ACCUMULATION RATE OF MICROBIAL BIOMASS AT TWO PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER SITES

EPA Science Inventory

Accumulation of mineral precipitates and microbial biomass are key factors that impact the long-term performance of in-situ Permeable Reactive Barriers for treating contaminated groundwater. Both processes can impact remedial performance by decreasing zero-valent iron reactivity...

Iron Hydroxy Carbonate Formation in Zerovalent Iron Permeable Reactive Barriers: Characterization and Evaluation of Phase Stability

EPA Science Inventory

Predicting the long-term potential of permeable reactive barriers for treating contaminated groundwater relies on understanding the endpoints of biogeochemical reactions between influent groundwater and the reactive medium. Iron hydroxy carbonate (chukanovite) is frequently obs...

AMELIORATION OF ACID MINE DRAINAGE USING REACTIVE MIXTURES IN PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS

EPA Science Inventory

The generation and release of acidic drainage from mine wastes is an environmental problem of international scale. The use of zero-valent iron and/or iron mixtures in subsurface Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRB) presents a possible passive alternative for remediating acidic grou...

RESEARCH PROJECT -- PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS FOR REMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATERS(SUBSURFACE PROTECTION AND REMEDIATION DIVISION, (NRMRL)

EPA Science Inventory

Permeable reactive barrier (PRB) technology is gradually being accepted as a viable alternative to conventional groundwater remediation systems such as pump and treat. PRB technology involves the placement or formation of a reactive treatment zone in the path of a dissolved conta...

Transformation of Reactive Iron Minerals in a Permeable Reactive Barrier (Biowall) Used to Treat TCE in Groundwater

EPA Science Inventory

Abstract: Iron and sulfur reducing conditions are generally created in permeable reactive barrier (PRB) systems constructed for groundwater treatment, which usually leads to formation of iron sulfide phases. Iron sulfides have been shown to play an important role in degrading ch...

Development and calibration of a reactive transport model for carbonate reservoir porosity and permeability changes based on CO 2 core-flood experiments

DOE PAGES

Smith, Megan M.; Hao, Y.; Carroll, S. A.

2017-01-02

Here, beneficial pore space and permeability enhancements are likely to occur as CO 2-charged fluids partially dissolve carbonate minerals in carbonate reservoir formations used for geologic CO 2 storage. The ability to forecast the extent and impact of changes in porosity and permeability will aid geologic CO 2 storage operations and lower uncertainty in estimates of long-term storage capacity. Our work is directed toward developing calibrated reactive transport models that more accurately capture the chemical impacts of CO 2-fluid-rock interactions and their effects on porosity and permeability by matching pressure, fluid chemistry, and dissolution features that developed as a resultmore » of reaction with CO 2-acidified brines at representative reservoir conditions. We present new results from experiments conducted on seven core samples from the Arbuckle Dolostone (near Wellington, Kansas, USA, recovered as part of the South-Central Kansas CO 2 Demonstration). Cores were obtained from both target reservoir and lower-permeability baffle zones, and together these samples span over 3–4 orders of magnitude of permeability according to downhole measurements. Core samples were nondestructively imaged by X-ray computed tomography and the resulting characterization data were mapped onto a continuum domain to further develop a reactive transport model for a range of mineral and physical heterogeneity. We combine these new results with those from previous experimental studies to more fully constrain the governing equations used in reactive transport models to better estimate the transition of enhanced oil recovery operations to long-term geology CO 2 storage. Calcite and dolomite kinetic rate constants (mol m –2 s –1) derived by fitting the results from core-flood experiments range from k calcite,25C = 10 –6.8 to 10 –4.6, and k dolomite,25C = 10 –7.5 to 10 –5.3. The power law-based porosity-permeability relationship is sensitive to the overall pore space heterogeneity of each core. Stable dissolution fronts observed in the more homogeneous dolostones could be accurately simulated using an exponential value of n = 3. Furthermore, unstable dissolution fronts consisting of preferential flowpaths could be simulated using an exponential value of n = 3 for heterogeneous dolostones, and larger values ( n = 6–8) for heterogeneous limestones.« less

Development and calibration of a reactive transport model for carbonate reservoir porosity and permeability changes based on CO 2 core-flood experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, Megan M.; Hao, Y.; Carroll, S. A.

Here, beneficial pore space and permeability enhancements are likely to occur as CO 2-charged fluids partially dissolve carbonate minerals in carbonate reservoir formations used for geologic CO 2 storage. The ability to forecast the extent and impact of changes in porosity and permeability will aid geologic CO 2 storage operations and lower uncertainty in estimates of long-term storage capacity. Our work is directed toward developing calibrated reactive transport models that more accurately capture the chemical impacts of CO 2-fluid-rock interactions and their effects on porosity and permeability by matching pressure, fluid chemistry, and dissolution features that developed as a resultmore » of reaction with CO 2-acidified brines at representative reservoir conditions. We present new results from experiments conducted on seven core samples from the Arbuckle Dolostone (near Wellington, Kansas, USA, recovered as part of the South-Central Kansas CO 2 Demonstration). Cores were obtained from both target reservoir and lower-permeability baffle zones, and together these samples span over 3–4 orders of magnitude of permeability according to downhole measurements. Core samples were nondestructively imaged by X-ray computed tomography and the resulting characterization data were mapped onto a continuum domain to further develop a reactive transport model for a range of mineral and physical heterogeneity. We combine these new results with those from previous experimental studies to more fully constrain the governing equations used in reactive transport models to better estimate the transition of enhanced oil recovery operations to long-term geology CO 2 storage. Calcite and dolomite kinetic rate constants (mol m –2 s –1) derived by fitting the results from core-flood experiments range from k calcite,25C = 10 –6.8 to 10 –4.6, and k dolomite,25C = 10 –7.5 to 10 –5.3. The power law-based porosity-permeability relationship is sensitive to the overall pore space heterogeneity of each core. Stable dissolution fronts observed in the more homogeneous dolostones could be accurately simulated using an exponential value of n = 3. Furthermore, unstable dissolution fronts consisting of preferential flowpaths could be simulated using an exponential value of n = 3 for heterogeneous dolostones, and larger values ( n = 6–8) for heterogeneous limestones.« less

LONG-TERM GEOCHEMICAL BEHAVIOR OF A ZEROVALENT IRON PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM IN GROUNDWATER

EPA Science Inventory

Passive, in-situ reactive barriers have proven to be viable, cost-effective systems for the remediation of Cr-contaminated groundwater at some sites. Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) are installed in the flow-path of groundwater, most typically as vertical treatment walls. Re...

Strength and Numerical Analysis in the Design of Permeable Reactive Barriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pawluk, Katarzyna; Wrzesiński, Grzegorz; Lendo-Siwicka, Marzena

2017-10-01

Permeable reactive barriers are one of the most important in situ technologies in groundwater remediation. Most of the installed PRBs have tended to use singular reactive media, but there is an increasing number of applications using combined or sequenced media to treat mixtures of contaminants within a groundwater plume. The concept of a multi-layered permeable reactive barrier (MPRB) to prevent and protect groundwater along traffic routes, especially in ecologically and naturally valuable areas, was developed following several field and laboratory investigations conducted in the Department of Geotechnical Engineering of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. In accordance with the guidelines of the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council for the selection of reactive materials, numerous laboratory and field investigations should be performed to determine the environmental conditions, type and concentrations of the contaminants, and the physical-chemical and permeability properties of the reactive materials. However, the deformation and strength properties of the reactive materials should be also considered in the design and evaluation of the safety conditions. In this paper, strength and deformation properties of silica spongolite, zeolite, and activated carbon were investigated using direct shear and oedometer tests. The laboratory test results were used in numerical calculations with the application of the finite element method. The aim of this study was to define the impact of the installation stages of a multi-layered permeable reactive barrier on the stability of a road embankment. Numerical analysis may prevent, reduce or eliminate the risk in the case of a breakdown during the construction or/and exploitation of a PRB.

A Film Depositional Model of Permeability for Mineral Reactions in Unsaturated Media.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Freedman, Vicky L.; Saripalli, Prasad; Bacon, Diana H.

2004-11-15

A new modeling approach based on the biofilm models of Taylor et al. (1990, Water Resources Research, 26, 2153-2159) has been developed for modeling changes in porosity and permeability in saturated porous media and implemented in an inorganic reactive transport code. Application of the film depositional models to mineral precipitation and dissolution reactions requires that calculations of mineral films be dynamically changing as a function of time dependent reaction processes. Since calculations of film thicknesses do not consider mineral density, results show that the film porosity model does not adequately describe volumetric changes in the porous medium. These effects canmore » be included in permeability calculations by coupling the film permeability models (Mualem and Childs and Collis-George) to a volumetric model that incorporates both mineral density and reactive surface area. Model simulations demonstrate that an important difference between the biofilm and mineral film models is in the translation of changes in mineral radii to changes in pore space. Including the effect of tortuosity on pore radii changes improves the performance of the Mualem permeability model for both precipitation and dissolution. Results from simulation of simultaneous dissolution and secondary mineral precipitation provides reasonable estimates of porosity and permeability. Moreover, a comparison of experimental and simulated data show that the model yields qualitatively reasonable results for permeability changes due to solid-aqueous phase reactions.« less

EVALUATION OF PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER PERFORMANCE

EPA Science Inventory

The permeable reactive barrier (PRB) technology represents a passive option for long-term treatment of ground-water contamination. PRBs are a potentially more cost-effective treatment option for a variety of dissolved contaminants, such as certain types of chlorinated solvents, ...

TREATMENT OF INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS USING PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS

EPA Science Inventory

Permeable reactive barriers are an emerging alternative to traditional pump and treat systems for groundwater remediation. This technique has progressed rapidly over the past decade from laboratory bench-scale studies to full-scale implementation. Laboratory studies indicate the ...

AN IN SITU PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM AND TRICHLOROETHYLENE IN GROUNDWATER:VOLUME 2 PERFORMANCE MONITORING

EPA Science Inventory

A 46 m long, 7.3 m deep, and 0.6 m wide permeable subsurface reactive wall was installed at the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Support Center, near Elizabeth City, North Carolina, in June 1996. The reactive wall was designed to remediate hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] contaminated ground ...

