F., Riess, J.G., 1993. Can Single-Chain Perfluoroalkylated Amphiphiles Alone form Vesicles and Other Organized Supramolecular Systems? Angewandte Chemie International Edition in English, 32(5), pp. 741-743. [https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.199307411 doi: 10.1002/anie.199307411]</ref><ref>Furuya, H., Moroi, Y., Kaibara, K., 1996. Solid and Solution Properties of Alkylammonium Perfluorocarboxylates. The Journal of Physical Chemistry, 100(43), pp. 17249-17254. [https://doi.org/10.1021/jp9612801 doi: 10.1021/jp9612801]</ref><ref>Giulieri, F., Krafft, M.P., 1996. Self-organization of single-chain fluorinated amphiphiles with fluorinated alcohols. Thin Solid Films, 284-285, pp. 195-199. [https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-6090(95)08304-9 doi: 10.1016/S0040-6090(95)08304-9]</ref><ref>Gladysz, J.A., Curran, D.P., Horvath, I.T., 2004. Handbook of Fluorous Chemistry. WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA,, Weinheim, Germany. ISBN: 3-527-30617-X</ref>. Rojas ''et al.'' (2002) demonstrated that perfluorooctyl sulphonamide formed a contiguous bilayer at 50 mg/L with self-assembled aggregates present at concentrations as low as 10 mg/L<ref name="RojasEtAl2002">Rojas, O.J., Macakova, L., Blomberg, E., Emmer, A., and Claesson, P.M., 2002. Fluorosurfactant Self-Assembly at Solid/Liquid Interfaces. Langmuir, 18(21), pp. 8085-8095. [https://doi.org/10.1021/la025989c doi: 10.1021/la025989c]</ref>.
| + | The technology has undergone a series of improvements in recent years, with the most recent prototype being robust, operable in a wide variety of site conditions, and cost-effective compared to alternative site characterization methods<ref>Burton, G.A. Jr., Nordstrom, J.F., 2004. An in situ toxicity identification evaluation method part I: Laboratory validation. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 23(12), pp. 2844-2850. [https://doi.org/10.1897/03-409.1 doi: 10.1897/03-409.1]</ref><ref>Burton, G.A. Jr., Nordstrom, J.F., 2004. An in situ toxicity identification evaluation method part II: Field validation. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 23(12), pp. 2851-2855. [https://doi.org/10.1897/03-468.1 doi: 10.1897/03-468.1]</ref><ref name="BurtonEtAl2020"/><ref name="SteigmeyerEtAl2017"/>. The latest prototype can be used in any of the following settings: in marine, estuarine, or freshwater sites; to study surface water or sediment pore water; in shallow waters easily accessible by foot or in deep waters only accessible by pier or boat. It can be used to study sites impacted by a wide variety of stressors including ammonia, [[Metal and Metalloid Contaminants | metals]], pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), [[Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) | polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)]], and [[Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) | per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)]], among others. The technology is applicable to studies of acute toxicity via organism survival or of chronic toxicity via responses in growth, reproduction, or gene expression<ref name="BurtonEtAl2020"/>. |
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| − | ==Thermodynamics of PFAS Accumulations on Solid Surfaces== | + | ==System Components and Validation== |
| − | The thermodynamics of formation of amphiphiles into supramolecular species requires consideration of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions resulting from the amphoteric nature of the molecule. The hydrophilic portions of the molecule are driven to maximize their solvation interaction with as many water molecules as possible, whereas the hydrophobic portions of the molecule are driven to aggregate together thus minimizing interaction with the bulk water. Both of these processes change the enthalpy and entropy of the system. | + | [[File: CraneFig1.png | thumb | 600 px | Figure 1: A schematic diagram of the iTIE system prototype. The system is divided into three sub-systems: 1) the Pore Water/Surface Water Collection Sub-System (blue); 2) the Pumping Sub-System (red); and 3) the iTIE Resin, Exposure, and Sampling Sub-System (green). Water first enters the system through the Pore Water/Surface Water Collection Sub-System. Porewater can be collected using Trident-style probes, or surface water can be collected using a simple weighted probe. The water is composited in a manifold before being pumped to the rest of the iTIE system by the booster pump. Once in the iTIE Resin, Exposure, and Sampling Sub-System, the water is gently oxygenated by the Oxygen Coil, separated from gas bubbles by the Drip Chamber, and diverted to separate iTIE Resin and Exposure Chambers (or iTIE units) by the Splitting Manifold. Water movement through each iTIE unit is controlled by a dedicated Regulation Pump. Finally, the water is gathered in Sample Collection bottles for analysis.]] |
| | + | The latest iTIE prototype consists of an array of sorptive resins that differentially fractionate sampled water, and a series of corresponding flow-through organism chambers that receive the treated water ''in situ''. Resin treatments can be selected depending on the chemicals suspected to be present at each site to selectively sequester certain chemical of concern (CoC) classes from the whole water, leaving a smaller subset of chemicals in the resulting water fraction for chemical and toxicological characterization. Test organism species and life stages can also be chosen depending on factors including site characteristics and study goals. In the full iTIE protocol, site water is continuously sampled either from the sediment pore spaces or the water column at a site, gently oxygenated, diverted to different iTIE units for fractionation and organism exposure, and collected in sample bottles for off-site chemical analysis (Figure 1). All iTIE system components are housed within waterproof Pelican cases, which allow for ease of transport and temperature control. |
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| − | In aqueous solution, the hydrophilic portions of an amphiphile form hydrogen bonds (4 - 120 kJ/mol) and van der Waals interactions (<5 kJ/mol) with water molecules and surfaces, and electrostatic interactions (5 – 300 kJ/mol) can also occur where the amphiphile is ionic<ref name="LombardoEtAl2015">Lombardo, D., Kiselev, M.A., Magazù, S., Calandra, P., 2015. Amphiphiles Self-Assembly: Basic Concepts and Future Perspectives of Supramolecular Approaches. Advances in Condensed Matter Physics, vol. 2015, article ID 151683, 22 pages. [https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/151683 doi: 10.1155/2015/151683] [[Media: LombardoEtAl2015.pdf | Open Access Article]]</ref>. These interactions, although weak compared to intramolecular covalent bonds within a molecule are energetically favorable and increase the enthalpy of the combined solute-solvent system. Thus, the hydrophilic portion of an amphiphile will look to maximize enthalpic gain through hydrogen bond interactions with the bulk water.
| + | ===Porewater and Surface Water Collection Sub-system=== |
| | + | [[File: CraneFig2.png | thumb | 600 px | Figure 2: a) Trident probe with auxiliary sensors attached, b) a Trident probe with end caps removed (the red arrow identifies the intermediate space where glass beads are packed to filter suspended solids), c) a Trident probe being installed using a series of push poles and a fence post driver]] |
| | + | Given the importance of sediment porewater to ecosystem structure and function, investigators may employ the iTIE system to evaluate the toxic effects associated with the impacted sediment porewater. To accomplish this, the iTIE system utilizes the Trident probe, originally developed for Department of Defense site characterization studies<ref>Chadwick, D.B., Harre, B., Smith, C.F., Groves, J.G., Paulsen, R.J., 2003. Coastal Contaminant Migration Monitoring: The Trident Probe and UltraSeep System. Hardware Description, Protocols, and Procedures. Technical Report 1902. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center.</ref>. The main body of the Trident is comprised of a stainless-steel frame with six hollow probes (Figure 2). Each probe contains a layer of inert glass beads, which filters suspended solids from the sampled water. The water is drawn through each probe into a composite manifold and transported to the rest of the iTIE system using a high-precision peristaltic pump. |
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| − | The hydrophobic portion of an amphiphile cannot form hydrogen bonds with the bulk solution, and its presence disrupts the hydrogen bond interactions between individual water molecules within the bulk water matrix. This disruption lowers the entropy of the system by reducing the degrees of translational rotational freedom available to the bulk water. The second law of thermodynamics dictates that a system will arrange itself to maximize its entropy. With hydrophobic species this can be achieved by their spontaneous aggregation, as the reduction in solution entropy of the aggregated system is less than that which would occur if the component parts were solvated individually. These hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions are weak, and the individual entropy gain per amphiphile upon aggregation is very small. However, taken together the overall effect on the entropy of the aggregate is sufficient to maintain it in solution, and moreover these interactions make the aggregates resistant to minor perturbations while retaining the reversibility of the self-assembled structure<ref name="LombardoEtAl2015"/>. | + | The Trident also includes an adjustable stopper plate, which forms a seal against the sediment and prevents the inadvertent dilution of porewater samples with surface water. (Figure 2). Preliminary laboratory results indicate that the Trident is extremely effective in collecting porewater samples with minimal surface water infiltration in sediments ranging from coarse sand to fine clay. Underwater cameras, sensors, passive samplers, and other auxiliary equipment can be attached to the Trident probe frame to provide supplemental data. |
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| − | ==Regulatory Drivers for Transition to PFAS Free Firefighting Formulations==
| + | Alternatively, practitioners may employ the iTIE system to evaluate site surface water. To sample surface water, weighted intake tubes can collect surface water from the water column using a peristaltic pump. |
| − | Regulations restricting the use and release of PFAS are being proposed and promulgated worldwide, with several enacted regulations addressing the use of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) containing PFAS<ref name="Queensland2016">Queensland (Australia) Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, 2016. Operational Policy - Environmental Management of Firefighting Foam. 16 pages. [https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/assets/documents/regulation/firefighting-foam-policy.pdf Free Download]</ref><ref>U.S. Congress, 2019. S.1790 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. United States Library of Congress. [https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/1790 Text and History of Law].</ref><ref>Arizona State Legislature, 2019. Title 36, Section 1696. Firefighting foam; prohibited uses; exception; definitions. [https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/36/01696.htm Text of Law]</ref><ref>California Legislature, 2020. Senate Bill No. 1044, Chapter 308, Firefighting equipment and foam: PFAS chemicals. [https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200SB1044 Text and History of Law]</ref><ref>Arkansas General Assembly, 2021. An Act Concerning the Use of Certain Chemicals in Firefighting Foam; and for Other Purposes. Act 315, State of Arkansas. [https://trackbill.com/bill/arkansas-house-bill-1351-concerning-the-use-of-certain-chemicals-in-firefighting-foam/2008913/ Text and History of Law].</ref><ref>Espinosa, Summers, Kelly, J., Statler, Hansen, Young, 2021. Amendment to Fire Prevention and Control Act. House Bill 2722. West Virginia Legislature. [https://trackbill.com/bill/west-virginia-house-bill-2722-prohibiting-the-use-of-class-b-fire-fighting-foam-for-testing-purposes-if-the-foam-contains-a-certain-class-of-fluorinated-organic-chemicals/2047674/ Text and History of Law]</ref><ref>Louisiana Legislature, 2021. Act No. 232. [https://trackbill.com/bill/louisiana-house-bill-389-fire-protect-fire-marshal-provides-relative-to-the-discharge-or-use-of-class-b-fire-fighting-foam-containing-fluorinated-organic-chemicals/2092535/ Text and History of Law]</ref><ref>Vermont Legislature, 2021b. Act No. 36, PFAS in Class B Firefighting Foam. [https://trackbill.com/bill/vermont-senate-bill-20-an-act-relating-to-restrictions-on-perfluoroalkyl-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-and-other-chemicals-of-concern-in-consumer-products/1978963/ History and Text of Law]</ref>. In addition to regulated usage, firefighting formulation users are transitioning to PFAS-free firefighting formulations to reduce environmental liability in the event of a release, to reduce the cost of expensive containment systems and management of generated waste streams, and to avoid reputational damage. In 2016, Queensland, Australia was one of the first governments to ban PFAS use in firefighting foam<ref name="Queensland2016"/>. The US 2020 National Defense Authorization Act specifies immediate prohibition of controlled releases of AFFF containing PFAS and requires the Secretary of the Navy to publish a specification for PFAS-free firefighting formulation use and ensure it is available for use by the Department of Defense (DoD) by October 1, 2023<ref>U.S. Congress, 2021. S.2792 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. United States Library of Congress. [https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/2792/ Text and History of Law].</ref>. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently removed the requirement for AFFF containing PFAS from their Standard on Aircraft Hangars and added two new chapters to allow users to determine if AFFF containing PFAS is needed at their facility<ref name="NFPA2022">National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 2022. Codes and Standards, 409: Standard on Aircraft Hangars. [https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/4/0/9/409?l=42 NFPA Website]</ref>.
