The Environmental Research Group specializes in seven areas, each
an important issue to New Hampshire and New England communities and
private sector firms as well as to the nation. Research is undertaken
on other issues when expertise is sought by New Hampshire communities
or firms, but it is in these seven areas that the Group has a critical
mass of talent, demonstrated significant expertise, and has concentrated
its program development efforts:
Bioremediation
Bioremediation, using naturally-occurring microorganisms, is an
increasingly popular method to treat a variety of wastes. ERG researchers
are involved in several projects evaluating in situ bioremediation
of organically-contaminated subsurface environments. A primary focus
of the ERG Bioremediation Group is developing low cost methods to
enhance in situ bioremediation without generating hazardous byproducts
and damaging the natural environment.
Contaminant Fate, Transport, and Remediation
Research focuses on contaminants in groundwater and surface water
systems, and remediation methods currently being investigated include
bioremediation (see above), the development of novel reactive walls,
and surfactant-enhanced NAPL mobilization.
Contaminated Sediment Management
Current research focuses on in-situ treatment methods, in-situ
capping and containment methods, and ex-situ management of contaminated,
fine-grained dredged material. Examples of such research include
in-situ PCB remediation using colloidal zero-valent iron, capping
sediments using a reactive phosphate barrier, and managing sediments
by using them as a feedstock in conventional Portland cement manufacturing.
Drinking Water Treatment Technologies
Intensive research areas currently include a robust Ultraviolet
light disinfection research program and a number of water treatment
technologies that are focused on small municipal utilities. A significant
amount of work in this area that is conducted at UNH involves pilot
scale testing of new technologies.
Hydrology and Water Resources
Areas of interest include: surface water - ground water interactions,
wetlands hydrology, riverbank filtration, ground water contamination,
hydraulics of fractured rock systems, land application of sludge,
development and testing of new drilling technologies, and sediment
transport. Most projects include significant field exercises. Use
of computer modeling techniques parallel and assist the field endeavors.
Recycled Materials and Waste Utilization
ERG is involved in the field of waste and recycled materials characterization,
treatment, stabilization and use. Some of the activities occur on
an ad hoc basis, many occur under the auspices of the Recycled Materials
Resource Center (RMRC). Recent and present activities include phosphate
stabilization of industrial wastes and contaminated sediments, development
of reactive barriers fro contaminated sediment containment, and
use of many types of materials in highway construction.
Storm Water Treatment
Research for the past 10 years and continuing has had the primary
focus of defining the actual treatment effectiveness of various
storm water best management practices. Recent research shows that
recommended designs fail (water quality exiting is worse that that
entering) about 70% of the time! New lines of research will focus
on developing better design/construction standards, constructing
a field-scale test facility, and creating an expert system for local
communities to meet the new Clean Water Act requirements (Phase
II regulations).
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