AN IN-SITU PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM AND TRICHLOROETHYLENE IN GROUND WATER: VOLUME 1 DESIGN AND INSTALLATION

EPA Science Inventory

A 46 m long, 7.3 m deep, and 0.6 m wide permeable subsurface reactive wall was installed at the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Support Center, near Elizabeth City, North Carolina, in June 1996. The reactive wall was designed to remediate hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] contaminated ground ...

PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS FOR REMEDIATION OF INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS

EPA Science Inventory

The permeable reactive barrier (PRB) technology is an in-situ approach for groundwater remediation that couples subsurface flow management with a passive chemical or biochemical treatment zone. The development and application of the PRB technology has progressed over the last de...

COST ANALYSIS OF PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS FOR REMEDIATION OF GROUND WATER

EPA Science Inventory

ABSTRACT

Permeable reactive barriers (PRB's) are an emerging, alternative in-situ approach for remediating contaminated groundwater that combine subsurface fluid flow management with a passive chemical treatment zone. PRB's are a potentially more cost effective treatment...

Permeable Reactive Barriers for Treatment of Cr6

EPA Science Inventory

Several options are available for treatment of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in groundwater using the permeable reactive barrier (PRB) approach. They include conventional trench-and-fill systems, chemical redox curtains, and organic carbon redox curtains. Each of these PRB syste...

Shallow, non-pumped wells: a low-energy alternative for cleaning polluted groundwater.

PubMed

Hudak, Paul F

2013-07-01

This modeling study evaluated the capability of non-pumped wells with filter media for preventing contaminant plumes from migrating offsite. Linear configurations of non-pumped wells were compared to permeable reactive barriers in simulated shallow homogeneous and heterogeneous aquifers. While permeable reactive barriers enabled faster contaminant removal and shorter distances of contaminant travel, non-pumped wells also prevented offsite contaminant migration. Overall, results of this study suggest that discontinuous, linear configurations of non-pumped wells may be a viable alternative to much more costly permeable reactive barriers for preventing offsite contaminant travel in some shallow aquifers.

EVALUATION OF PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER PERFORMANCE: A TRI-AGENCY INITIATIVE

EPA Science Inventory

The permeable reactive barrier (PRB) technology represents a passive option for long-term treatment of ground-water contamination. PRBs are a potentially more cost-effective treatment option for a variety of dissolved contaminants, such as certain types of chlorinated solvents, ...

LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS TO REMEDIATE CONTAMINATED GROUND WATER

EPA Science Inventory

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) are an emerging, alternative in-situ approach for remediating groundwater contamination that combine subsurface fluid flow management with a passive chemical treatment zone. The few pilot and commercial installations which have been implemented ...

LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE MONITORING OF A PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER TO REMEDIATE CONTAMINATED GROUND WATER

EPA Science Inventory

Permeable reactive barriers (PRB's) are an emerging, alternative in-situ approach for remediating groundwater contamination that combine subsurface fluid flow management with a passive chemical treatment zone. The few pilot and commercial installations which have been implemented...

PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS FOR IN-SITU TREATMENT OF ARSENIC-CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER

EPA Science Inventory

Laboratory and field research has shown that permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) containing a variety of materials can treat arsenic (As) contaminated groundwater. Sites where these PRBs are located include a mine tailings facility, fertilizer and chemical manufacturing sites, a...

Long-Term Groundwater Monitoring Optimization, Clare Water Supply Superfund Site, Permeable Reactive Barrier and Soil Remedy Areas, Clare, Michigan

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This report contains a review of the long-term groundwater monitoring network for the Permeable Reactive Barrier (PRB) and Soil Remedy Areas at the Clare Water Supply Superfund Site in Clare, Michigan.

COLLECTION OF DESIGN DATA: SITE CHARACTERIZATION FOR PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS

EPA Science Inventory

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) for the restoration of contaminated ground water are no longer innovative. PRBs have evolved from innovative to accepted, standard practice, for the containment and treatment of a variety of contaminants in ground water. Like any remedial tech...

LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE MONITORING OF PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS TO REMEDIATE CONTAMINATED GROUND WATER

EPA Science Inventory

Permeable reactive barriers (PRB's) are an alternative in-situ approach for remediating contaminated groundwater that combine subsurface fluid flow management with a passive chemical treatment zone. PRB's are being selected with increased frequency at waste sites (more than 40 f...

LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE OF IN-SITU PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS FOR REMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED GROUND WATER

EPA Science Inventory

Permeable reactive barriers (PRB's) are an emerging, alternative in-situ approach for remediating groundwater contamination that combine subsurface fluid flow management with a passive chemical treatment zone. The few pilot and commercial installations which have been implemented...

CARBON AND SULFUR ACCUMULATION AND IRON MINERAL TRANSFORMATION IN PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS CONTAINING ZERO-VALENT IRON

EPA Science Inventory

Permeable reactive barrier technology is an in-situ approach for remediating groundwater contamination that combines subsurface fluid flow management with passive chemical treatment. Factors such as the buildup of mineral precipitates, buildup of microbial biomass (bio-fouling...

Interim Report: Field Demonstration Of Permeable Reactive Barriers To Remove Dissolved Uranium From Groundwater, Fry Canyon, Utah

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Fry Canyon site in southeastern Utah was selected in 1996 as a long-term field demonstration site to assess the performance of selected permeable reactive barriers for the removal of uranium (U) from groundwater.

APPLICATION OF THE PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER TECHNOLOGY FOR THE TREATMENT OF ARSENIC IN GROUND WATER

EPA Science Inventory

The research approach will involve hydrogeological and geochemical studies to provide information needed in order to select an appropriate design configuration and to evaluate the performance of a pilot-scale subsurface permeable reactive barrier to remediate arsenic-contaminated...

Performance Assessment of a Permeable Reactive Barrier for Ground Water Remediation Fifteen Years After Installation

EPA Science Inventory

The fifteen-year performance of a granular iron, permeable reactive barrier (PRB; Elizabeth City, North Carolina) is reviewed with respect to contaminanttreatment (hexavalent chromium and trichloroethylene) and hydraulic performance. Due to in-situ treatment of the chromium sourc...

COST ANALYSIS OF PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS FOR REMEDIATION OF GROUND WATER

EPA Science Inventory

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development and its contractor have evaluated cost data from 22 sites where permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) have been utilized to remediate contaminated ground water resources. Most of the sites evaluated wer...

LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE OF PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS: AN UPDATE ON A U.S. MULTI-AGENCY INITIATIVE

EPA Science Inventory

Permeable reactive barriers (PRB's) are an emerging, alternative in-situ approach for remediating contaminated groundwater that combine subsurface fluid flow management with a passive chemical treatment zone. PRB's are a potentially more cost effective treatment option at seve...

Fifteen-year Assessment of a Permeable Reactive Barrier for Treatment of Chromate and Trichloroethylene in Groundwater

EPA Science Inventory

The fifteen-year performance of a granular iron, permeable reactive barrier (PRB; Elizabeth City, North Carolina) is reviewed with respect to contaminant treatment (hexavalent chromium and trichloroethylene) and hydraulic performance. Due to in-situ treatment of the chromium sou...

LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE OF PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS TO REMEDIATE CONTAMINATED GROUND WATER

EPA Science Inventory

This research brief presents findings over the past four years at two sites where detailed investigations by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) have focused on the long-term performance of PRBs under a Tri-Agency Permeable Reactive Barrier Initiative (TRI). This ...

LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE OF PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS: LESSONS LEARNED, FUTURE DIRECTIONS

EPA Science Inventory

Recently, a synthesis of research findings by EPA has been prepared and presented in an EPA report titled Capstone Report on the Application, Monitoring, and Performance of Permeable Reactive Barriers for Ground-Water Remediation (EPA/600/R-03/045 a,b). Another report has also be...

CHROMIUM REMOVAL PROCESSES DURING GROUNDWATER REMEDIATION BY A ZEROVALENT IRON PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER

EPA Science Inventory

Solid-phase associations of chromium were examined in core materials collected from a full-scale, zerovalent iron, permeable reactive barrier (PRB) at the U.S. Coast Guard Support Center located near Elizabeth City (NC). The PRB was installed in 1996 to treat groundwater contami...

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH BRIEF: LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE OF PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS USING ZERO-VALENT IRON: AN EVALUATION AT TWO SITES

EPA Science Inventory

Geochemical and microbiological factors that control long-term performance of subsurface permeable reactive barriers were evaluated at the Elizabeth City, NC and the Denver Federal Center, CO sites. These groundwater treatment systems use zero-valent iron filings to intercept an...

SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL TRENDS IN GROUNDWATER CHEMISTRY AND PRECIPITATE FORMATION AT THE ELIZABETH CITY PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER

EPA Science Inventory

Accumulation of mineral precipitates and microbial biomass are key factors that impact the long-term performance of PRBs. Both processes can impact remedial performance by affecting zero-valent iron reactivity and permeability. Results will be presented from solid-phase and gro...

Seismic and aseismic deformations and impact on reservoir permeability: The case of EGS stimulation at The Geysers, California, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeanne, Pierre; Rutqvist, Jonny; Rinaldi, Antonio Pio; Dobson, Patrick F.; Walters, Mark; Hartline, Craig; Garcia, Julio

2015-11-01

In this paper, we use the Seismicity-Based Reservoir Characterization approach to study the spatiotemporal dynamics of an injection-induced microseismic cloud, monitored during the stimulation of an enhanced geothermal system, and associated with the Northwest Geysers Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) Demonstration project (California). We identified the development of a seismically quiet domain around the injection well surrounded by a seismically active domain. Then we compare these observations with the results of 3-D Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical simulations of the EGS, which accounts for changes in permeability as a function of the effective normal stress and the plastic strain. The results of our modeling show that (1) the aseismic domain is caused by both the presence of the injected cold water and by thermal processes. These thermal processes cause a cooling-stress reduction, which prevent shear reactivation and favors fracture opening by reducing effective normal stress and locally increasing the permeability. This process is accompanied by aseismic plastic shear strain. (2) In the seismic domain, microseismicity is caused by the reactivation of the preexisting fractures, resulting from an increase in injection-induced pore pressure. Our modeling indicates that in this domain, permeability evolves according to the effective normal stress acting on the shear zones, whereas shearing of preexisting fractures may have a low impact on permeability. We attribute this lack of permeability gain to the fact that the initial permeabilities of these preexisting fractures are already high (up to 2 orders of magnitude higher than the host rock) and may already be fully dilated by past tectonic straining.