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| − | ==Selection of Replacement PFAS Free Firefighting Formulations== | + | ===Oxygen Coil, Overflow Bag and Drip Chamber=== |
| − | Since they first entered the market in the 2000s, the operational capabilities of PFAS free firefighting formulations have grown<ref>Allcorn, M., Bluteau, T., Corfield, J., Day, G., Cornelsen, M., Holmes, N.J.C., Klein, R.A., McDowall, J.G., Olsen, K.T., Ramsden, N., Ross, I., Schaefer, T.H., Weber, R., Whitehead, K., 2018. Fluorine-Free Firefighting Foams (3F) – Viable Alternatives to Fluorinated Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF). White Paper prepared for the IPEN by members of the IPEN F3 Panel and associates, POPRC-14, Rome. [https://ipen.org/sites/default/files/documents/IPEN_F3_Position_Paper_POPRC-14_12September2018d.pdf Free Download].</ref> and numerous companies are now manufacturing and delivering PFAS-free firefighting formulations for fixed systems and AFFF vehicles<ref>Ansul (Company), Ansul NFF-331 3%x3% Non-Fluorinated Foam Concentrate (Commercial Product). [https://docs.johnsoncontrols.com/specialhazards/api/khub/documents/1nbeVfynU1IW~eJcCOA0Bg/content Product Data Sheet].</ref><ref>BioEx (Company), Ecopol A+ (Commercial Product). [https://www.bio-ex.com/en/our-products/product/ecopol-aplus/ Website]</ref><ref>National Foam (Company), 2020. Avio F3 Green KHC 3%, Fluorine Free Foam Concentrate (Commercial Product). [https://nationalfoam.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/NMS515-Avio-Green-KHC-3-FF.pdf Safety Data Sheet]</ref>. Key factors in the selection of a PFAS-free firefighting formulations product are compatibility of the new formulation with the existing system (as confirmed by a fire protection engineer) and environmental certifications (i.e., verifying the absence of organic fluorine or PFAS or the absence of other non-fluorine environmental contaminants).
| + | [[File: CraneFig3.png | thumb | left | 400 px | Figure 3. Contents of the iTIE system cooler. The pictured HDPE rack (47.6 cm length x 29.7 cm width x 33.7 cm height) is removable from the iTIE cooler. Water enters the system at the red circle, flows through the oxygen coil, and then travels to each of the individual iTIE units where diagnostic resins and organisms are located. The water then briefly leaves the cooler to travel through peristaltic regulation pumps before being gathered in sample collection bottles.]] |
| | + | Porewater is naturally anoxic due to limited mixing with aerated surface water and high oxygen demand of sediments, which may cause organism mortality and interfere with iTIE results. To preclude this, sampled porewater is exposed to an oxygen coil. This consists of an interior silicone tube connected to a pressurized oxygen canister, threaded through an exterior reinforced PVC tube through which water is slowly pumped (Figure 3). Pump rates are optimized to ensure adequate aeration of the water. In addition to elevating DO levels, the oxygen coil facilitates the oxidation of dissolved sulfides, which naturally occur in some marine sediments and may otherwise cause toxicity to organisms if left in its reduced form. |
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| − | In January 2023, the US Department of Defense (DoD) published the Performance Specification for Fire Extinguishing Agent, Fluorine-Free Foam (F3) Liquid Concentrate for Land-Based, Fresh Water Applications<ref name="DoD2023"/>.
| + | Gas bubbles may form in the oxygen coil over the course of a deployment. These can be disruptive, decreasing water sample volumes and posing a danger to sensitive organisms like daphnids. To account for this, the water travels to a drip chamber after exiting the oxygen coil, which allows gas bubbles to be separated and diverted to an overflow system. The sample water then flows to a manifold which divides the flow into different paths to each of the treatment units for fractionation and organism exposure. |
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| − | ==Hydrogeophysical Technologies for Understanding Groundwater-Surface Water Interactions== | + | ===iTIE Units: Fractionation and Organism Exposure Chambers=== |
| − | [[Wikipedia: Hydrogeophysics |Hydrogeophysical technologies]] exploit contrasts in the physical properties between groundwater and surface water to detect and monitor zones of pronounced GWSWE. The two most valuable properties to measure are temperature and electrical conductivity. Temperature has been used for decades as an indicator of groundwater-surface water exchange<ref>Constantz, J., 2008. Heat as a Tracer to Determine Streambed Water Exchanges. Water Resources Research, 44 (4).[https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1029/2008WR006996 doi: 10.1029/2008WR006996].[https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1029/2008WR006996 Open Access Article]</ref> with early uses including pushing a thermistor into the bed of a surface water body to assess zones of surface water downwelling and groundwater upwelling. Today, a variety of novel technologies that measure temperature over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales are being used to investigate GWSWE. The evaluation of electrical conductivity measurements using point probes and geophysical imaging is also well-established. However, new technologies are now available to exploit electrical conductivity contrasts from GWSWE occurring over a range of spatial and temporal scales. | + | [[File: CraneFig4.png | thumb | 300px | Figure 4. A diagram of the iTIE prototype. Water flows upward into each resin chamber through the unit bottom. After being chemically fractionated in the resin chamber, water travels into the organism chamber, where test organisms have been placed. Water is drawn through the units by high-precision peristaltic pumps.]] |
| | + | At the core of the iTIE system are separate dual-chamber iTIE units, each with a resin fractionation chamber and an organism exposure chamber (Figure 4). Developed by Burton ''et al.''<ref name="BurtonEtAl2020"/>, the iTIE prototype is constructed from acrylic, with rubber O-rings to connect each piece. Each iTIE unit can contain a different diagnostic resin matrix, customizable to remove specific chemical classes from the water. Sampled water flows into each unit through the bottom and is differentially fractionated by the resin matrix as it travels upward. Then it reaches the organism chamber, where test organisms are placed for exposure. The organism chamber inlet and outlet are covered by mesh to prevent the escape of the test organisms. This continuous flow-through design allows practitioners to capture the temporal heterogeneity of ambient water conditions over the duration of an ''in situ'' exposure. Currently, the iTIE system can support four independent iTIE treatment units. |
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| − | ===Temperature-Based Technologies===
| + | After being exposed to test organisms, water is collected in sample bottles. The bottles can be pre-loaded with preservation reagents to allow for later chemical analysis. Sample bottles can be composed of polyethylene, glass or other materials depending on the CoC. |
| − | Several temperature-based GWSWE methodologies exploit the gradient in temperature between surface water and groundwater that exist during certain times of day or seasons of the year. The thermal insulation provided by the Earth’s land surface means that groundwater is warmer than surface water in winter months, but colder than surface water in summer months away from the equator. Therefore, in temperate climates, localized (or ‘preferential’) groundwater discharge into surface water bodies is often observed as cold temperature anomalies in the summer and warm temperature anomalies in the winter. However, there are times of the year such as fall and spring when contrasts in the temperature between groundwater and surface water will be minimal, or even undetectable. These seasonal-driven points in time correspond to the switch in the polarity of the temperature contrast between groundwater and surface water. Consequently, SW to GW gradient temperature-based methods are most effective when deployed at times of the year when the temperature contrasts between groundwater and surface water are greatest. Other time-series temperature monitoring methods depend more on natural daily signals measured at the bed interface and in bed sediments, and those signals may exist year round except where strongly muted by ice cover or surface water stratification. A variety of sensing technologies now exist within the GWSWE toolbox, from techniques that rapidly characterize temperature contrasts over large areas, down to powerful monitoring methods that can continuously quantify GWSWE fluxes at discrete locations identified as hotspots.
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| − | ====Characterization Methods==== | + | ===Pumping Sub-system=== |
| − | The primary use of the characterization methods is to rapidly determine precise locations of groundwater upwelling over large areas in order to pinpoint locations for subsequent ground-based observations. A common limitation of these methods is that they can only sense groundwater fluxes into surface water. Methods applied at the water surface and in the surface water column generally cannot detect localized regions of surface water transfer to groundwater, for which temperature measurements collected within the bed sediments are needed. This is a more challenging characterization task that may, in the right conditions, be addressed using electrical conductivity-based methods described later in this article. | + | [[File: CraneFig5.png | thumb | 300px | Figure 5. The iTIE system pumping sub-system. The sub-system consists of: A) a single booster pump, which is directly connected to the water sampling device and feeds water to the rest of the iTIE system, and B) a set of four regulation pumps, which each connect to the outflow of an individual iTIE unit. Each pump set is housed in a waterproof case with self-contained rechargeable battery power. A tablet is mounted inside the lid of the four pump case, which can be used to program and operate all of the pumps when connected to the internet.]] |
| | + | Water movement through the system is driven by a series of high-precision, programmable peristaltic pumps ([https://ecotechmarine.com/ EcoTech Marine]). Each pump set is housed in a Pelican storm travel case. Power is supplied to each pump by internal rechargeable lithium-iron phosphate batteries ([https://www.bioennopower.com/ Bioenno Power]). |
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| − | =====''Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Infrared (UAV-IR)''=====
| + | First, water is supplied to the system by a booster pump (Figure 5A). This pump is situated between the water sampling sub-system and the oxygen coil. The booster pump: 1) facilitates pore water collection, especially from sediments with high fine particle fractions; 2) helps water overcome vertical lifts to travel to the iTIE system; and 3) prevents vacuums from forming in the iTIE system interior, which can accelerate the formation of disruptive gas bubbles in the oxygen coil. The booster pump should be programmed to supply an excess of water to prevent vacuum formation. |
| − | [[File:IeryFig1.png | thumb |600px|Figure 1. UAV IR orthomosaics with estimated scale of (a) a wetland in winter (modified from Briggs et al.<ref>Briggs, M. A., Jackson, K. E., Liu, F., Moore, E. M., Bisson, A., Helton, A. M., 2022. Exploring Local Riverbank Sediment Controls on the Occurrence of Preferential Groundwater Discharge Points. Water, 14(1). [https://doi.org/10.3390/w14010011 doi: 10.3390/w14010011] [https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/14/1/11 Open Access Article].</ref>) and (b) a mountain stream in summer (modified from Briggs et al.<ref>Briggs, M. A., Wang, C., Day-Lewis, F. D., Williams, K. H., Dong, W., Lane, J. W., 2019. Return Flows from Beaver Ponds Enhance Floodplain-to-River Metals Exchange in Alluvial Mountain Catchments. Science of the Total Environment, 685, pp. 357–369. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.371 doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.371]. [https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/271800/1-s2.0-S0048969719X00273/1-s2.0-S0048969719324246/am.pdf?X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEE0aCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJGMEQCIBY8ykhAP941wHO1NKj8EmXG3btdpgX6HaUV9zAo0PCMAiACRjzV0D2lbFFwnhUzEqBupGsgX6DkK62ZIEvb%2B0irbiq8BQj2%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAUaDDA1OTAwMzU0Njg2NSIMPmS2kZBwKKMGD%2F6GKpAFaY6lOuHO%2B1RkV%2FL6NkK74dL6YJculUqyZJn9s09njF1L%2Bb4LgjH%2FbawysWGvGeuH%2FQtSgwqFM90MQ4grDiDQPHUjSEDNVuN2II%2BqPK4oqkjqxwTmC2AObe%2FMY1c45L2nshYodZwtROh6Hl8Jp4B4HoDPE9wx1fEw7DGmB%2Bj70q5PG7%2FUUo3rLl6BCMT%2FWKFGfZSaOmaD5nweVaTRBUbgSVIcmCQKshE28TkHFpmwY58YNO0GjaKHXMsBNciZ2DvIPAHMyA1iymB7UFcoBRDicZJUDZvvnJNGj1bTX9tEQ49yil7IWD22hKPHL5nSogssocX5rRXiIglVT%2BAzHsMMyxfVxfFGBsmmSGAVG9FAeRPgx1T%2FIOqNo%2FOuyV9G%2BVSt5boUg4HBaZSvW5JNkL5bFpaMlrUTpMF%2F6Bbq3Q6EsiZMaFF0JOS3rvX5dkDlfu7OzJDBuRBszYoq%2B4%2FLQGJypfmarz8ZHEzi3Qw85nYbT68UGNa%2BZ9lZQG%2B47mF6Nj11%2F%2Fu%2FDTZD1p4r9nskTevwkRE%2BL7q3OSbqFj4YvN6qsMBLb%2FM7K2xSmaots0YGisZ09fVJBetJ1ILZpN5wCbS%2F77uFeQoxYXGIwz84wyqSueP7qcj3BQ%2FMkZRbmVpokj3vtESlfHvcZV2Ntu95JM9hetE9F5azaZ%2F%2Fm3WTE2mgW48FCbFI09p%2F7%2FSJyEWl54lNG7%2F2y0AayedFUs75otJauCpNJtr2pF4sbAGfgiagA2%2BzeDatKnI7MDhMD0R27wvaVwEup6vkLmTaJh4P8bGFd01Fwj96gZIKESW6HfwGXMBMj%2FoJn3CYpcfVelPmDr6jTeSJapUJoWE8gQVFjWuISuD4PdHYtbiSBL%2Fjn5jPvGMwvrqrrQY6sgEtK%2Fo3hSElpY%2Be20Xj4eNAJ%2BFmkb5nASAJvtygtnSdoc%2FBHMv4U3Je92nbunzwAwXaVCZ8FBK1%2F2cmq3sYLNOyPEJrCNqAo0Lgf137RvhaJb7erYXXfL7UCz1hePrG3I3bgKkBRN5PD%2FSlu%2BSSEimoEn4kCyxoaNYI9QvymaTlHZJM0ueXCYprlRfMneJXxnEVyC3qlMsTMtcL%2B45koHZeeTQJUMXWJB%2BYQxNDmNM3ZHH4&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Date=20240119T205045Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=300&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAQ3PHCVTYV2JHRO6K%2F20240119%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Signature=3befd4efcf96517aad4e02a2d76e82cd278f02be8a60a5136a4981889df64f00&hash=c0f70e64bfdb70375c685714475b258099c0d0b19a2a7a556e77182cc6cfac9c&host=68042c943591013ac2b2430a89b270f6af2c76d8dfd086a07176afe7c76c2c61&pii=S0048969719324246&tid=pdf-5d6462f0-c794-4158-b89d-2a1f5b96a226&sid=8b33666922432845420b6d75b151281148eegxrqa&type=client Open Access Manuscript]</ref>) that both capture multiscale groundwater discharge processes. Figure reproduced from Mangel et al.<ref>Mangel, A. R., Dawson, C. B., Rey, D. M., Briggs, M. A., 2022. Drone Applications in Hydrogeophysics: Recent Examples and a Vision for the Future. The Leading Edge, 41 (8), pp. 540–547. [https://doi.org/10.1190/tle41080540.1 doi: 10.1190/tle41080540].</ref>]]
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| − | [[Wikipedia: Unmanned aerial vehicle | Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)]] equipped with thermal infrared (IR) cameras can provide a very powerful tool for rapidly determining zones of pronounced upwelling of groundwater to surface water. Large areas of can be covered with high spatial resolution. The information obtained can be used to rapidly define locations of focused groundwater upwelling and prioritize these for more intensive surface-based observations (Figure 1). As with all thermal methods, flights must be performed when adequate contrasts in temperature between surface water and groundwater are expected to exist. Not just time of year but, because of the effect of the diurnal temperature signal on surface water bodies, time of day might need to be considered in order to maximize the chance of success. Calibration of UAV-IR camera measurements against simultaneously acquired direct measurements of temperature is recommended to optimize the value of these datasets. UAV-IR methods will not work in all situations. One major limitation of the technology is that the temperature expression of groundwater upwelling must be manifested at the surface of the surface water body. Consequently, the technology will not detect relatively small discharges occurring beneath a relatively deep surface water layer, and thermal imaging over the water surface can be complicated by thermal IR reflection. The chances of success with UAV-IR will be strongest in regions of exposed banks or shallow water where there are no strong currents causing mixing (and thus dilution) of the upwelling groundwater temperature signals. UAV-IR methods will therefore likely be most successful close to shorelines of lakes/ponds, over shallow, low flow streams and rivers and in wetland environments. UAV-IR methods require a licensed pilot, and restrictions on the use of airspace may limit the application of this technology.
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| − | =====''Handheld Thermal Infrared (TIR) Cameras''=====
| + | Second, a set of four regulation pumps ensure precise flow rates through each independent iTIE unit (Figure 5B). Each regulation pump pulls water from the top of an iTIE unit and then dispenses that water into a sample bottle for further analysis. |
| − | [[File:IeryFig2.png | thumb|left |600px|Figure 2. (a) A TIR camera set up to image groundwater discharges to surface water (b) TIR data inset on a visible light photograph. Cooler (blue) bank seepage groundwater is discharging into warmer (red) stream water (temperature scale in degrees). Both photographs courtesy of Martin Briggs USGS.]]
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| − | Hand-held thermal infrared (TIR) cameras are powerful tools for visual identification of localized seeps of upwelling groundwater. TIR cameras may be used to follow up on UAV-IR surveys to better characterize local seeps identified from the air using UAV-IR. Alternatively, a TIR camera is a valuable tool when performing initial walks of prospective study sites as they may quickly confirm the presence of suspected seeps. TIR cameras provide high resolution images that can define the structure of localized seeps and may provide valuable insights into the role of discrete features (e.g., fractures in rocks or pipes in soil) in determining seep morphology (Figure 2). Like UAV-IR, TIR provides primarily qualitative information (location, extent) of seeps and it only succeeds when there are adequate contrasts between groundwater and surface water that are expressed at the surface of the investigated water body or along bank sediments. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has made extensive use of TIR cameras for studying groundwater/surface-water exchange.
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| − | =====''Continuous Near-bed Temperature Sensing''===== | + | ==Study Design Considerations== |
| − | When performing surveys from a boat a simple yet often powerful technology is continuous
| + | ===Diagnostic Resin Treatments=== |
| − | near-bed temperature sensing, whereby a temperature probe is strategically suspended to float in the water column just above the bed or dragged along it. Compared to UAV-IR, this approach does not rely on upwelling groundwater being expressed as a temperature anomaly at the surface. The utility of the method can be enhanced when a specific conductance probe is co- located with the temperature probe so that anomalies in both temperature and specific conductance can be investigated.
| + | Several commercially available resins have been verified for use in the iTIE system. Investigators can select resins based on stressor classes of interest at each site. Each resin selectively removes a CoC class from site water prior to organism exposure. |
| | + | *[https://www.dupont.com/products/ambersorb560.html DuPont Ambersorb 560] for removal of 1,4-dioxane and other organic chemicals<ref>Woodard, S., Mohr, T., Nickelsen, M.G., 2014. Synthetic media: A promising new treatment technology for 1,4-dioxane. Remediation Journal, 24(4), pp. 27-40. [https://doi.org/10.1002/rem.21402 doi: 10.1002/rem.21402]</ref> |
| | + | *C18 for nonpolar organic chemicals |
| | + | *[https://www.bio-rad.com/en-us Bio-Rad] [https://www.bio-rad.com/en-us/product/chelex-100-resin?ID=6448ab3e-b96a-4162-9124-7b7d2330288e Chelex] for metals |
| | + | *Granular activated carbon for metals, general organic chemicals, sulfide<ref>Lemos, B.R.S., Teixeira, I.F., de Mesquita, J.P., Ribeiro, R.R., Donnici, C.L., Lago, R.M., 2012. Use of modified activated carbon for the oxidation of aqueous sulfide. Carbon, 50(3), pp. 1386-1393. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2011.11.011 doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2011.11.011]</ref> |
| | + | *[https://www.waters.com/nextgen/us/en.html Waters] [https://www.waters.com/nextgen/us/en/search.html?category=Shop&isocode=en_US&keyword=oasis%20hlb&multiselect=true&page=1&rows=12&sort=best-sellers&xcid=ppc-ppc_23916&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=14746094146&gbraid=0AAAAAD_uR00nhlNwrhhegNh06pBODTgiN&gclid=CjwKCAiAtLvMBhB_EiwA1u6_PsppE0raci2IhvGnAAe5ijciNcetLaGZo5qA3g3r4Z_La7YAPJtzShoC6LoQAvD_BwE Oasis HLB] for general organic chemicals<ref name="SteigmeyerEtAl2017"/> |
| | + | *[https://www.waters.com/nextgen/us/en.html Waters] [https://www.waters.com/nextgen/us/en/search.html?category=All&enableHL=true&isocode=en_US&keyword=Oasis%20WAX%20&multiselect=true&page=1&rows=12&sort=most-relevant Oasis WAX] for PFAS, organic chemicals of mixed polarity<ref>Iannone, A., Carriera, F., Di Fiore, C., Avino, P., 2024. Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Analysis in Environmental Matrices: An Overview of the Extraction and Chromatographic Detection Methods. Analytica, 5(2), pp. 187-202. [https://doi.org/10.3390/analytica5020012 doi: 10.3390/analytica5020012] [[Media: IannoneEtAl2024.pdf | Open Access Article]]</ref> |
| | + | *Zeolite for ammonia, other organic chemicals |
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| − | ====Monitoring Methods====
| + | Resins must be adequately conditioned prior to use. Otherwise, they may inadequately adsorb toxicants or cause stress to organisms. New resins should be tested for efficacy and toxicity before being used in an iTIE system. |
| − | Monitoring methods allow temperature signals to be recorded with high temporal resolution along the bed interface or within bank or bed sediments. These methods can capture temporal trends in GWSWE driven by variations in the hydraulic gradients around surface water bodies, as well as changes in [[Wikipedia: Hydraulic conductivity | hydraulic conductivity]] due to sedimentation, clogging, scour or microbial mass. If vertical profiles of bed temperature are collected, a range of analytical and numerical models can be applied to infer the vertical water flux rate and direction, similar to a seepage meter. These fluxes may vary as a function of season, rainfall events (enhanced during storm activity), tidal variability in coastal settings and due to engineered controls such as dam discharges. The methods can capture evidence of GWSWE that may not be detected during a single ‘characterization’ survey if the local hydraulic conditions at that point in time result in relatively weak hydraulic gradients.