Application of a Persistent Dissolved-phase Reactive Treatment Zone for Mitigation of Mass Discharge from Sources Located in Lower-Permeability Sediments

PubMed Central

Marble, J.C.; Brusseau, M.L.; Carroll, K.C.; Plaschke, M.; Fuhrig, L.; Brinker, F.

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study is to examine the development and effectiveness of a persistent dissolved-phase treatment zone, created by injecting potassium permanganate solution, for mitigating discharge of contaminant from a source zone located in a relatively deep, low-permeability formation. A localized 1,1-dichloroethene (DCE) source zone comprising dissolved- and sorbed-phase mass is present in lower permeability strata adjacent to a sand/gravel unit in a section of the Tucson International Airport Area (TIAA) Superfund Site. The results of bench-scale studies conducted using core material collected from boreholes drilled at the site indicated that natural oxidant demand was low, which would promote permanganate persistence. The reactive zone was created by injecting a permanganate solution into multiple wells screened across the interface between the lower-permeability and higher-permeability units. The site has been monitored for nine years to characterize the spatial distribution of DCE and permanganate. Permanganate continues to persist at the site, and a substantial and sustained decrease in DCE concentrations in groundwater has occurred after the permanganate injection.. These results demonstrate successful creation of a long-term, dissolved-phase reactive-treatment zone that reduced mass discharge from the source. This project illustrates the application of in-situ chemical oxidation as a persistent dissolved-phase reactive-treatment system for lower-permeability source zones, which appears to effectively mitigate persistent mass discharge into groundwater. PMID:26300570

Effect of oxide films on hydrogen permeability of candidate Stirling heater head tube alloys

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schuon, S R; Misencik, J A

1981-01-01

High pressure hydrogen has been selected as the working fluid for the developmental automotive Stirling engine. Containment of the working fluid during operation of the engine at high temperatures and at high hydrogen gas pressures is essential for the acceptance of the Stirling engine as an alternative to the internal combustion engine. Most commercial alloys are extremely permeable to pure hydrogen at high temperatures. A program was undertaken at NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) to reduce hydrogen permeability in the Stirling engine heater head tubes by doping the hydrogen working fluid with CO or CO/sub 2/. Small additions of thesemore » gases were shown to form an oxide on the inside tube wall and thus reduce hydrogen permeability. A study of the effects of dopant concentration, alloy composition, and effects of surface oxides on hydrogen permeability in candidate heater head tube alloys is summarized. Results showed that hydrogen permeability was similar for iron-base alloys (N-155, A286, IN800, 19-9DL, and Nitronic 40), cobalt-base alloys (HS-188) and nickel-base alloys (IN718). In general, the permeability of the alloys decreased with increasing concentration of CO or CO/sub 2/ dopant, with increasing oxide thickness, and decreasing oxide porosity. At high levels of dopants, highly permeable liquid oxides formed on those alloys with greater than 50% Fe content. Furthermore, highly reactive minor alloying elements (Ti, Al, Nb, and La) had a strong influence on reducing hydrogen permeability.« less

LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE OF PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS: LESSONS LEARNED ON DESIGN, CONTAMINANT TREATMENT, LONGEVITY, PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND COST-AN OVERVIEW

EPA Science Inventory

This presentation will provide an overview of permeable reactive barrier performance for field sites in the U.S. evaluated over the last 10 years by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development (EPA-ORD) in collaboration with other U.S. federal ag...

LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE OF PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS: LESSONS LEARNED ON DESIGN, CONTAMINANT TREATMENT, LONGEVITY, PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND COST - AN OVERVIEW

EPA Science Inventory

An overview of permeable reactive barrier (PRB) performance for field sites in the U.S. was evaluated over the last 10 years by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Office of Research and Development (EPA-ORD) in collaboration with other U.S. federal agencies, consulting co...

CAPSTONE REPORT ON THE APPLICATION, MONITORING, AND PERFORMANCE OF PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS FOR GROUND-WATER REMEDIATION: VOL. 1 PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS AT TWO SITES

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this document is to provide detailed performance monitoring data on full-scale Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs) installed to treat contaminated ground water at two different sites. This report will fill a need for a readily available source of information for si...

Module-oriented modeling of reactive transport with HYTEC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Lee, Jan; De Windt, Laurent; Lagneau, Vincent; Goblet, Patrick

2003-04-01

The paper introduces HYTEC, a coupled reactive transport code currently used for groundwater pollution studies, safety assessment of nuclear waste disposals, geochemical studies and interpretation of laboratory column experiments. Based on a known permeability field, HYTEC evaluates the groundwater flow paths, and simulates the migration of mobile matter (ions, organics, colloids) subject to geochemical reactions. The code forms part of a module-oriented structure which facilitates maintenance and improves coding flexibility. In particular, using the geochemical module CHESS as a common denominator for several reactive transport models significantly facilitates the development of new geochemical features which become automatically available to all models. A first example shows how the model can be used to assess migration of uranium from a sub-surface source under the effect of an oxidation front. The model also accounts for alteration of hydrodynamic parameters (local porosity, permeability) due to precipitation and dissolution of mineral phases, which potentially modifies the migration properties in general. The second example illustrates this feature.

REMOVAL OF ADDED NITRATE IN THE SINGLE, BINARY, AND TERNARY SYSTEMS OF COTTON BURR COMPOST, ZEROVALENT IRON, AND SEDIMENT: IMPLICATIONS FOR GROUNDWATER NITRATE REMEDIATION USING PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS

EPA Science Inventory

Recent research has shown that carbonaceous solid materials and zerovalent iron (Fe0) may potentially be used as media in permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) to degrade groundwater nitrate via heterotrophic denitrification in the solid carbon system, and via abiotic reduction and ...

THE APPLICATION OF IN SITU PERMEABLE REACTIVE (ZERO-VALENT IRON) BARRIER TECHNOLOGY FOR THE REMEDIATION OF CHROMATE-CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER: A FIELD TEST

EPA Science Inventory

A small-scale field test was initiated in September 1994 to evaluate the in situ remediation of groundwater contaminated with chromate using a permeable reactive barrier composed of a mixture of zero-valent Fe, sand and aquifer sediment. The site used was an old chrome-plating f...

Seismic and aseismic deformations and impact on reservoir permeability: The case of EGS stimulation at The Geysers, California, USA

DOE PAGES

Jeanne, Pierre; Rutqvist, Jonny; Rinaldi, Antonio Pio; ...

2015-10-27

In this paper, we use the Seismicity-Based Reservoir Characterization approach to study the spatiotemporal dynamics of an injection-induced microseismic cloud, monitored during the stimulation of an enhanced geothermal system, and associated with the Northwest Geysers Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) Demonstration project (California). We identified the development of a seismically quiet domain around the injection well surrounded by a seismically active domain. Then we compare these observations with the results of 3-D Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical simulations of the EGS, which accounts for changes in permeability as a function of the effective normal stress and the plastic strain. The results of our modeling showmore » that the aseismic domain is caused by both the presence of the injected cold water and by thermal processes. These thermal processes cause a cooling-stress reduction, which prevent shear reactivation and favors fracture opening by reducing effective normal stress and locally increasing the permeability. This process is accompanied by aseismic plastic shear strain. In the seismic domain, microseismicity is caused by the reactivation of the preexisting fractures, resulting from an increase in injection-induced pore pressure. Our modeling indicates that in this domain, permeability evolves according to the effective normal stress acting on the shear zones, whereas shearing of preexisting fractures may have a low impact on permeability. We attribute this lack of permeability gain to the fact that the initial permeabilities of these preexisting fractures are already high (up to 2 orders of magnitude higher than the host rock) and may already be fully dilated by past tectonic straining.« less

Seismic and aseismic deformations and impact on reservoir permeability: The case of EGS stimulation at The Geysers, California, USA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jeanne, Pierre; Rutqvist, Jonny; Rinaldi, Antonio Pio

In this paper, we use the Seismicity-Based Reservoir Characterization approach to study the spatiotemporal dynamics of an injection-induced microseismic cloud, monitored during the stimulation of an enhanced geothermal system, and associated with the Northwest Geysers Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) Demonstration project (California). We identified the development of a seismically quiet domain around the injection well surrounded by a seismically active domain. Then we compare these observations with the results of 3-D Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical simulations of the EGS, which accounts for changes in permeability as a function of the effective normal stress and the plastic strain. The results of our modeling showmore » that the aseismic domain is caused by both the presence of the injected cold water and by thermal processes. These thermal processes cause a cooling-stress reduction, which prevent shear reactivation and favors fracture opening by reducing effective normal stress and locally increasing the permeability. This process is accompanied by aseismic plastic shear strain. In the seismic domain, microseismicity is caused by the reactivation of the preexisting fractures, resulting from an increase in injection-induced pore pressure. Our modeling indicates that in this domain, permeability evolves according to the effective normal stress acting on the shear zones, whereas shearing of preexisting fractures may have a low impact on permeability. We attribute this lack of permeability gain to the fact that the initial permeabilities of these preexisting fractures are already high (up to 2 orders of magnitude higher than the host rock) and may already be fully dilated by past tectonic straining.« less

Milestones and recent discoveries on cell death mediated by mitochondria and their interactions with biologically active amines.