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| − | =====''Fiber-optic Distributed Temperature Sensing (FO-DTS)''===== | + | ===Test Organism Species and Life Stages=== |
| − | [[File:IeryFig3.png | thumb|600px|Figure 3. (a) Basic concept of FO-DTS based on backscattering of light transmitted down a FO fiber (b) Example of riverbed temperature data acquired over time and space in relation to variation in river stage (black line) modified from Mwakanyamale et al.<ref>Mwakanyamale, K., Slater, L., Day-Lewis, F., Elwaseif, M., Johnson, C., 2012. Spatially Variable Stage-Driven Groundwater-Surface Water Interaction Inferred from Time-Frequency Analysis of Distributed Temperature Sensing Data. Geophysical Research Letters, 39(6). [https://doi.org/10.1029/2011GL050824 doi: 10.1029/2011GL050824]. [https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1029/2011GL050824 Open Access Article]</ref> (c) spatial distribution of riverbed temperature and correlation coefficient (CC) between riverbed temperature and river stage for a 1.5 km stretch along the Hanford 300 Area adjacent to the Columbia River (modified from Slater et al.<ref name=”Slater2010”/>). Data are shown for winter and summer. Orange contours show uranium concentrations (μg/L) in groundwater measured in boreholes.]]
| + | Practitioners can also select different organism species and life stages for use in the iTIE system, depending on site characteristics and study goals. The iTIE system can accommodate various small test organisms, including embryo-stage fish and most macroinvertebrates. The following common toxicity tests can be adapted for application within iTIE systems<ref>U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, 1994. Catalogue of Standard Toxicity Tests for Ecological Risk Assessment. ECO Update, 2(2), 4 pages. Publication No. 9345.0.05I [https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-09/documents/v2no2.pdf Free Download] [[Media: usepa1994.pdf | Report.pdf]]</ref>. |
| − | Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing (FO-DTS) is a powerful monitoring technology used in fire detection, industrial process monitoring, and petroleum reservoir monitoring. The method is also used to obtain spatially rich datasets for monitoring GWSWE<ref name=”Selker2006”>Selker, J. S., Thévenaz, L., Huwald, H., Mallet, A., Luxemburg, W., van de Giesen, N., Stejskal, M., Zeman, J., Westhoff, M., Parlange, M. B., 2006. Distributed Fiber-Optic Temperature Sensing for Hydrologic Systems. Water Resources Research, 42 (12). [https://doi.org/10.1029/2006WR005326 doi: 10.1029/2006WR005326]. [https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1029/2006WR005326 Open Access Article]</ref><ref name=”Tyler2009”>Tyler, S. W., Selker, J. S., Hausner, M. B., Hatch, C. E., Torgersen, T., Thodal, C. E., Schladow, S. G., 2009. Environmental Temperature Sensing Using Raman Spectra DTS Fiber-Optic Methods. Water Resources Research, 45(4). [https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1029/2008WR007052 doi: 10.1029/2008WR007052]. [https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1029/2008WR007052 Open Access Article]</ref>. The sensor consists of standard telecommunications fiber-optic fiber typically housed in armored cable and the physics is based on temperature-dependent backscatter mechanisms including Brillouin and Raman backscatter<ref name=”Selker2006”/>. Most commercially available systems are based on analysis of Raman scatter. As laser light is transmitted down the fiber-optic cable, light scatters continuously back toward the instrument from all along the fiber, with some of the scattered light at frequencies above and below the frequency of incident light, i.e., anti-Stokes and Stokes-Raman backscatter, respectively. The ratio of anti-Stokes to Stokes energy provides the basis for FO-DTS measurements. Measurements are localized to a section of cable according to a time-of-flight calculation (i.e., optical time-domain reflectometry). Assuming the speed of light within the fiber is constant, scatter collected over a specific time window corresponds to a specific spatial interval of the fiber. Although there are tradeoffs between spatial resolution, thermal precision, and sampling time, in practice it is possible to achieve sub meter-scale spatial and approximate 0.1°C thermal precision for measurement cycle times on the order of minutes and cables extending several kilometers<ref name=”Tyler2009”/>; thus, thousands of temperature measurements can be made simultaneously along a single cable. The method allows the visualization of a large amount of temperature data and rapid identification of major trends in GWSWE. Figure 3 illustrates the use of FO-DTS to detect and monitor zones of focused groundwater discharge along a 1.5 km reach of the Columbia River that is threatened by contaminated groundwater<ref name=”Slater2010”>Slater, L. D., Ntarlagiannis, D., Day-Lewis, F. D., Mwakanyamale, K., Versteeg, R. J., Ward, A., Strickland, C., Johnson, C. D., Lane Jr., J. W., 2010. Use of Electrical Imaging and Distributed Temperature Sensing Methods to Characterize Surface Water-Groundwater Exchange Regulating Uranium Transport at the Hanford 300 Area, Washington. Water Resources Research, 46(10). [https://doi.org/10.1029/2010WR009110 doi: 10.1029/2010WR009110]. [https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1029/2010WR009110 Open Access Article]</ref>. As temperature is only sensed at the cable on the bed, FO-DTS can only detect groundwater inputs to surface water. It cannot detect losses of surface water to groundwater. The USGS public domain software tool [https://www.usgs.gov/software/dtsgui DTSGUI] allows a user to import, manage, visualize and analyze FO-DTS datasets.
| + | <ul><u>Freshwater acute toxicity:</u></ul> |
| | + | *[[Wikipedia: Daphnia magna | ''Daphnia magna'']] or [[Wikipedia: Daphnia pulex | ''Daphnia pulex'']] 24-, 48-, and 96-hour survival |
| | + | <ul><u>Freshwater chronic toxicity:</u></ul> |
| | + | *[[Wikipedia: Ceriodaphnia dubia | ''Ceriodaphnia dubia'']] 7-day survival and reproduction |
| | + | *''D. magna'' 7-day survival and reproduction |
| | + | *[[Wikipedia: Fathead minnow | ''Pimephales promelas'']] 7-day embryo-larval survival and teratogenicity |
| | + | *[[Wikipedia: Hyalella azteca | ''Hyalella Azteca'']] 10- or 30-day survival and reproduction |
| | + | <ul><u>Marine acute toxicity:</u></ul> |
| | + | *[[Wikipedia: Americamysis bahia | ''Americamysis bahia'']] 24- and 48-hour survival |
| | + | <ul><u>Marine chronic toxicity:</u></ul> |
| | + | *''Americamysis'' survival, growth and fecundity |
| | + | *[[Wikipedia: Topsmelt silverside | ''Atherinops affinis'']] embryo-larval survival and growth |
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| − | =====''Vertical Temperature Profilers (VTPs)''=====
| + | Acute toxicity is quantifiable via organism survival rates immediately following the termination of an iTIE system field deployment. Chronic toxicity can be quantified by continuing to culture and observe test organisms in-lab. Common chronic endpoints include stunted growth, altered development such as teratogenicity in larval fish, decreased reproduction rates, and changes in gene expression. |
| − | Analysis methods now allow for the accurate quantification of groundwater fluxes over time. Vertical temperature profilers (VTPs) are sensors applied for diurnal temperature data collection within saturated geologic matrices (Figure 4). Extensive experience with VTPs indicates that the methodology is equal to traditional seepage meters in terms of flux accuracy<ref>Hare, D. K., Briggs, M. A., Rosenberry, D. O., Boutt, D. F., Lane Jr., J. W., 2015. A Comparison of Thermal Infrared to Fiber-Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing for Evaluation of Groundwater Discharge to Surface Water. Journal of Hydrology, 530, pp. 153–166. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2015.09.059 doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2015.09.059].</ref>. However, VTPs have the advantage of measuring continuous temporal variations in flux rates while such information is impractical to obtain with traditional seepage meters.
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| − | [[File:IeryFig4.png |thumb|600px|left|Figure 4. (a) Schematic of different VTP setups including (from left to right) thermistors in a piezometer, thermistors embedded in a solid rod and wrapped FO-DTS cable modified from Irvine et al.<ref name=”Irvine2017a”/>; (b) construction of VTPs showing thermistors embedded in rods and subsequent insulation; (c) example dataset plotted in 1DTempPro showing 5 days of streambed temperature at 6 streambed depths<ref>Koch, F. W., Voytek, E. B., Day-Lewis, F. D., Healy, R., Briggs, M. A., Lane Jr., J. W., Werkema, D., 2016. 1DTempPro V2: New Features for Inferring Groundwater/Surface-Water Exchange. Groundwater, 54(3), pp. 434–439. [https://doi.org/10.1111/gwat.12369 doi: 10.1111/gwat.12369].</ref>.]]
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| − | The low-cost design, ease of data collection, and straightforward interpretation of the data using open-source software make VTP sensors increasingly attractive for quantifying flux rates. These sensors typically consist of at least two temperature loggers installed within a steel or plastic pipe filled with foam insulation<ref name=”Irvine2017a”>Irvine, D. J., Briggs, M. A., Cartwright, I., Scruggs, C. R., Lautz, L. K., 2016. Improved Vertical Streambed Flux Estimation Using Multiple Diurnal Temperature Methods in Series. Groundwater, 55(1), pp. 73-80. [https://doi.org/10.1111/gwat.12436 doi: 10.1111/gwat.12436].</ref> although the use of loggers installed in well screens or FO-DTS cable wrapped around a piezometer casing (for high vertical resolution data) are also possible (Figure 4a). Loggers are inserted into the insulated housing at different depths, typically starting from one centimeter within the geologic matrix of interest<ref name=”Irvine2017b”> Irvine, D. J., Briggs, M. A., Lautz, L. K., Gordon, R. P., McKenzie, J. M., Cartwright, I., 2017. Using Diurnal Temperature Signals to Infer Vertical Groundwater-Surface Water Exchange. Groundwater, 55(1), pp. 10–26. [https://doi.org/10.1111/gwat.12459 doi: 10.1111/gwat.12459]. [https://ngwa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/am-pdf/10.1111/gwat.12459 Open Access Manuscript]</ref>. Temperature loggers usually remain within the first 0.2-meters of the geologic matrix based on the observed limits of diurnal signal influence<ref>Briggs, M. A., Lautz, L. K., Buckley, S. F., Lane Jr., J. W., 2014. Practical Limitations on the Use of Diurnal Temperature Signals to Quantify Groundwater Upwelling. Journal of Hydrology, 519(B), pp. 1739–1751. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2014.09.030 doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2014.09.030].</ref>, though zones of strong surface water downwelling may necessitate deeper temperature data collection. Reliability of flux values generated from the temperature signal analysis is dependent in part on the temperature logger precision, VTP placement, sediment heterogeneity, flow direction, flow magnitude<ref name=”Irvine2017b”/>, and absence of macropore flow. Application of single dimension temperature-based fluid flux models assumes that all flow is vertical and therefore lateral flow within upwelling systems cannot be quantified using VTPs, emphasizing the importance of the VTP installation location over the active area of exchange<ref name=”Irvine2017b”/> at shallow depths. Thermal parameters of the geologic matrix where the VTP is installed can be measured using a thermal properties analyzer to record heat capacity and thermal conductivity for later analytical and numerical modeling.