PubMed

Grancara, Silvia; Ohkubo, Shinji; Artico, Marco; Ciccariello, Mauro; Manente, Sabrina; Bragadin, Marcantonio; Toninello, Antonio; Agostinelli, Enzo

2016-10-01

Mitochondria represent cell "powerhouses," being involved in energy transduction from the electrochemical gradient to ATP synthesis. The morphology of their cell types may change, according to various metabolic processes or osmotic pressure. A new morphology of the inner membrane and mitochondrial cristae, significantly different from the previous one, has been proposed for the inner membrane and mitochondrial cristae, based on the technique of electron tomography. Mitochondrial Ca(2+) transport (the transporter has been isolated) generates reactive oxygen species and induces the mitochondrial permeability transition of both inner and outer mitochondrial membranes, leading to induction of necrosis and apoptosis. In the mitochondria of several cell types (liver, kidney, and heart), mitochondrial oxidative stress is an essential step in the induction of cell death, although not in brain, in which the phenomenon is caused by a different mechanism. Mitochondrial permeability transition drives both apoptosis and necrosis, whereas mitochondrial outer membrane permeability is characteristic of apoptosis. Adenine nucleotide translocase remains the most important component involved in membrane permeability, with the opening of the transition pore, although other proteins, such as ATP synthase or phosphate carriers, have been proposed. Intrinsic cell death is triggered by the release from mitochondria of proteic factors, such as cytochrome c, apoptosis inducing factor, and Smac/DIABLO, with the activation of caspases upon mitochondrial permeability transition or mitochondrial outer membrane permeability induction. Mitochondrial permeability transition induces the permeability of the inner membrane in sites in contact with the outer membrane; mitochondrial outer membrane permeability forms channels on the outer membrane by means of various stimuli involving Bcl-2 family proteins. The biologically active amines, spermine, and agmatine, have specific functions on mitochondria which distinguish them from other amines. Enzymatic oxidative deamination of spermine by amine oxidases in tumor cells may produce reactive oxygen species, leading to transition pore opening and apoptosis. This process could be exploited as a new therapeutic strategy to combat cancer.

Transformation of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons on Synthetic Green Rusts

EPA Science Inventory

Green rusts (GRs) are layered double hydroxides that contain both ferrous and ferric ions in their structure. GRs can potentially serve as a chemical reductant for degradation of chlorinated hydrocarbons. GRs are found in zerovalent iron based permeable reactive barriers and in c...

CAPSTONE REPORT ON THE APPLICATION, MONITORING, AND PERFORMANCE OF PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS FOR GROUND-WATER REMEDIATION: VOL. 2 LONG-TERM MONITORING OF PRBS: SOIL AND GROUND WATER SAMPLING

EPA Science Inventory

This report discusses soil and ground-water sampling methods and procedures used to evaluate the long-term performance of permeable reactive barriers (PRBS) at two sites, Elizabeth City, NC, and the Denver Federal Center near Lakewood, CO. Both PRBs were installed in 1996 and hav...

The regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-induced microvascular permeability requires Rac and reactive oxygen species.

PubMed

Monaghan-Benson, Elizabeth; Burridge, Keith

2009-09-18

Vascular permeability is a complex process involving the coordinated regulation of multiple signaling pathways in the endothelial cell. It has long been documented that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) greatly enhances microvascular permeability; however, the molecular mechanisms controlling VEGF-induced permeability remain unknown. Treatment of microvascular endothelial cells with VEGF led to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. ROS are required for VEGF-induced permeability as treatment with the free radical scavenger, N-acetylcysteine, inhibited this effect. Additionally, treatment with VEGF caused ROS-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of both vascular-endothelial (VE)-cadherin and beta-catenin. Rac1 was required for the VEGF-induced increase in permeability and adherens junction protein phosphorylation. Knockdown of Rac1 inhibited VEGF-induced ROS production consistent with Rac lying upstream of ROS in this pathway. Collectively, these data suggest that VEGF leads to a Rac-mediated generation of ROS, which, in turn, elevates the tyrosine phosphorylation of VE-cadherin and beta-catenin, ultimately regulating adherens junction integrity.

GROUND WATER REMEDIATION OF CHROMIUM USING ZERO-VALENT IRON IN A PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER

EPA Science Inventory

A series of laboratory experiments were performed to elucidate the chromium transformation and precipitation reactions caused by the corrosion of zero-valent iron in water-based systems. Reaction rates were determined for chromate reduction in the presence of different types of ...

MICROCOSM STUDY OF DEGRADATION OF CHLORINATED SOLVENTS ON SYNTHETIC GREEN RUST MINERALS

EPA Science Inventory

Green rust minerals contain ferrous ion in their structure that can potentially serve as a chemical reductant for degradation of chlorinated solvents. Green rusts are found in zerovalent iron based permeable reactive barriers and in certain soil and sediments. Some previous labor...

Reactive transport under stress: Permeability evolution by chemo-mechanical deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roded, R.; Holtzman, R.

2017-12-01

The transport of reactive fluids in porous media is important in many natural and engineering processes. Reaction with the solid matrix—e.g. dissolution—changes the transport properties, which in turn affect the rate of reagent transport and hence the reaction. The importance of this highly nonlinear problem has motivated intensive research. Specifically, there have been numerous studies concerning the permeability evolution, especially the process of "wormholing", where preferential dissolution of the most conductive regions leads to a runaway permeability increase. Much less attention, however, has been given to the effect of geomechanics; that is, how the fact that the medium is under stress changes the permeability evolution. Here, we present a novel, mechanistic pore-scale model, simulating the interplay between pore opening by matrix dissolution and pore closure by mechanical compaction, facilitated by weakening caused by the very same process of dissolution. We combine a pore network model of reactive transport with a block-spring model that captures the effect of geomechanics through the update of the network properties. Our simulations show that permeability enhancement is inhibited by stress concentration downstream, in the less dissolved (hence stiffer) regions. Higher stresses lead to stronger inhibition, in agreement with experiments. The effect of stress also depends on the Damkohler number (Da)—the ratio between the flow and the reaction rate. At rapid injection (small Da), where dissolution is relatively uniform, stress has a significant effect on permeability. At slower flow rates (high Da, wormholing regime), stress affects the permeability evolution mostly in early stages, with a much smaller effect on the injected volume required for a significant permeability increase (breakthrough) than at low Da. Interestingly, at higher Da, stress concentration downstream induced by the more heterogeneous dissolution leads to a more homogeneous reagent transport, promoting wormhole competition.

Dynamic Evolution of Cement Composition and Transport Properties under Conditions Relevant to Geological Carbon Sequestration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brunet, Jean-Patrick Leopold; Li, Li; Karpyn, Zuleima T

2013-08-01

Assessing the possibility of CO{sub 2} leakage is one of the major challenges for geological carbon sequestration. Injected CO{sub 2} can react with wellbore cement, which can potentially change cement composition and transport properties. In this work, we develop a reactive transport model based on experimental observations to understand and predict the property evolution of cement in direct contact with CO{sub 2}-saturated brine under diffusion-controlled conditions. The model reproduced the observed zones of portlandite depletion and calcite formation. Cement alteration is initially fast and slows down at later times. This work also quantified the role of initial cement properties, inmore » particular the ratio of the initial portlandite content to porosity (defined here as φ), in determining the evolution of cement properties. Portlandite-rich cement with large φ values results in a localized “sharp” reactive diffusive front characterized by calcite precipitation, leading to significant porosity reduction, which eventually clogs the pore space and prevents further acid penetration. Severe degradation occurs at the cement–brine interface with large φ values. This alteration increases effective permeability by orders of magnitude for fluids that preferentially flow through the degraded zone. The significant porosity decrease in the calcite zone also leads to orders of magnitude decrease in effective permeability, where fluids flow through the low-permeability calcite zone. The developed reactive transport model provides a valuable tool to link cement–CO{sub 2} reactions with the evolution of porosity and permeability. It can be used to quantify and predict long-term wellbore cement behavior and can facilitate the risk assessment associated with geological CO{sub 2} sequestration.« less

GWERD MONITORING OF PRB PERFORMANCE AT CIMARRON PORK FIELD SITE - UPDATE 2005

EPA Science Inventory

GWERD personnel have been invited to help evaluate the performance of a carbon-based permeable reactive barrier (PRB) that was constructed for in-situ bioremediation of a ground water nitrate plume caused by leakage from a swine CAFO lagoon. Research activities to date have invol...

Performance of two differently designed permeable reactive barriers with sulfate and zinc solutions.

PubMed

Pérez, Norma; Schwarz, Alex O; Barahona, Esteban; Sanhueza, Pamela; Diaz, Isabel; Urrutia, Homero

2018-06-18

For the first time, this laboratory-scale study evaluates the feasibility of incorporating diffusive exchange in permeable reactive barriers. In order to do this, the performance of two permeable reactive barriers (PRB) with different internal substrate arrangements were compared during the administration of a sulfate solution without metals (for 163 days) and with metals (for 60 days), simulating groundwater contaminated with acid mine drainage (AMD). In order to simulate a traditional PRB, a homogeneous distribution was implemented in the first reactor and the other PRB reactor utilized diffusion-active technology (DAPRB). In the DAPRB, the distribution of the reactive material was interspersed with the conductive material. The measurements in the internal ports showed that transverse gradients of sulfide formed in the DAPRB, causing the diffusion of sulfide from the substrate toward the layer interface, which is where the sulfide reacts by forming complexes with the metal. The DAPRB prevents the microorganisms from direct contact with AMD. This protection caused greater activity (sulfide production). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Using dissolved gas analysis to investigate the performance of an organic carbon permeable reactive barrier for the treatment of mine drainage

USGS Publications Warehouse

Williams, R.L.; Mayer, K.U.; Amos, R.T.; Blowes, D.W.; Ptacek, C.J.; Bain, J.G.

2007-01-01

The strongly reducing nature of permeable reactive barrier (PRB) treatment materials can lead to gas production, potentially resulting in the formation of gas bubbles and ebullition. Degassing in organic C based PRB systems due to the production of gases (primarily CO2 and CH4) is investigated using the depletion of naturally occurring non-reactive gases Ar and N2, to identify, confirm, and quantify chemical and physical processes. Sampling and analysis of dissolved gases were performed at the Nickel Rim Mine Organic Carbon PRB, which was designed for the treatment of groundwater contaminated by low quality mine drainage characterized by slightly acidic pH, and elevated Fe(II) and SO4 concentrations. A simple 4-gas degassing model was used to analyze the dissolved gas data, and the results indicate that SO4 reduction is by far the dominant process of organic C consumption within the barrier. The data provided additional information to delineate rates of microbially mediated SO4 reduction and confirm the presence of slow and fast flow zones within the barrier. Degassing was incorporated into multicomponent reactive transport simulations for the barrier and the simulations were successful in reproducing observed dissolved gas trends.

Modeling stress/strain-dependent permeability changes for deep geoenergy applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rinaldi, Antonio Pio; Rutqvist, Jonny

2016-04-01

Rock permeability is a key parameter in deep geoenergy systems. Stress and strain changes induced at depth by fluid injection or extraction may substantially alter the rock permeability in an irreversible way. With regard to the geoenergies, some applications require the permeability to be enhanced to improve productivity. The rock permeability is generally enhanced by shearing process of faults and fractures (e.g. hydroshearing for Enhanced and Deep Geothermal Systems), or the creation of new fractures (e.g. hydrofracturing for shale gas). However, such processes may, at the same time, produce seismicity that can be felt by the local population. Moreover, the increased permeability due to fault reactivation may pose at risk the sealing capacity of a storage site (e.g. carbon sequestration or nuclear waste disposal), providing then a preferential pathway for the stored fluids to escape at shallow depth. In this work we present a review of some recent applications aimed at understanding the coupling between stress (or strain) and permeability. Examples of geoenergy applications include both EGS and CO2 sequestration. To investigate both "wanted" and "unwanted" effects, THM simulations have been carried out with the TOUGH-FLAC simulator. Our studies include constitutive equations relating the permeability to mean effective stress, effective normal stress, volumetric strain, as well as accounting for permeability variation as related to fault/fracture reactivation. Results show that the geomechanical effects have a large role in changing the permeability, hence affecting fluids leakage, reservoir enhancement, as well as the induced seismicity.

Arabidopsis annexin1 mediates the radical-activated plasma membrane Ca²+- and K+-permeable conductance in root cells.

PubMed

Laohavisit, Anuphon; Shang, Zhonglin; Rubio, Lourdes; Cuin, Tracey A; Véry, Anne-Aliénor; Wang, Aihua; Mortimer, Jennifer C; Macpherson, Neil; Coxon, Katy M; Battey, Nicholas H; Brownlee, Colin; Park, Ohkmae K; Sentenac, Hervé; Shabala, Sergey; Webb, Alex A R; Davies, Julia M

2012-04-01

Plant cell growth and stress signaling require Ca²⁺ influx through plasma membrane transport proteins that are regulated by reactive oxygen species. In root cell growth, adaptation to salinity stress, and stomatal closure, such proteins operate downstream of the plasma membrane NADPH oxidases that produce extracellular superoxide anion, a reactive oxygen species that is readily converted to extracellular hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals, OH•. In root cells, extracellular OH• activates a plasma membrane Ca²⁺-permeable conductance that permits Ca²⁺ influx. In Arabidopsis thaliana, distribution of this conductance resembles that of annexin1 (ANN1). Annexins are membrane binding proteins that can form Ca²⁺-permeable conductances in vitro. Here, the Arabidopsis loss-of-function mutant for annexin1 (Atann1) was found to lack the root hair and epidermal OH•-activated Ca²⁺- and K⁺-permeable conductance. This manifests in both impaired root cell growth and ability to elevate root cell cytosolic free Ca²⁺ in response to OH•. An OH•-activated Ca²⁺ conductance is reconstituted by recombinant ANN1 in planar lipid bilayers. ANN1 therefore presents as a novel Ca²⁺-permeable transporter providing a molecular link between reactive oxygen species and cytosolic Ca²⁺ in plants.

Methods and apparatuses for reagent delivery, reactive barrier formation, and pest control

DOEpatents

Gilmore, Tyler [Pasco, WA; Kaplan, Daniel I [Aiken, SC; Last, George [Richland, WA

2002-07-09

A reagent delivery method includes positioning reagent delivery tubes in contact with soil. The tubes can include a wall that is permeable to a soil-modifying reagent. The method further includes supplying the reagent in the tubes, diffusing the reagent through the permeable wall and into the soil, and chemically modifying a selected component of the soil using the reagent. The tubes can be in subsurface contact with soil, including groundwater, and can be placed with directional drilling equipment independent of groundwater well casings. The soil-modifying reagent includes a variety of gases, liquids, colloids, and adsorbents that may be reactive or non-reactive with soil components. The method may be used inter alia to form reactive barriers, control pests, and enhance soil nutrients for microbes and plants.

Geomechanical effects on CO 2 leakage through fault zones during large-scale underground injection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rinaldi, Antonio P.; Rutqvist, Jonny; Cappa, Frédéric

2013-12-01

The importance of geomechanics—including the potential for faults to reactivate during large-scale geologic carbon sequestration operations—has recently become more widely recognized. However, notwithstanding the potential for triggering notable (felt) seismic events, the potential for buoyancy-driven CO 2 to reach potable groundwater and the ground surface is actually more important from public safety and storage-efficiency perspectives. In this context, this paper extends the previous studies on the geomechanical modeling of fault responses during underground carbon dioxide injection, focusing on the short-term integrity of the sealing caprock, and hence on the potential for leakage of either brine or CO 2 to reachmore » the shallow groundwater aquifers during active injection. We consider stress/strain-dependent permeability and study the leakage through the fault zone as its permeability changes during a reactivation, also causing seismicity. We analyze several scenarios related to the volume of CO 2 injected (and hence as a function of the overpressure), involving both minor and major faults, and analyze the profile risks of leakage for different stress/strain-permeability coupling functions. We conclude that whereas it is very difficult to predict how much fault permeability could change upon reactivation, this process can have a significant impact on the leakage rate. Moreover, our analysis shows that induced seismicity associated with fault reactivation may not necessarily open up a new flow path for leakage. Results show a poor correlation between magnitude and amount of fluid leakage, meaning that a single event is generally not enough to substantially change the permeability along the entire fault length. Finally, and consequently, even if some changes in permeability occur, this does not mean that the CO 2 will migrate up along the entire fault, breaking through the caprock to enter the overlying aquifer.« less

Reactive Transport Modeling of CO2-induced Porosity and Permeability Changes in Heterogeneous Carbonate Rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Y.; Smith, M. M.; Mason, H. E.; Carroll, S.

2015-12-01

It has long been appreciated that chemical interactions have a major effect on rock porosity and permeability evolution and may alter the behavior or performance of both natural and engineered reservoir systems. Such reaction-induced permeability evolution is of particular importance for geological CO2 sequestration and storage associated with enhanced oil recovery. In this study we used a three-dimensional Darcy scale reactive transport model to simulate CO2 core flood experiments in which the CO2-equilibrated brine was injected into dolostone cores collected from the Arbuckle carbonate reservoir, Wellington, Kansas. Heterogeneous distributions of macro pores, fractures, and mineral phases inside the cores were obtained from X-ray computed microtomography (XCMT) characterization data, and then used to construct initial model macroscopic properties including porosity, permeability, and mineral compositions. The reactive transport simulations were performed by using the Nonisothermal Unsaturated Flow and Transport (NUFT) code, and their results were compared with experimental data. It was observed both experimentally and numerically that the dissolution fronts became unstable in highly heterogeneous and less permeable formations, leading to the development of highly porous flow paths or wormholes. Our model results indicate that the continuum-scale reactive transport models are able to adequately capture the evolution of distinct dissolution fronts as observed in carbonate rocks at a core scale. The impacts of rock heterogeneity, chemical kinetics and porosity-permeability relationships were also examined in this study. The numerical model developed in this study will not only help improve understanding of coupled physical and chemical processes controlling carbonate dissolution, but also provide a useful basis for upscaling transport and reaction properties from core scale to field scale. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Design Guidance for Application of Permeable Barriers to Remediate Dissolved Chlorinated Solvents,

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-02-01

fill slurry composed of a reactive medium, such as iron powder and guar gum , can then be injected into the fracture to form a reactive treatment zone...slurry (Owaidat, 1996). The slurry, which is composed of powdered guar bean, acts to maintain the integrity of the trench walls during installation of...the cell. The guar gum will later biodegrade to mostly water after wall completion, and will have minimal effect on the permeability of the trench

Exposure-time based modeling of nonlinear reactive transport in porous media subject to physical and geochemical heterogeneity.

PubMed

Sanz-Prat, Alicia; Lu, Chuanhe; Amos, Richard T; Finkel, Michael; Blowes, David W; Cirpka, Olaf A

2016-09-01

Transport of reactive solutes in groundwater is affected by physical and chemical heterogeneity of the porous medium, leading to complex spatio-temporal patterns of concentrations and reaction rates. For certain cases of bioreactive transport, it could be shown that the concentrations of reactive constituents in multi-dimensional domains are approximately aligned with isochrones, that is, lines of identical travel time, provided that the chemical properties of the matrix are uniform. We extend this concept to combined physical and chemical heterogeneity by additionally considering the time that a water parcel has been exposed to reactive materials, the so-called exposure time. We simulate bioreactive transport in a one-dimensional domain as function of time and exposure time, rather than space. Subsequently, we map the concentrations to multi-dimensional heterogeneous domains by means of the mean exposure time at each location in the multi-dimensional domain. Differences in travel and exposure time at a given location are accounted for as time difference. This approximation simplifies reactive-transport simulations significantly under conditions of steady-state flow when reactions are restricted to specific locations. It is not expected to be exact in realistic applications because the underlying assumption, such as neglecting transverse mixing altogether, may not hold. We quantify the error introduced by the approximation for the hypothetical case of a two-dimensional, binary aquifer made of highly-permeable, non-reactive and low-permeable, reactive materials releasing dissolved organic matter acting as electron donor for aerobic respiration and denitrification. The kinetically controlled reactions are catalyzed by two non-competitive bacteria populations, enabling microbial growth. Even though the initial biomass concentrations were uniform, the interplay between transport, non-uniform electron-donor supply, and bio-reactions led to distinct spatial patterns of the two types of biomass at late times. Results obtained by mapping the exposure-time based results to the two-dimensional domain are compared with simulations based on the two-dimensional, spatially explicit advection-dispersion-reaction equation. Once quasi-steady state has been reached, we find a good agreement in terms of the chemical-compound concentrations between the two approaches inside the reactive zones, whereas the exposure-time based model is not able to capture reactions occurring in the zones with zero electron-donor release. We conclude that exposure-time models provide good approximations of nonlinear bio-reactive transport when transverse mixing is not the overall controlling process and all reactions are essentially restricted to distinct reactive zones. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

BIFUNCTIONAL ALUMINUN: A PERMEABLE BARRIER MATERIAL FOR THE DEGRADATION OF MTBE

EPA Science Inventory

Bifunctional aluminum is an innovative remedial material for the treatment of gasoline oxygenates in permeable reactive barriers (PRBs). PRBs represent a promising environmental technology for remediation of groundwater contamination. Although zero-valent metals (ZVM) have been...