| + | Several gene expression endpoints have been detectable in bioassays following an iTIE system deployment and in-lab culturing period. Steigmeyer ''et al.''<ref name="SteigmeyerEtAl2017"/> were able to detect changes in the expression of two genes in ''D. magna'' after a 24-hour exposure to bisphenol A. In a separate study, Nichols<ref>Nichols, E., 2023. Methods for Identification and Prioritization of Stressors at Impaired Sites. Masters thesis, University of Michigan. University of Michigan Library Deep Blue Documents. [https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/176142/Nichols_Elizabeth_thesis.pdf?sequence=1 Free Download] [[Media: Nichols2023.pdf | Report.pdf]]</ref> found a significant decline in acetylcholinesterase activity in ''H. azteca'' after a 24-hour exposure to chlorpyrifos. These results indicate a potential to adapt other gene expression bioassays for use in conjunction with iTIE system field exposures to prove stressor-causality linkages. |
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| − | Analytical and numerical solutions, used to solve or estimate the advection-conduction equation within the geologic matrix (bed sediments), continue to evolve to better quantify flux values over time. Analytical solutions to the heat transport equation are used to solve for flux values between sensor pairs from VTP datasets<ref name=”Gordon2012”>Gordon, R. P., Lautz, L. K., Briggs, M. A., McKenzie, J. M., 2012. Automated Calculation of Vertical Pore-Water Flux from Field Temperature Time Series Using the VFLUX Method and Computer Program. Journal of Hydrology, 420–421, pp. 142–158. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2011.11.053 doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2011.11.053].</ref><ref name=”Irvine2015”>Irvine, D. J., Lautz, L. K., Briggs, M. A., Gordon, R. P., McKenzie, J. M., 2015. Experimental Evaluation of the Applicability of Phase, Amplitude, and Combined Methods to Determine Water Flux and Thermal Diffusivity from Temperature Time Series Using VFLUX 2. Journal of Hydrology, 531(3), pp. 728–737. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2015.10.054 doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2015.10.054].</ref>. [https://data.usgs.gov/modelcatalog/model/a54608c5-ea6c-4d61-afc4-1ae851f46744 VFLUX] is an open-source MATLAB package that allows the user to solve for flux values from a VTP dataset using a variety of analytical solutions<ref name=”Gordon2012”/><ref name=”Irvine2015”/> based on the vertical propagation of diurnal temperature signals. Other emerging ‘spectral’ methods make use of a wide range of natural temperature signals to estimate vertical flux and bed sediment thermal diffusivity<ref>Sohn, R. A., Harris, R. N., 2021. Spectral Analysis of Vertical Temperature Profile Time-Series Data in Yellowstone Lake Sediments. Water Resources Research, 57(4), e2020WR028430. [https://doi.org/10.1029/2020WR028430 doi: 10.1029/2020WR028430]. [https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1029/2020WR028430 Open Access Article]</ref>. VFLUX analytical solutions are limited by subsurface heterogeneity and diurnal temperature signal strength<ref name=”Irvine2017b”/>. [https://data.usgs.gov/modelcatalog/model/82fe0c15-97f5-4f6a-b389-b90f9bad615e 1DTempPro] (Figure 4c) provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for numerical solutions to heat transport<ref>Koch, F. W., Voytek, E. B., Day-Lewis, F. D., Healy, R., Briggs, M. A., Werkema, D., Lane Jr., J. W., 2015. 1DTempPro: A Program for Analysis of Vertical One-Dimensional (1D) Temperature Profiles v2.0. U.S. Geological Survey Software Release. [http://dx.doi.org/10.5066/F76T0JQS doi: 10.5066/F76T0JQS]. [https://data.usgs.gov/modelcatalog/model/82fe0c15-97f5-4f6a-b389-b90f9bad615e Free Download from USGS]</ref> and does not depend on diurnal signals. Numerical models can produce more accurate flux estimates in the case of complex boundary conditions and abrupt changes in flux rates, but require significant user calibration efforts for longer time series<ref name=”McAliley2022”> McAliley, W. A., Day-Lewis, F. D., Rey, D., Briggs, M. A., Shapiro, A. M., Werkema, D., 2022. Application of Recursive Estimation to Heat Tracing for Groundwater/Surface-Water Exchange. Water Resources Research, 58(6), e2021WR030443. [https://doi.org/10.1029/2021WR030443 doi: 10.1029/2021WR030443]. [https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1029/2021WR030443 Open Access Article]</ref>. A hybrid approach between the analytical and numerical solutions, known as [https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/60a55c71d34ea221ce48b9e7 tempest1d]<ref name=”McAliley2022”/> improves flux modeling with enhanced computational efficiency, resolution of abrupt changes, evaluation of complex boundary conditions, and uncertainty estimations with each step. This new state-space modeling approach uses recursive estimation techniques to automatically estimate highly dynamic vertical flux patterns ranging from sub-daily to seasonal time scales<ref name=”McAliley2022”/>.
| + | ===Cost Effectiveness Study=== |
| | + | Burton ''et al.''<ref name="BurtonEtAl2020"/> conducted a cost effectiveness study comparing the iTIE technology with the traditional US EPA Phase 1 TIE method. Comparisons were based on the estimated time required to complete various sub-tasks within each method. Sub-tasks included organism care, equipment preparation, mobilization and deployment, test maintenance, test termination, demobilization, and test termination analyses. It was ultimately estimated that the iTIE protocol requires 47% less time (67 fewer hours) to complete than the Phase 1 TIE method, with the largest time differences in equipment preparation, deployment, test maintenance, and demobilization. It is important to note that the iTIE method may require additional initial costs for equipment and training. |
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| − | ===Electrical Conductivity (EC) Based Technologies=== | + | ==Field Application== |
| − | The electrical conductivity (EC)-based technologies exploit contrasts in EC between surface water and groundwater<ref>Cox, M. H., Su, G. W., Constantz, J., 2007. Heat, Chloride, and Specific Conductance as Ground Water Tracers near Streams. Groundwater, 45(2), pp. 187–195. [https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6584.2006.00276.x doi: 10.1111/j.1745-6584.2006.00276.x].</ref>. EC-based technologies are mostly applied as characterization tools, although the opportunity to monitor GWSWE dynamics with one of these technologies does exist. With the exception of specific conductance probes, the technologies measure the bulk EC of sediments, which will often (but not always) reveal evidence of GWSWE. | + | [[File: CraneFig6.png | thumb | left | 400px | Figure 6. iTIES deployment at the Rouge River, Detroit, MI. In the foreground is the iTIE Cooler Sub-System, which contains iTIE resin treatments and test organism groups, as well as the oxygenation coil and sample collection bottles. Next to the iTIE Cooler are the two pump cases. The Trident can be seen above the pump cases, installed in the river channel near shore.]] |
| | + | The iTIE system has been successfully deployed at a variety of marine and freshwater sites during the proof-of-concept phase of prototype development. One example is the 2024 iTIE system deployment completed near the mouth of the Rouge River in Detroit, MI (Figure 6). The Rouge River watershed has a long history of industrialization, with a legacy of chemical dumping, channelization, damming, and urban runoff<ref>Ridgway, J., Cave, K., DeMaria, A., O’Meara, J., Hartig, J. H., 2018. The Rouge River Area of Concern—A multi-year, multi-level successful approach to restoration of Impaired Beneficial Uses. Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management, 21(4), pp. 398-408. [https://doi.org/10.1080/14634988.2018.1528816 doi: 10.1080/14634988.2018.1528816]</ref>. This has led to degraded environmental conditions, with previous detections of a wide range of chemicals including heavy metals and various organics. |
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| − | Electrical conduction (i.e., the transport of charges) in the Earth occurs via the ions dissolved in groundwater, with an additional contribution from ions in the electrical double layer (known as surface conduction)<ref name=”Binley2020”>Binley, A., Slater, L., 2020. Resistivity and Induced Polarization: Theory and Applications to the Near-Surface Earth. Cambridge University Press. [https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108685955 doi: 10.1017/9781108685955].</ref>. In relatively fresh surface water environments, groundwater is typically more electrically conductive than surface water due to the higher ion concentrations in groundwater. In these settings, groundwater inputs may be identified as zones of higher bulk EC beneath the bed. In coastal settings where surface water is saline, inputs of relatively fresh groundwater will give rise to zones of lower conductivity. Whereas the temperature-based methods rely on point measurements at the location of the sensor, the EC-based technologies
| + | [[File: CraneFig7.png | thumb | 300px | Figure 7. Survival and healthy development of ''P. promelas'' embryos and larvae following a 48-hour iTIE exposure near the mouth of the Rouge River. Organisms were exposed to site porewater as embryos for 48 hours and cultured post-exposure for an additional 5 days.]] |
| − | (with the exception of point specific conductance measurements) incorporate inverse modeling to estimate distributions of EC away from the sensors and beneath the bed. Consequently, these technologies may also image losses of surface water to groundwater<ref>Johnson, T. C., Slater, L. D., Ntarlagiannis, D., Day-Lewis, F. D., Elwaseif, M., 2012. Monitoring Groundwater-Surface Water Interaction Using Time-Series and Time- Frequency Analysis of Transient Three-Dimensional Electrical Resistivity Changes. Water Resources Research, 48(7). [https://doi.org/10.1029/2012WR011893 doi: 10.1029/2012WR011893]. [https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1029/2012WR011893 Open Access Article]</ref>. Another advantage is that they may provide information on structural controls on zones of focused GWSWE expressed at the surface. However, interpretation of EC patterns from these technologies is inherently uncertain due to the fact that (with the exception of specific conductance probes) the bulk EC of the sediments is measured. Variations in lithology (e.g., porosity, grain size distribution, which determine the strength of surface conduction) can be misinterpreted as variations in the ionic composition of groundwater.
| + | [[File: CraneFig8.png | thumb | 300px | Figure 8. Survival of ''C. dilutus'' larvae after an iTIE exposure near the mouth of the Rouge River. Organisms were exposed to site porewater for 48 hours and cultured post-exposure for an additional 5 days. Error bars show standard deviation.]] |
| | + | An iTIE system deployment was designed and completed to determine which chemical classes are most responsible for causing toxicity at the site. Resin treatments included glass wool (inert, non-fractionating substance), Chelex (metals sorption), Oasis HLB (general organics sorption), and Oasis WAX (organics sorption, with a high affinity for PFAS). The study utilized fathead minnow (''P. promelas'') embryos, due to their relative sensitivity to metals and PAHs, as well as second-instar midge ([[Wikipedia: Chironomus |''Chironomus dilutus'']]) larvae due to their relative sensitivity to PFAS. |
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| − | ====Characterization Methods====
| + | The test organisms were exposed to fractionated porewater ''in situ'' for 48 hours. Following exposure, organisms were cultured for an additional five days, and survival was recorded (Figures 7 and 8). Moderate declines in survival were seen in both species in the glass wool treatment, indicating toxicity at the site. For ''P. promelas'', the highest proportion of healthy development occurred in the Chelex treatment, supporting the hypothesis that metals are a dominant cause of toxicity. ''C. dilutus'' had the greatest survival in the Oasis WAX treatment, suggesting that an organic stressor class like PFAS is also present at harmful concentrations in the river. |
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| − | =====''Specific Conductance Probes''=====
| + | Water chemical analyses of fractionated and unfractionated water samples were completed to support biological results. Analyses were conducted for a range of stressor classes including metals, PAHs, PCBs, an organophosphate pesticide (chlorpyrifos), a PFAS compound (PFOS) and a pyrethroid insecticide (permethrin). Of these analytes, only heavy metals and PFOS were detected. Some chemical classes including PAHs and PCBs were not detected at the site. |
| − | The simplest EC-based technology is a specific conductance probe, which measures the specific conductance of water between a small pair of metal plates at the end of the sensor probe. Many commercially available water quality sensors have a specific conductance sensor and a temperature sensor integrated into a single probe (they often also measure other water quality parameters, including pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) content). These are direct sensing measurements with a small footprint (the size of the sensor), so this is usually a time-consuming, inefficient method for detecting GWSWE dynamics. Furthermore, the sampling volume of the measurement is small (on the order of a cubic centimeter or less), so the degree to which the spot measurement is representative of larger-scale hydrological exchanges is often uncertain. However, specific conductance sensor remains popular, especially when integrated with a point temperature sensor, such as the [https://clu-in.org/programs/21m2/navytools/gsw/#trident Trident Probe].