Permeable reactive barrier of surface hydrophobic granular activated carbon coupled with elemental iron for the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol in water.

PubMed

Yang, Ji; Cao, Limei; Guo, Rui; Jia, Jinping

2010-12-15

Granular activated carbon was modified with dimethyl dichlorosilane to improve its surface hydrophobicity, and therefore to improve the performance of permeable reactive barrier constructed with the modified granular activated carbon and elemental iron. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the surface silicon concentration of the modified granular activated carbon is higher than that of the original one, leading to the increased surface hydrophobicity. Although the specific surface area decreased from 895 to 835 m(2)g(-1), the modified granular activated carbon could adsorb 20% more 2,4-dichlorophenol than the original one did in water. It is also proven that the permeable reactive barrier with the modified granular activated carbon is more efficient at 2,4-dichlorophenol dechlorination, in which process 2,4-dichlorophenol is transformed to 2-chlorophenol or 4-chlorophenol then to phenol, or to phenol directly. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lattice Boltzmann-Based Approaches for Pore-Scale Reactive Transport

DOE PAGES

Yoon, Hongkyu; Kang, Qinjun; Valocchi, Albert J.

2015-07-29

Here an important geoscience and environmental applications such as geologic carbon storage, environmental remediation, and unconventional oil and gas recovery are best understood in the context of reactive flow and multicomponent transport in the subsurface environment. The coupling of chemical and microbiological reactions with hydrological and mechanical processes can lead to complex behaviors across an enormous range of spatial and temporal scales. These coupled responses are also strongly influenced by the heterogeneity and anisotropy of the geologic formations. Reactive transport processes can change the pore morphology at the pore scale, thereby leading to nonlinear interactions with advective and diffusive transport,more » which can strongly influence larger-scale properties such as permeability and dispersion.« less

An overview of permeable reactive barriers for in situ sustainable groundwater remediation.

PubMed

Obiri-Nyarko, Franklin; Grajales-Mesa, S Johana; Malina, Grzegorz

2014-09-01

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) are one of the innovative technologies widely accepted as an alternative to the 'pump and treat' (P&T) for sustainable in situ remediation of contaminated groundwater. The concept of the technology involves the emplacement of a permeable barrier containing reactive materials across the flow path of the contaminated groundwater to intercept and treat the contaminants as the plume flows through it under the influence of the natural hydraulic gradient. Since the invention of PRBs in the early 1990s, a variety of materials has been employed to remove contaminants including heavy metals, chlorinated solvents, aromatic hydrocarbons, and pesticides. Contaminant removal is usually accomplished via processes such as adsorption, precipitation, denitrification and biodegradation. Despite wide acknowledgment, there are still unresolved issues about long term-performance of PRBs, which have somewhat affected their acceptability and full-scale implementation. The current paper presents an overview of the PRB technology, which includes the state of art, the merits and limitations, the reactive media used so far, and the mechanisms employed to transform or immobilize contaminants. The paper also looks at the design, construction and the long-term performance of PRBs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Physical heterogeneity control on effective mineral dissolution rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Heewon; Navarre-Sitchler, Alexis

2018-04-01

Hydrologic heterogeneity may be an important factor contributing to the discrepancy in laboratory and field measured dissolution rates, but the governing factors influencing mineral dissolution rates among various representations of physical heterogeneity remain poorly understood. Here, we present multiple reactive transport simulations of anorthite dissolution in 2D latticed random permeability fields and link the information from local grid scale (1 cm or 4 m) dissolution rates to domain-scale (1m or 400 m) effective dissolution rates measured by the flux-weighted average of an ensemble of flow paths. We compare results of homogeneous models to heterogeneous models with different structure and layered permeability distributions within the model domain. Chemistry is simplified to a single dissolving primary mineral (anorthite) distributed homogeneously throughout the domain and a single secondary mineral (kaolinite) that is allowed to dissolve or precipitate. Results show that increasing size in correlation structure (i.e. long integral scales) and high variance in permeability distribution are two important factors inducing a reduction in effective mineral dissolution rates compared to homogeneous permeability domains. Larger correlation structures produce larger zones of low permeability where diffusion is an important transport mechanism. Due to the increased residence time under slow diffusive transport, the saturation state of a solute with respect to a reacting mineral approaches equilibrium and reduces the reaction rate. High variance in permeability distribution favorably develops large low permeability zones that intensifies the reduction in mixing and effective dissolution rate. However, the degree of reduction in effective dissolution rate observed in 1 m × 1 m domains is too small (<1% reduction from the corresponding homogeneous case) to explain several orders of magnitude reduction observed in many field studies. When multimodality in permeability distribution is approximated by high permeability variance in 400 m × 400 m domains, the reduction in effective dissolution rate increases due to the effect of long diffusion length scales through zones with very slow reaction rates. The observed scale dependence becomes complicated when pH dependent kinetics are compared to the results from pH independent rate constants. In small domains where the entire domain is reactive, faster anorthite dissolution rates and slower kaolinite precipitation rates relative to pH independent rates at far-from-equilibrium conditions reduce the effective dissolution rate by increasing the saturation state. However, in large domains where less- or non-reactive zones develop, higher kaolinite precipitation rates in less reactive zones increase the effective anorthite dissolution rates relative to the rates observed in pH independent cases.

Stability of multi-permeable reactive barriers for long term removal of mixed contaminants.

PubMed

Lee, Jai-Young; Lee, Kui-Jae; Youm, Sun Young; Lee, Mi-Ran; Kamala-Kannan, Seralathan; Oh, Byung-Taek

2010-02-01

The Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs) are relatively simple, promising technology for groundwater remediation. A PRBs consisting of two reactive barriers (zero valent iron-barrier and bio-barrier) were designed to evaluate the application and feasibility of the barriers for the removal of wide range of pollutants from synthetic water. After 470 days of Multi-PRBs column operation, the pH level in the water sample is increased from 4 to 7, whereas the oxidation reduction potential (ORP) is decreased to -180 mV. Trichloroethylene (TCE), heavy metals, and nitrate were completely removed in the zero valent iron-barrier. Ammonium produced during nitrate reduction is removed in the biologically reactive zone of the column. The results of the present study suggest that Multi-PRBs system is an effective alternate method to confine wide range of pollutants from contaminated groundwater.

Universal Linear Scaling of Permeability and Time for Heterogeneous Fracture Dissolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, L.; Cardenas, M. B.

2017-12-01

Fractures are dynamically changing over geological time scale due to mechanical deformation and chemical reactions. However, the latter mechanism remains poorly understood with respect to the expanding fracture, which leads to a positively coupled flow and reactive transport processes, i.e., as a fracture expands, so does its permeability (k) and thus flow and reactive transport processes. To unravel this coupling, we consider a self-enhancing process that leads to fracture expansion caused by acidic fluid, i.e., CO2-saturated brine dissolving calcite fracture. We rigorously derive a theory, for the first time, showing that fracture permeability increases linearly with time [Wang and Cardenas, 2017]. To validate this theory, we resort to the direct simulation that solves the Navier-Stokes and Advection-Diffusion equations with a moving mesh according to the dynamic dissolution process in two-dimensional (2D) fractures. We find that k slowly increases first until the dissolution front breakthrough the outbound when we observe a rapid k increase, i.e., the linear time-dependence of k occurs. The theory agrees well with numerical observations across a broad range of Peclet and Damkohler numbers through homogeneous and heterogeneous 2D fractures. Moreover, the theory of linear scaling relationship between k and time matches well with experimental observations of three-dimensional (3D) fractures' dissolution. To further attest to our theory's universality for 3D heterogeneous fractures across a broad range of roughness and correlation length of aperture field, we develop a depth-averaged model that simulates the process-based reactive transport. The simulation results show that, regardless of a wide variety of dissolution patterns such as the presence of dissolution fingers and preferential dissolution paths, the linear scaling relationship between k and time holds. Our theory sheds light on predicting permeability evolution in many geological settings when the self-enhancing process is relevant. References: Wang, L., and M. B. Cardenas (2017), Linear permeability evolution of expanding conduits due to feedback between flow and fast phase change, Geophys. Res. Lett., 44(9), 4116-4123, doi: 10.1002/2017gl073161.

Numerical simulation based on core analysis of a single fracture in an Enhanced Geothermal System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jarrahi, Miad; Holländer, Hartmut

2017-04-01

The permeability of reservoirs is widely affected by the presence of fractures dispersed within them, as they form superior paths for fluid flow. Core analysis studies the fractures characteristics and explains the fluid-rock interactions to provide the information of permeability and saturation of a hydraulic fracturing reservoir or an enhanced geothermal system (EGS). This study conducted numerical simulations of a single fracture in a Granite core obtained from a depth of 1890 m in borehole EPS1 from Soultz-sous-Forêts, France. Blaisonneau et al. (2016) designed the apparatus to investigate the complex physical phenomena on this cylindrical sample. The method of the tests was to percolate a fluid through a natural fracture contained in a rock sample, under controlled thermo-hydro-mechanical conditions. A divergent radial flow within the fracture occurred due to the injection of fluid into the center of the fracture. The tests were performed within a containment cell with a normal stress of 2.6, 4.9, 7.2 and 9.4 MPa loading on the sample perpendicular to the fracture plane. This experiment was numerically performed to provide an efficient numerical method by modeling single phase flow in between the fracture walls. Detailed morphological features of the fracture such as tortuosity and roughness, were obtained by image processing. The results included injection pressure plots with respect to injection flow rate. Consequently, by utilizing Hagen-Poiseuille's cubic law, the equivalent hydraulic aperture size, of the fracture was derived. Then, as the sample is cylindrical, to modify the Hagen-Poiseuille's cubic law for circular parallel plates, the geometric relation was applied to obtain modified hydraulic aperture size. Finally, intrinsic permeability of the fracture under each mechanical normal stress was evaluated based on modified hydraulic aperture size. The results were presented in two different scenarios, before and after reactive percolation test, to demonstrate the effect of chemical reactive flow. The fracture after percolation test showed larger equivalent aperture size and higher permeability. Additionally, the higher the normal stress, the lower permeability was investigated. This confirmed the permeability evolution due to chemical percolation and mechanical loading. All results showed good agreements with corresponding experimental results provided by Blaisonneau et al. (2016). Keyword: Core analysis, Hydraulic fracturing, Enhanced geothermal system, Permeability, Fluid-rock interactions.