| + | To reach similar conclusions using traditional Phase 1 TIE methods, one would need to complete the following tests: baseline toxicity, filtration, aeration, EDTA, C18 SPE, and methanol elution of C18 SPE. The iTIE method allows the same conclusions to be drawn with significantly less time and effort required. |
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| − | =====''Frequency Domain Electromagnetic (EM) Sensing Systems''=====
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| − | [[File:IeryFig5.png |thumb|600px|Figure 5. (a) FDEM survey path within a stream/drainage channel network bisecting a wetland complex experiencing localized upwelling of contaminated groundwater (b) operation of an FDEM sensor (Dualem 421S, Dualem, CA) in this shallow stream environment (c) resulting imaging of EC structure in the upper 6 m of streambed sediments. Variations in EC may result from changes in sediment texture that determine the location of focused GWSWE. Dataset acquired under ESTCP project ER21-5237.]]
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| − | Electromagnetic (EM) sensors non-invasively sense the bulk EC of sediments (a function of both fluid composition and lithology as mentioned above) by measuring eddy currents induced in conductors using time varying electric and magnetic fields based on the physics of electromagnetic induction. Modern EM systems can simultaneously image across a range of depths. Frequency domain EM (FDEM) instruments generate a current that varies sinusoidally with time at a fixed frequency that is selected on the basis of desired exploration depth and resolution. State of the art FDEM sensors use a combination of different coil separations and/or frequencies to resolve conductivity structure over a range of depths. These instruments typically provide high-resolution (sub-meter) information on the EC structure in the upper 5 m (approximately, depending on EC) of the subsurface. Measurements are non-invasively and continuously made, meaning that large areas can be quickly surveyed on foot (e.g., along a shoreline) or from a boat in shallow water (1 m or less deep), for example when pulled along a river or stream channel. The method can also be deployed effectively in wetlands (Figure 5). FDEM data are often presented in terms of variations in the raw measurements because apparent EC values do not represent the true EC of the subsurface. However, with the increasing popularity of sensors with combinations of coil separations, the datasets can be inverted to obtain a model of the distribution of the true EC of the subsurface on land or below a water layer. Inversion of FDEM datasets is usually performed as a series of one-dimensional (1D) models, constrained to have a limited variance from each other, to generate a pseudo-2D model of the subsurface. Open-source software, such as [https://hkex.gitlab.io/emagpy/ EMagPy]<ref>McLachlan, P., Blanchy, G., Binley, A., 2021. EMagPy: Open-Source Standalone Software for Processing, Forward Modeling and Inversion of Electromagnetic Induction Data. Computers and Geosciences, 146, 104561. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cageo.2020.104561 doi: 10.1016/j.cageo.2020.104561].</ref>, is freely available to manage, visualize and interpret FDEM datasets.
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| − | =====''Time Domain EM Sensing Systems''=====
| |
| − | Time domain EM (TEM) systems transmit a current that is abruptly shut off (reduced to zero), resulting in a transient current flow that propagates (with decaying amplitude) into the earth. The time-decaying voltage recorded in a receiver coil contains information on the EC variation with depth below the instrument. TEM systems specifically designed for waterborne surveys provide investigation depths up to 70 m (again depending on electrical conductivity)<ref>Lane Jr., J. W., Briggs, M. A., Maurya, P. K., White, E. A., Pedersen, J. B., Auken, E., Terry, N., Minsley, B., Kress, W., LeBlanc, D. R., Adams, R., Johnson, C. D., 2020. Characterizing the Diverse Hydrogeology Underlying Rivers and Estuaries Using New Floating Transient Electromagnetic Methodology. Science of the Total Environment, 740, 140074. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140074 doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140074]. [https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/271800/1-s2.0-S0048969720X00313/1-s2.0-S0048969720335944/am.pdf?X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEFIaCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJIMEYCIQDZ%2B%2FCGoVTTeSPFPtk4OW69PC4KEHqVkJKlXr53AsvHdQIhAPZN6QAcBxRTVXEK7JzdlztbyC0YCiI8uy0GY9A0rXePKrwFCPr%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEQBRoMMDU5MDAzNTQ2ODY1IgwE9HI9XVU0l%2BzWSuoqkAXE3X7NIZ%2F%2FdOJUm0fUfbE9sV8pySpOwYC0486IvtPPTBowSKFbx3vAcqacG%2B6VAiPUlQJIbXyY10TtNJIVamtrdqKawz6kL9JuuoFesHagWsbHUu8xE0ZcEoSRoD%2Btocg7XxHtfdRC0cEM%2F6VDcKQg1h4j4Ak%2FrS2SJAvt0OmlvNNIXEp87MhMP7VU%2BTm788JJKs2VDuRNaz%2BoQ4W%2FpXpB5PxIB%2FvW55DtjmdUOTGB0d5Kwq1QTrX0z02SD3GaQFHvVlmwVtNbswzqgzLA%2BiHzqG9ZzmEqxJL8%2F%2F%2F9ZYahtdXZPWTTF0MqwAjskmy7aZoqn6H7bhO4tmQpgFLcVhkufPQkObVxTmCcSOUweT6yHq1K%2FysQrY9ba%2F6qCVFR2AhCvccsn0jTPVeMDhUkP0EAOZt3d4JvL9ZvViFh4WLjM69jB%2BBqXyhUEsOdPVC76RMMYWYtEhJq6bFKyAKX6VwvOnzoIcHxVuxa0ulPfshyymwNyeyXF30xrWDyUU10W5mThgljbwI1WWPubRFDCKiyuaEAJfMNZCM8I%2B8DaFm4qEpqgzOu28W0GnHova%2BLNza5yTpmNGZDRstWNTTeaE4VhgBuaLUc6TB0j7sH9yO5q5UOTqv4GN3X6w5GG758i7TgnNQPV5yjG%2Foyl46OgsVbq8ALyKvSFNYJeDS0Hv1s7pbwGHKi%2F7kZoOo30oLpN%2F8m1n5HYj%2Bxz7nkgzB5z7aelBYZERf3TypQaXlRiS%2FLgiqi6KzAsAKo07Mjn0lZNmTCrb7nsf3dPh2phYcVSRjSSZ4qTzF02Jc1kSHWGgNrt%2BaGRj2p%2FyNI%2Fb3WrvXffMSJ%2FpJfWJofKMlQP96TWBJt2mRZ6F6U5gWE4J5Dn%2BI8HTDduaytBjqwAf%2FpCFEnbS3RfOQ64c16pUa%2BCsCwOWuWoxV7sDyHaPuoDmfpmHbBMMQaUKp4iqCrDesa1Np01xsxOW6dUEHE9A2SmIS0eRtttMuf%2ByCQL8dXg3e5ptGM9VNkwpflS2rEpCCyDWN0rWMs7Dkzw232XzO9kR6ZNO5BJnQy1SOqoYn9kBTbY%2F6C0Nw3rkFIi%2FFHjxdyHk7pO0jf4p5graNK2kOB54cXa5PY5OcRRcv2irwk&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Date=20240120T014358Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=300&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAQ3PHCVTY3WJS7ASS%2F20240120%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Signature=5780b8a5381ef60b05df0e480b9c6d222c334b1d738bac8f9df7c3ae0b27fe59&hash=bcff28fddb45f4ac782f40fcc311db617d06d21300beb12018d4810d1baca112&host=68042c943591013ac2b2430a89b270f6af2c76d8dfd086a07176afe7c76c2c61&pii=S0048969720335944&tid=pdf-2543cf95-ab24-4e83-9d62-963bcb00db35&sid=27b3c4ac266c74410d0954f-878848e7f20agxrqa&type=client Open Access Manuscript]</ref>. Airborne TEM systems can also be deployed to look at large-scale surface water/groundwater dynamics, for example submarine discharge or saline intrusion along coastlines<ref>d’Ozouville, N., Auken, E., Sorensen, K., Violette, S., de Marsily, G., Deffontaines, B., Merlen, G., 2008. Extensive Perched Aquifer and Structural Implications Revealed by 3D Resistivity Mapping in a Galapagos Volcano. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 269(3–4), pp. 518–522. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2008.03.011 doi: 10.1016/j.epsl.2008.03.011].</ref>. Inverse methods are employed to convert the raw measurements obtained along a transect into a distribution of conductivity.
| |
| − | | |
| − | =====''Waterborne Electrical Imaging''=====
| |
| − | [[File:IeryFig6.png |thumb|600px|left|Figure 6. Waterborne electrical imaging in a coastal setting with expected zones of upwelling groundwater (a) typical operation with floating electrode cable pulled behind boat (b) inverted 2D cross section of electrical resistivity along the survey path with possible zones of fresh groundwater discharges indicated from relatively high resistivity sediments. Dataset acquired under ESTCP project ER21-5237.]]
| |
| − | Electrical imaging techniques are based on galvanic (direct) contact between electrodes used to inject currents (and measure voltages) and the subsurface<ref name=”Binley2020”/>. Relative to EM methods, this can be a disadvantage when surveying on land. However, when making measurements from a water body, the electrodes used to acquire the data can be deployed as a floating array that is pulled behind a vessel. Waterborne electrical imaging relies on acquiring measurements of electrical potential differences between different pairs of electrodes on the array while current is passed between one pair of electrodes<ref>Day-Lewis, F. D., White, E. A., Johnson, C. D., Lane Jr, J. W., Belaval, M., 2006. Continuous Resistivity Profiling to Delineate Submarine Groundwater Discharge—Examples and Limitations. The Leading Edge, 25(6), pp. 724–728. [https://doi.org/10.1190/1.2210056 doi: 10.1190/1.2210056]</ref>. As the array is pulled behind the boat, thousands of measurements are made along a survey transect. Similar to the EM methods, inverse methods are used to process these datasets and generate a 2D image of the variation in the conductivity of the sediments below the bed. Open-source software such as [https://hkex.gitlab.io/resipy/ ResIPy] support 2D or 3D inversion of waterborne datasets. Figure 6 shows results of a waterborne electrical imaging survey conducted to locate regions where relative fresh (electrically resistive) groundwater is discharging into the near shore environment in a coastal setting. Beneath the saline (low resistivity) water layer, spatial variability in resistivity may partly be related to variations in the pore-filling fluid conductivity, with localized resistive zones possibly indicating upwelling fresh groundwater. However, the variation in resistivity in the sediments below the water layer may reflect variations in lithology. An extension of the electrical imaging method involves collecting induced polarization (IP) data<ref name=”Binley2020”/> in addition to electrical resistivity data. IP measurements capture the temporary charge storage characteristics of the subsurface, which are strongly controlled by lithology, with finer-grained (e.g. clay rich) sediments being more chargeable than coarser grained sediments. The method can be particularly useful for differentiating between conductivity variations resulting from variations in pore fluid specific conductance and those conductivity variations associated with lithology. For example, based on electrical imaging methods alone (or the EM method alone), it may not be possible to distinguish a zone of high specific conductance groundwater entering into freshwater from a region of relatively finer- grained sediments without additional supporting data (e.g. a core). IP measurements may be able to resolve this ambiguity as the region of finer-grained sediments will be more chargeable than the surrounding areas.