Arsenate and Arsenite Sorption on Magnetite: Relations to Groundwater Arsenic Treatment Using Zerovalent Iron and Natural Attenuation

EPA Science Inventory

Magnetite (Fe3O4) is a zerovalent iron corrosion product; it is also formed in natural soil and sediment. Sorption of arsenate (As(V)) and arsenite (As(III)) on magnetite is an important process of arsenic removal from groundwater using zerovalent iron-based permeable reactive ba...

Cell Permeability, Migration, and Reactive Oxygen Species Induced by Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells

PubMed Central

Pacurari, M; Qian, Y; Fu, W; Schwegler-Berry, D; Ding, M; Castranova, V; Guo, NL

2011-01-01

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) have elicited great interest in biomedical applications due to their extraordinary physical, chemical, and optical properties. Intravenous administration of MWCNT-based medical imaging agents and drugs in animal models was utilized. However, the potential harmful health effects of MWCNT administration in humans have not yet been elucidated. Furthermore, to date, there are no apparent reports regarding the precise mechanisms of translocation of MWCNT into target tissues and organs from blood circulation. This study demonstrates that exposure to MWCNT leads to an increase in cell permeability in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC). The results obtained from this study also showed that the MWCNT-induced rise in endothelial permeability is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and actin filament remodeling. In addition, it was found that MWCNT promoted cell migration in HMVEC. Mechanistically, MWCNT exposure elevated the levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in HMVEC. Taken together, these results provide new insights into the bioreactivity of MWCNT, which may have implications in the biomedical application of MWCNT in vascular targeting, imaging, and drug delivery. The results generated from this study also elucidate the potential adverse effects of MWCNT exposure on humans at the cellular level. PMID:22129238

Mansouramycin C kills cancer cells through reactive oxygen species production mediated by opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore

PubMed Central

Kuang, Shan; Liu, Ge; Cao, Ruobing; Zhang, Linlin; Yu, Qiang; Sun, Chaomin

2017-01-01

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world and the search for novel anticancer agents is urgently required. Marine-derived isoquinolinequinones have exhibited promising anticancer activities. However, the exact mechanisms of cytotoxic activities of these isoquinolinequinones are poorly characterized. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects and molecular mechanisms of mansouramycin C (Mm C), a cytotoxic isoquinolinequinone isolated from a marine streptomycete. We demonstrated that Mm C preferentially killed cancer cells and the cytotoxic effects were mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Mass spectrometry based proteomic analysis of Mm C-treated A549 cells revealed that many ROS-related proteins were differentially expressed. Proteomic-profiling after Mm C treatment identified oxidative phosphorylation as the most significant changes in pathways. Analysis also revealed extensive defects in mitochondrial structure and function. Furthermore, we disclosed that Mm C-induced ROS generation was caused by opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Notably, Mm C synergized with sorafenib to induce cell death in A549 cells. Hence, we propose that the marine-derived natural compound Mm C is a potent inducer of the mitochondrial permeability transition and a promising anticancer drug candidate. Moreover, molecular mechanisms of Mm C shed new light on the understanding of the cytotoxic mechanisms of marine-derived isoquinolinequiones. PMID:29262621

Modeling of coupled heat transfer and reactive transport processesin porous media: Application to seepage studies at Yucca Mountain, Nevada

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mukhopadhyay, Sumit; Sonnenthal, Eric L.; Spycher, Nicolas

When hot radioactive waste is placed in subsurface tunnels, a series of complex changes occurs in the surrounding medium. The water in the pore space of the medium undergoes vaporization and boiling. Subsequently, vapor migrates out of the matrix pore space, moving away from the tunnel through the permeable fracture network. This migration is propelled by buoyancy, by the increased vapor pressure caused by heating and boiling, and through local convection. In cooler regions, the vapor condenses on fracture walls, where it drains through the fracture network. Slow imbibition of water thereafter leads to gradual rewetting of the rock matrix.more » These thermal and hydrological processes also bring about chemical changes in the medium. Amorphous silica precipitates from boiling and evaporation, and calcite from heating and CO2 volatilization. The precipitation of amorphous silica, and to a much lesser extent calcite, results in long-term permeability reduction. Evaporative concentration also results in the precipitation of gypsum (or anhydrite), halite, fluorite and other salts. These evaporative minerals eventually redissolve after the boiling period is over, however, their precipitation results in a significant temporary decrease in permeability. Reduction of permeability is also associated with changes in fracture capillary characteristics. In short, the coupled thermal-hydrological-chemical (THC) processes dynamically alter the hydrological properties of the rock. A model based on the TOUGHREACT reactive transport software is presented here to investigate the impact of THC processes on flow near an emplacement tunnel at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. We show how transient changes in hydrological properties caused by THC processes often lead to local flow channeling and saturation increases above the tunnel. For models that include only permeability changes to fractures, such local flow channeling may lead to seepage relative to models where THC effects are ignored. However, coupled THC seepage models that include both permeability and capillary changes to fractures may not show this additional seepage.« less

Modeling of coupled heat transfer and reactive transport processesin porous media: Application to seepage studies at Yucca Mountain, Nevada

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mukhopadhyay, S.; Sonnenthal, E.L.; Spycher, N.

When hot radioactive waste is placed in subsurface tunnels, a series of complex changes occurs in the surrounding medium. The water in the pore space of the medium undergoes vaporization and boiling. Subsequently, vapor migrates out of the matrix pore space, moving away from the tunnel through the permeable fracture network. This migration is propelled by buoyancy, by the increased vapor pressure caused by heating and boiling, and through local convection. In cooler regions, the vapor condenses on fracture walls, where it drains through the fracture network. Slow imbibition of water thereafter leads to gradual rewetting of the rock matrix.more » These thermal and hydrological processes also bring about chemical changes in the medium. Amorphous silica precipitates from boiling and evaporation, and calcite from heating and CO{sub 2} volatilization. The precipitation of amorphous silica, and to a much lesser extent calcite, results in long-term permeability reduction. Evaporative concentration also results in the precipitation of gypsum (or anhydrite), halite, fluorite and other salts. These evaporative minerals eventually redissolve after the boiling period is over, however, their precipitation results in a significant temporary decrease in permeability. Reduction of permeability is also associated with changes in fracture capillary characteristics. In short, the coupled thermal-hydrological-chemical (THC) processes dynamically alter the hydrological properties of the rock. A model based on the TOUGHREACT reactive transport software is presented here to investigate the impact of THC processes on flow near an emplacement tunnel at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. We show how transient changes in hydrological properties caused by THC processes often lead to local flow channeling and saturation increases above the tunnel. For models that include only permeability changes to fractures, such local flow channeling may lead to seepage relative to models where THC effects are ignored. However, coupled THC seepage models that include both permeability and capillary changes to fractures may not show this additional seepage.« less

Characterization of reactive flow-induced evolution of carbonate rocks using digital core analysis- part 1: Assessment of pore-scale mineral dissolution and deposition.

PubMed

Qajar, Jafar; Arns, Christoph H

2016-09-01

The application of X-ray micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) for quantitatively characterizing reactive-flow induced pore structure evolution including local particle detachment, displacement and deposition in carbonate rocks is investigated. In the studies conducted in this field of research, the experimental procedure has involved alternating steps of imaging and ex-situ core sample alteration. Practically, it is impossible to return the sample, with micron precision, to the same position and orientation. Furthermore, successive images of a sample in pre- and post-alteration states are usually taken at different conditions such as different scales, resolutions and signal-to-noise ratios. These conditions accompanying with subresolution features in the images make voxel-by-voxel comparisons of successive images problematic. In this paper, we first address the respective challenges in voxel-wise interpretation of successive images of carbonate rocks subject to reactive flow. Reactive coreflood in two carbonate cores with different rock types are considered. For the first rock, we used the experimental and imaging results published by Qajar et al. (2013) which showed a quasi-uniform dissolution regime. A similar reactive core flood was conducted in the second rock which resulted in wormhole-like dissolution regime. We particularly examine the major image processing operations such as transformation of images to the same grey-scale, noise filtering and segmentation thresholding and propose quantitative methods to evaluate the effectiveness of these operations in voxel-wise analysis of successive images of a sample. In the second part, we generalize the methodology based on the three-phase segmentation of normalized images, microporosity assignment and 2D histogram of image intensities to estimate grey-scale changes of individual image voxels for a general case where the greyscale images are segmented into arbitrary number of phases. The results show that local (voxel-based) porosity changes can be decomposed into local mineral dissolution and deposition. Moreover, it is found that the microporosity evolutions are differently distributed in the samples after the reactive coreflood experiments. In the last part of the paper, for the case of quasi-uniform dissolution, we combine the tomographic images with numerical calculations of permeability along the core to characterize the relationship between changes in permeability and the fractions of the mineral dissolved and deposited. A consistency is found between the calculated longitudinal permeability changes and the quantified distribution of mineral dissolved and deposited along the sample. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of reactive flow-induced evolution of carbonate rocks using digital core analysis- part 1: Assessment of pore-scale mineral dissolution and deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qajar, Jafar; Arns, Christoph H.