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| − | | |
| − | ====Monitoring Methods====
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| − | | |
| − | =====''Land-based Electrical Monitoring''=====
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| − | There is increasing interest in the use of electrical imaging methods as monitoring systems. Semi-permanent arrays of electrodes can be installed to monitor groundwater/surface water dynamics over periods of days to years. Low-power instrumentation has been developed to specifically address the needs for long-term monitoring, although such instrumentation is not yet commercially available. Consequently, electrical monitoring of groundwater/surface water interactions currently remains in the realm of the research-driven specialist.
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| − | | |
| − | ===Considerations for Using EM and Waterborne Electrical Imaging Methods===
| |
| − | The EM and waterborne electrical imaging methods both provide a way to determine variations in bulk electrical conductivity associated with groundwater/surface water interactions. However, each method has some advantages and some disadvantages. One consideration is maneuverability, particularly in shallow water environments. FDEM instruments are the most maneuverable, although they offer only limited investigation depths. Although bigger than the shallow-sensing frequency domain EM systems, TEM systems are still relatively maneuverable on water bodies. Whereas FDEM systems can be operated from a single small vessel, the TEM deployments require the use of pontoons as the transmitter and receiver coils need to be separated 9 m apart. This still equates to good maneuverability compared to waterborne electrical imaging where a floating electrode cable, typically 30-50 m long, is pulled behind a vessel. | |
| − | | |
| − | In all three methods, variations in the water layer depth and the specific conductance of the water can significantly affect the data, especially in deeper water. Therefore, it is common to continuously record these parameters with an echo sounder and a specific conductance probe suspended in the water layer.
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| − | | |
| − | ===Other Hydrogeophysical Technologies===
| |
| − | A number of other hydrogeophysical technologies exist, with proven applications to the characterization of settings where GWSWE occurs. Seismic [[Wikipedia:Reflection seismology | reflection]] and [[Wikipedia:Seismic refraction | refraction]] methods are used to image the depositional environments along coastlines. [[Wikipedia:Ground-penetrating radar | Ground penetrating radar]] has been effectively used to image depositional environments around freshwater lake shorelines, and across streams and rivers. Such information may help to identify depositional features that promote GWSWE but, unlike the temperature- and conductivity-based methods, do not sense changes in physical properties associated with the exchanging water itself.
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| − | | |
| − | One promising technique for detecting GWSWE is known as the [https://www.epa.gov/environmental-geophysics/self-potential-sp self-potential (SP)] method. This simple to deploy geophysical technique is based on mapping voltage differences caused by natural sources of electric current in the Earth that are generated through a number of coupled flow processes, one being the coupling of pore fluid flow and transport of electric charge. Zones of enhanced seepage within a porous medium can result in a significant ‘streaming potential’ due to charge transport induced by fluid flow. This phenomenon has been effectively used to locate zones of leakage through dams and embankments<ref>Panthulu, T. V, Krishnaiah, C., Shirke, J. M., 2001. Detection of Seepage Paths in Earth Dams Using Self-Potential and Electrical Resistivity Methods. Engineering Geology, 59(3-4), pp. 281–295. [https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-7952(00)00082-X doi: 10.1016/S0013-7952(00)00082-X].</ref>. Recently, floating SP measurements have been used to define gaining and losing portions of streams and to identify evidence of focused exchange<ref>Ikard, S. J., Teeple, A. P., Payne, J. D., Stanton, G. P., Banta, J. R., 2018. New Insights On Scale-Dependent Surface-Groundwater Exchange from a Floating Self-Potential Dipole. Journal of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics, 23(2), pp. 261–287. [https://doi.org/10.2113/JEEG23.2.261 doi: 10.2113/JEEG23.2.261].</ref>. Although the data acquisition is simple, consisting of a pair of non-polarizing electrodes and a voltmeter, the interpretation of SP measurements requires expert knowledge to filter out confounding contributions to the recorded signals.
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| − | | |
| − | ==Guidelines for Implementing Hydrogeophysical Methods into Groundwater/Surface Water Interaction Studies==
| |
| − | A number of factors will affect the success of individual hydrogeophysical methods at a specific
| |
| − | site of GWSWE. Depending on site conditions and the objective, some methods may be inappropriate to deploy. For example, temperature-based methods will most likely succeed at times of the year and times of day when contrasts between upwelling groundwater and surface water are greatest. In contrast, it is quite possible that some sites of groundwater/surface water exchange will have an insufficient contrast in the specific conductance of the groundwater versus the surface water to make techniques based on EC measurements effective. A groundwater-surface water method selection tool ([https://water.usgs.gov/water-resources/software/GW-SW-MST/ GW/SW-MST]<ref>Hammett, S., Day-Lewis, F. D., Trottier, B., Barlow, P. M., Briggs, M. A., Delin, G., Harvey, J. W., Johnson, C. D., Lane jr., J. W., Rosenberry, D. O., Werkema, D. D., 2022. GW/SW-MST: A Groundwater/Surface-Water Method Selection Tool. Groundwater, 60(6), pp. 784-791. [https://doi.org/10.1111/gwat.13194 doi: 10.1111/gwat.13194]. [https://ngwa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/am-pdf/10.1111/gwat.13194 Open Access Manuscript]</ref>) has recently been developed to assist practitioners in the informed selection of the methods that will be most effective for a particular site at a particular time. The tool guides the user through a series of questions that consider both the specific conditions at the site and the primary objectives of the investigation. The methods selection tool discusses the application of a number of additional technologies besides those included in this article. The selection tool is recommended as the starting point for any practitioner.
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| | | | |
| | ==Summary== | | ==Summary== |
| − | A number of temperature-based and electrical conductivity-based technologies exist for monitoring GWSWE over a range of spatial scales. Many of these technologies are most powerful when used as reconnaissance tools to rapidly identify probable locations of GWSWE to be verified with a limited campaign of direct sensing measurements (traditionally seepage meters). Vertical temperature profilers (VTPs) offer direct quantification of fluxes at sites identified by the reconnaissance tools, and some studies show that these methods are more reliable than traditional seepage meters. Given the number of sites across the globe where contaminated groundwater is impacting surface water resources, use of these technologies for both characterization and monitoring is expected to become more common.
| + | The ''in situ'' Toxicity Identification Evaluation technology and protocol is a powerful tool that investigators can use to strengthen causal linkages between chemical stressors and ecological toxicity. By fractionating sampled water and exposing test organisms ''in situ'', investigators can gather toxicity response data while minimizing sample manipulation and accurately representing environmental conditions. |
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| | ==References== | | ==References== |
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| | ==See Also== | | ==See Also== |
| − | USGS Water Resources:
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| − | * https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/geophysics-usgs-groundwatersurface-water-exchange-studies
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| − | * https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/thermal-imaging-cameras-studying-groundwatersurface-water
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| − | * https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/fiber-optic-distributed-temperature-sensing-technology
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| − | * https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/integration-suas-hydrogeophysical-studies
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In Situ Toxicity Identification Evaluation (iTIE)
The in situ Toxicity Identification Evaluation system is a tool to incorporate in weight-of-evidence studies at sites with numerous chemical toxicant classes present. The technology works by continuously sampling site water, immediately fractionating the water using diagnostic sorptive resins, and then exposing test organisms to the water to observe toxicity responses with minimal sample manipulation. It is compatible with various resins, test organisms, and common acute and chronic toxicity tests, and can be deployed at sites with a wide variety of physical and logistical considerations.
Related Article(s):
Contributors: Dr. G. Allen Burton Jr., Austin Crane
Key Resources:
- A Novel In Situ Toxicity Identification Evaluation (iTIE) System for Determining which Chemicals Drive Impairments at Contaminated Sites[1]
- An in situ toxicity identification and evaluation water analysis system: Laboratory validation[2]
- Sediment Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) Phases I, II, and III Guidance Document[3]
- In Situ Toxicity Identification Evaluation (iTIE) Technology for Assessing Contaminated Sediments, Remediation Success, Recontamination and Source Identification[4]
Introduction
In waterways impacted by numerous naturally occurring and anthropogenic chemical stressors, it is crucial for environmental practitioners to be able to identify which chemical classes are causing the highest degrees of toxicity to aquatic life. Previously developed methods, including the Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) protocol developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)[5], can be confounded by sample manipulation artifacts and temporal limitations of ex situ organism exposures[1]. These factors may disrupt causal linkages and mislead investigators during site characterization and management decision-making. The in situ Toxicity Identification Evaluation (iTIE) technology was developed to allow users to strengthen stressor-causality linkages and rank chemical classes of concern at impaired sites, with high degrees of ecological realism.
The technology has undergone a series of improvements in recent years, with the most recent prototype being robust, operable in a wide variety of site conditions, and cost-effective compared to alternative site characterization methods[6][7][1][2]. The latest prototype can be used in any of the following settings: in marine, estuarine, or freshwater sites; to study surface water or sediment pore water; in shallow waters easily accessible by foot or in deep waters only accessible by pier or boat. It can be used to study sites impacted by a wide variety of stressors including ammonia, metals, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), among others. The technology is applicable to studies of acute toxicity via organism survival or of chronic toxicity via responses in growth, reproduction, or gene expression[1].
System Components and Validation
Figure 1: A schematic diagram of the iTIE system prototype. The system is divided into three sub-systems: 1) the Pore Water/Surface Water Collection Sub-System (blue); 2) the Pumping Sub-System (red); and 3) the iTIE Resin, Exposure, and Sampling Sub-System (green). Water first enters the system through the Pore Water/Surface Water Collection Sub-System. Porewater can be collected using Trident-style probes, or surface water can be collected using a simple weighted probe. The water is composited in a manifold before being pumped to the rest of the iTIE system by the booster pump. Once in the iTIE Resin, Exposure, and Sampling Sub-System, the water is gently oxygenated by the Oxygen Coil, separated from gas bubbles by the Drip Chamber, and diverted to separate iTIE Resin and Exposure Chambers (or iTIE units) by the Splitting Manifold. Water movement through each iTIE unit is controlled by a dedicated Regulation Pump. Finally, the water is gathered in Sample Collection bottles for analysis.
The latest iTIE prototype consists of an array of sorptive resins that differentially fractionate sampled water, and a series of corresponding flow-through organism chambers that receive the treated water in situ. Resin treatments can be selected depending on the chemicals suspected to be present at each site to selectively sequester certain chemical of concern (CoC) classes from the whole water, leaving a smaller subset of chemicals in the resulting water fraction for chemical and toxicological characterization. Test organism species and life stages can also be chosen depending on factors including site characteristics and study goals. In the full iTIE protocol, site water is continuously sampled either from the sediment pore spaces or the water column at a site, gently oxygenated, diverted to different iTIE units for fractionation and organism exposure, and collected in sample bottles for off-site chemical analysis (Figure 1). All iTIE system components are housed within waterproof Pelican cases, which allow for ease of transport and temperature control.
Porewater and Surface Water Collection Sub-system
Figure 2: a) Trident probe with auxiliary sensors attached, b) a Trident probe with end caps removed (the red arrow identifies the intermediate space where glass beads are packed to filter suspended solids), c) a Trident probe being installed using a series of push poles and a fence post driver
Given the importance of sediment porewater to ecosystem structure and function, investigators may employ the iTIE system to evaluate the toxic effects associated with the impacted sediment porewater. To accomplish this, the iTIE system utilizes the Trident probe, originally developed for Department of Defense site characterization studies[8]. The main body of the Trident is comprised of a stainless-steel frame with six hollow probes (Figure 2). Each probe contains a layer of inert glass beads, which filters suspended solids from the sampled water. The water is drawn through each probe into a composite manifold and transported to the rest of the iTIE system using a high-precision peristaltic pump.
The Trident also includes an adjustable stopper plate, which forms a seal against the sediment and prevents the inadvertent dilution of porewater samples with surface water. (Figure 2). Preliminary laboratory results indicate that the Trident is extremely effective in collecting porewater samples with minimal surface water infiltration in sediments ranging from coarse sand to fine clay. Underwater cameras, sensors, passive samplers, and other auxiliary equipment can be attached to the Trident probe frame to provide supplemental data.
Alternatively, practitioners may employ the iTIE system to evaluate site surface water. To sample surface water, weighted intake tubes can collect surface water from the water column using a peristaltic pump.
Oxygen Coil, Overflow Bag and Drip Chamber
Figure 3. Contents of the iTIE system cooler. The pictured HDPE rack (47.6 cm length x 29.7 cm width x 33.7 cm height) is removable from the iTIE cooler. Water enters the system at the red circle, flows through the oxygen coil, and then travels to each of the individual iTIE units where diagnostic resins and organisms are located. The water then briefly leaves the cooler to travel through peristaltic regulation pumps before being gathered in sample collection bottles.
Porewater is naturally anoxic due to limited mixing with aerated surface water and high oxygen demand of sediments, which may cause organism mortality and interfere with iTIE results. To preclude this, sampled porewater is exposed to an oxygen coil. This consists of an interior silicone tube connected to a pressurized oxygen canister, threaded through an exterior reinforced PVC tube through which water is slowly pumped (Figure 3). Pump rates are optimized to ensure adequate aeration of the water. In addition to elevating DO levels, the oxygen coil facilitates the oxidation of dissolved sulfides, which naturally occur in some marine sediments and may otherwise cause toxicity to organisms if left in its reduced form.
Gas bubbles may form in the oxygen coil over the course of a deployment. These can be disruptive, decreasing water sample volumes and posing a danger to sensitive organisms like daphnids. To account for this, the water travels to a drip chamber after exiting the oxygen coil, which allows gas bubbles to be separated and diverted to an overflow system. The sample water then flows to a manifold which divides the flow into different paths to each of the treatment units for fractionation and organism exposure.
iTIE Units: Fractionation and Organism Exposure Chambers
Figure 4. A diagram of the iTIE prototype. Water flows upward into each resin chamber through the unit bottom. After being chemically fractionated in the resin chamber, water travels into the organism chamber, where test organisms have been placed. Water is drawn through the units by high-precision peristaltic pumps.
At the core of the iTIE system are separate dual-chamber iTIE units, each with a resin fractionation chamber and an organism exposure chamber (Figure 4). Developed by Burton et al.[1], the iTIE prototype is constructed from acrylic, with rubber O-rings to connect each piece. Each iTIE unit can contain a different diagnostic resin matrix, customizable to remove specific chemical classes from the water. Sampled water flows into each unit through the bottom and is differentially fractionated by the resin matrix as it travels upward. Then it reaches the organism chamber, where test organisms are placed for exposure. The organism chamber inlet and outlet are covered by mesh to prevent the escape of the test organisms. This continuous flow-through design allows practitioners to capture the temporal heterogeneity of ambient water conditions over the duration of an in situ exposure. Currently, the iTIE system can support four independent iTIE treatment units.
After being exposed to test organisms, water is collected in sample bottles. The bottles can be pre-loaded with preservation reagents to allow for later chemical analysis. Sample bottles can be composed of polyethylene, glass or other materials depending on the CoC.
Pumping Sub-system
Figure 5. The iTIE system pumping sub-system. The sub-system consists of: A) a single booster pump, which is directly connected to the water sampling device and feeds water to the rest of the iTIE system, and B) a set of four regulation pumps, which each connect to the outflow of an individual iTIE unit. Each pump set is housed in a waterproof case with self-contained rechargeable battery power. A tablet is mounted inside the lid of the four pump case, which can be used to program and operate all of the pumps when connected to the internet.
Water movement through the system is driven by a series of high-precision, programmable peristaltic pumps (EcoTech Marine). Each pump set is housed in a Pelican storm travel case. Power is supplied to each pump by internal rechargeable lithium-iron phosphate batteries (Bioenno Power).
First, water is supplied to the system by a booster pump (Figure 5A). This pump is situated between the water sampling sub-system and the oxygen coil. The booster pump: 1) facilitates pore water collection, especially from sediments with high fine particle fractions; 2) helps water overcome vertical lifts to travel to the iTIE system; and 3) prevents vacuums from forming in the iTIE system interior, which can accelerate the formation of disruptive gas bubbles in the oxygen coil. The booster pump should be programmed to supply an excess of water to prevent vacuum formation.
Second, a set of four regulation pumps ensure precise flow rates through each independent iTIE unit (Figure 5B). Each regulation pump pulls water from the top of an iTIE unit and then dispenses that water into a sample bottle for further analysis.
Study Design Considerations
Diagnostic Resin Treatments
Several commercially available resins have been verified for use in the iTIE system. Investigators can select resins based on stressor classes of interest at each site. Each resin selectively removes a CoC class from site water prior to organism exposure.
Resins must be adequately conditioned prior to use. Otherwise, they may inadequately adsorb toxicants or cause stress to organisms. New resins should be tested for efficacy and toxicity before being used in an iTIE system.
Test Organism Species and Life Stages
Practitioners can also select different organism species and life stages for use in the iTIE system, depending on site characteristics and study goals. The iTIE system can accommodate various small test organisms, including embryo-stage fish and most macroinvertebrates. The following common toxicity tests can be adapted for application within iTIE systems[12].
Freshwater acute toxicity:
Freshwater chronic toxicity:
- Americamysis survival, growth and fecundity
- Atherinops affinis embryo-larval survival and growth
Acute toxicity is quantifiable via organism survival rates immediately following the termination of an iTIE system field deployment. Chronic toxicity can be quantified by continuing to culture and observe test organisms in-lab. Common chronic endpoints include stunted growth, altered development such as teratogenicity in larval fish, decreased reproduction rates, and changes in gene expression.
Several gene expression endpoints have been detectable in bioassays following an iTIE system deployment and in-lab culturing period. Steigmeyer et al.[2] were able to detect changes in the expression of two genes in D. magna after a 24-hour exposure to bisphenol A. In a separate study, Nichols[13] found a significant decline in acetylcholinesterase activity in H. azteca after a 24-hour exposure to chlorpyrifos. These results indicate a potential to adapt other gene expression bioassays for use in conjunction with iTIE system field exposures to prove stressor-causality linkages.
Cost Effectiveness Study
Burton et al.[1] conducted a cost effectiveness study comparing the iTIE technology with the traditional US EPA Phase 1 TIE method. Comparisons were based on the estimated time required to complete various sub-tasks within each method. Sub-tasks included organism care, equipment preparation, mobilization and deployment, test maintenance, test termination, demobilization, and test termination analyses. It was ultimately estimated that the iTIE protocol requires 47% less time (67 fewer hours) to complete than the Phase 1 TIE method, with the largest time differences in equipment preparation, deployment, test maintenance, and demobilization. It is important to note that the iTIE method may require additional initial costs for equipment and training.
Field Application
Figure 6. iTIES deployment at the Rouge River, Detroit, MI. In the foreground is the iTIE Cooler Sub-System, which contains iTIE resin treatments and test organism groups, as well as the oxygenation coil and sample collection bottles. Next to the iTIE Cooler are the two pump cases. The Trident can be seen above the pump cases, installed in the river channel near shore.
The iTIE system has been successfully deployed at a variety of marine and freshwater sites during the proof-of-concept phase of prototype development. One example is the 2024 iTIE system deployment completed near the mouth of the Rouge River in Detroit, MI (Figure 6). The Rouge River watershed has a long history of industrialization, with a legacy of chemical dumping, channelization, damming, and urban runoff[14]. This has led to degraded environmental conditions, with previous detections of a wide range of chemicals including heavy metals and various organics.
Figure 7. Survival and healthy development of
P. promelas embryos and larvae following a 48-hour iTIE exposure near the mouth of the Rouge River. Organisms were exposed to site porewater as embryos for 48 hours and cultured post-exposure for an additional 5 days.
Figure 8. Survival of
C. dilutus larvae after an iTIE exposure near the mouth of the Rouge River. Organisms were exposed to site porewater for 48 hours and cultured post-exposure for an additional 5 days. Error bars show standard deviation.
An iTIE system deployment was designed and completed to determine which chemical classes are most responsible for causing toxicity at the site. Resin treatments included glass wool (inert, non-fractionating substance), Chelex (metals sorption), Oasis HLB (general organics sorption), and Oasis WAX (organics sorption, with a high affinity for PFAS). The study utilized fathead minnow (P. promelas) embryos, due to their relative sensitivity to metals and PAHs, as well as second-instar midge (Chironomus dilutus) larvae due to their relative sensitivity to PFAS.
The test organisms were exposed to fractionated porewater in situ for 48 hours. Following exposure, organisms were cultured for an additional five days, and survival was recorded (Figures 7 and 8). Moderate declines in survival were seen in both species in the glass wool treatment, indicating toxicity at the site. For P. promelas, the highest proportion of healthy development occurred in the Chelex treatment, supporting the hypothesis that metals are a dominant cause of toxicity. C. dilutus had the greatest survival in the Oasis WAX treatment, suggesting that an organic stressor class like PFAS is also present at harmful concentrations in the river.
Water chemical analyses of fractionated and unfractionated water samples were completed to support biological results. Analyses were conducted for a range of stressor classes including metals, PAHs, PCBs, an organophosphate pesticide (chlorpyrifos), a PFAS compound (PFOS) and a pyrethroid insecticide (permethrin). Of these analytes, only heavy metals and PFOS were detected. Some chemical classes including PAHs and PCBs were not detected at the site.
To reach similar conclusions using traditional Phase 1 TIE methods, one would need to complete the following tests: baseline toxicity, filtration, aeration, EDTA, C18 SPE, and methanol elution of C18 SPE. The iTIE method allows the same conclusions to be drawn with significantly less time and effort required.
Summary
The in situ Toxicity Identification Evaluation technology and protocol is a powerful tool that investigators can use to strengthen causal linkages between chemical stressors and ecological toxicity. By fractionating sampled water and exposing test organisms in situ, investigators can gather toxicity response data while minimizing sample manipulation and accurately representing environmental conditions.
References
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See Also