2016-09-01

The application of X-ray micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) for quantitatively characterizing reactive-flow induced pore structure evolution including local particle detachment, displacement and deposition in carbonate rocks is investigated. In the studies conducted in this field of research, the experimental procedure has involved alternating steps of imaging and ex-situ core sample alteration. Practically, it is impossible to return the sample, with micron precision, to the same position and orientation. Furthermore, successive images of a sample in pre- and post-alteration states are usually taken at different conditions such as different scales, resolutions and signal-to-noise ratios. These conditions accompanying with subresolution features in the images make voxel-by-voxel comparisons of successive images problematic. In this paper, we first address the respective challenges in voxel-wise interpretation of successive images of carbonate rocks subject to reactive flow. Reactive coreflood in two carbonate cores with different rock types are considered. For the first rock, we used the experimental and imaging results published by Qajar et al. (2013) which showed a quasi-uniform dissolution regime. A similar reactive core flood was conducted in the second rock which resulted in wormhole-like dissolution regime. We particularly examine the major image processing operations such as transformation of images to the same grey-scale, noise filtering and segmentation thresholding and propose quantitative methods to evaluate the effectiveness of these operations in voxel-wise analysis of successive images of a sample. In the second part, we generalize the methodology based on the three-phase segmentation of normalized images, microporosity assignment and 2D histogram of image intensities to estimate grey-scale changes of individual image voxels for a general case where the greyscale images are segmented into arbitrary number of phases. The results show that local (voxel-based) porosity changes can be decomposed into local mineral dissolution and deposition. Moreover, it is found that the microporosity evolutions are differently distributed in the samples after the reactive coreflood experiments. In the last part of the paper, for the case of quasi-uniform dissolution, we combine the tomographic images with numerical calculations of permeability along the core to characterize the relationship between changes in permeability and the fractions of the mineral dissolved and deposited. A consistency is found between the calculated longitudinal permeability changes and the quantified distribution of mineral dissolved and deposited along the sample.

TRICHLOROETHYLENE REMOVAL FROM GROUNDWATER IN FLOW-THROUGH COLUMNS SIMULATING A PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER CONSTRUCTED WITH PLANT MULCH

EPA Science Inventory

Ground water contaminated with TCE is commonly treated with a passive reactive barrier (PRB) constructed with zero-valence iron. The cost of iron as the reactive matrix has driven a search for less costly alternatives, and composted plant mulch has been used as an alternative re...

FORMATION PROCESSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF REACTIVE AND NON-REACTIVE MINERAL PRECIPITATES IN PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS

EPA Science Inventory

Mineral precipitates in zero-valent iron PRBs can be classified by formation processes into three groups: 1) those that result from changes in chemical conditions (i.e., change in pH, e.g., calcite); 2) those that are a consequence of microbial activity (i.e., sulfate reduction, ...

In vitro characterization of pralidoxime transport and acetylcholinesterase reactivation across MDCK cells and stem cell-derived human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BC1-hBMECs).

PubMed

Gallagher, Erin; Minn, Il; Chambers, Janice E; Searson, Peter C

2016-07-11

Current therapies for organophosphate poisoning involve administration of oximes, such as pralidoxime (2-PAM), that reactivate the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Studies in animal models have shown a low concentration in the brain following systemic injection. To assess 2-PAM transport, we studied transwell permeability in three Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCKII) cell lines and stem cell-derived human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BC1-hBMECs). To determine whether 2-PAM is a substrate for common brain efflux pumps, experiments were performed in the MDCKII-MDR1 cell line, transfected to overexpress the P-gp efflux pump, and the MDCKII-FLuc-ABCG2 cell line, transfected to overexpress the BCRP efflux pump. To determine how transcellular transport influences enzyme reactivation, we developed a modified transwell assay where the inhibited acetylcholinesterase enzyme, substrate, and reporter are introduced into the basolateral chamber. Enzymatic activity was inhibited using paraoxon and parathion. The permeability of 2-PAM is about 2 × 10(-6) cm s(-1) in MDCK cells and about 1 × 10(-6) cm s(-1) in BC1-hBMECs. Permeability is not influenced by pre-treatment with atropine. In addition, 2-PAM is not a substrate for the P-gp or BCRP efflux pumps. The low permeability explains poor brain penetration of 2-PAM and therefore the slow enzyme reactivation. This elucidates one of the reasons for the necessity of sustained intravascular (IV) infusion in response to organophosphate poisoning.

Fracture sealing caused by mineral precipitation: The role of aperture and mineral heterogeneity on precipitation-induced permeability loss

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, T.; Detwiler, R. L.

2017-12-01

Fractures act as dominant pathways for fluid flow in low-permeability rocks. However, in many subsurface environments, fluid rock reactions can lead to mineral precipitation, which alters fracture surface geometry and reduces fracture permeability. In natural fractures, surface mineralogy and roughness are often heterogeneous, leading to variations in both velocity and reactive surface area. The combined effects of surface roughness and mineral heterogeneity can lead to large disparities in local precipitation rates that are difficult to predict due to the strong coupling between dissolved mineral transport and reactions at the fracture surface. Recent experimental observations suggest that mineral precipitation in a heterogeneous fracture may promote preferential flow and focus large dissolved ion concentrations into regions with limited reactive surface area. Here, we build on these observations using reactive transport simulations. Reactive transport is simulated with a quasi-steady-state 2D model that uses a depth-averaged mass-transfer relationship to describe dissolved mineral transport across the fracture aperture and local precipitation reactions. Mineral precipitation-induced changes to fracture surface geometry are accounted for using two different approaches: (1) by only allowing reactive minerals to grow vertically, and (2) by allowing three-dimensional mineral growth at reaction sites. Preliminary results from simulations using (1) suggest that precipitation-induced aperture reduction focuses flow into thin flow paths. This flow focusing causes a reduction in the fracture-scale precipitation rate, and precipitation ceases when the reaction zone extends the entire length of the fracture. This approach reproduces experimental observations at early time reasonably well, but as precipitation proceeds, reaction sites can grow laterally along the fracture surfaces, which is not predicted by (1). To account for three-dimensional mineral growth (2), we have incorporated a level-set-method based approach for tracking the mineral interfaces in three dimensions. This provides a mechanistic approach for simulating the dynamics of the formation, and eventual closing, of preferential flow paths by precipitation-induced aperture alteration, that do not occur using (1).

Carbon-based sputtered coatings for enhanced chitosan-based films properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernandes, C.; Calderon V., S.; Ballesteros, Lina F.; Cerqueira, Miguel A.; Pastrana, L. M.; Teixeira, José A.; Ferreira, P. J.; Carvalho, S.

2018-03-01

In order to make bio-based packaging materials competitive in comparison to petroleum-based one, some of their properties need to be improved, among which gas permeability is of crucial importance. Thus, in this work, carbon-based coatings were applied on chitosan-based films by radiofrequency reactive magnetron sputtering aiming to improve their barrier properties. Chemical and morphological properties were evaluated in order to determine the effect of the coatings on the chemical structure, surface hydrophobicity and barrier properties of the system. Chemical analysis, performed by electron energy loss spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, suggests similar chemical characteristics among all coatings although higher incorporation of hydrogen as the acetylene flux increases was observed. On the other hand, scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed that the porosity of the carbon layer can be tailored by the acetylene flux. More importantly, the chitosan oxygen permeability showed a monotonic reduction as a function of the acetylene flux. This study opens up new opportunities to apply nanostructured coatings on bio-based polymer for enhanced oxygen barrier properties.

Arsenite induces endothelial cell permeability increase through a reactive oxygen species-vascular endothelial growth factor pathway.

PubMed

Bao, Lingzhi; Shi, Honglian

2010-11-15

As a potent environmental oxidative stressor, arsenic exposure has been reported to exacerbate cardiovascular diseases and increase vascular endothelial cell monolayer permeability. However, the underlying mechanism of this effect is not well understood. In this paper, we test our hypothesis that reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression may play an important role in an arsenic-caused increase of endothelial cell monolayer permeability. The mouse brain vascular endothelial cell bEnd3 monolayer was exposed to arsenite for 1, 3, and 6 days. The monolayer permeability, VEGF protein release, and ROS generation were determined. In addition, VE-cadherin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), two membrane structure proteins, were immunostained to elucidate the effects of arsenite on the cell-cell junction. The roles of ROS and VEGF in arsenite-induced permeability was determined by inhibiting ROS with antioxidants and immuno-depleting VEGF with a VEGF antibody. We observed that arsenite increased bEnd3 monolayer permeability, elevated the production of cellular ROS, and increased VEGF release. VE-cadherin and ZO-1 disruptions were also found in cells treated with arsenite. Furthermore, both antioxidant (N-acetyl cysteine and tempol) and the VEGF antibody treatments significantly lowered the arsenite-induced permeability of the bEnd3 monolayer as well as VEGF expression. VE-cadherin and ZO-1 disruptions were also diminished by N-acetyl cysteine and the VEGF antibody. Our data suggest that the increase in VEGF expression caused by ROS may play an important role in the arsenite-induced increase in endothelial cell permeability.

Effect of oxide films on hydrogen permeability of candidate Stirling engine heater head tube alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schuon, S. R.; Misencik, J. A.

1981-01-01

The effect of oxide films developed in situ from CO/CO2 doped hydrogen on high pressure hydrogen permeability at 820 C was studied on N-155, A-286, IN 800, 19-9DL, Nitronic 40, HS-188, and IN 718 tubing in a Stirling materials simulator. The hydrogen permeability decreased with increasing dopant levels of CO or CO2 and corresponding decreases in oxide porosity. Minor reactive alloying elements strongly influenced permeability. At high levels of CO or CO2, a liquid oxide formed on alloys with greater than 50 percent Fe. This caused increased permeability. The oxides formed on the inside tube walls were analyzed and their effective permeabilities were calculated.

Analytical solutions for flow fields near drain-and-gate reactive barriers.

PubMed

Klammler, Harald; Hatfield, Kirk; Kacimov, Anvar

2010-01-01

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) are a popular technology for passive contaminant remediation in aquifers through installation of reactive materials in the pathway of a plume. Of fundamental importance are the degree of remediation inside the reactor (residence time) and the portion of groundwater intercepted by a PRB (capture width). Based on a two-dimensional conformal mapping approach (previously used in related work), the latter is studied in the present work for drain-and-gate (DG) PRBs, which may possess a collector and a distributor drain ("full" configuration) or a collector drain only ("simple" configuration). Inherent assumptions are a homogeneous unbounded aquifer with a uniform far field, in which highly permeable drains establish constant head boundaries. Solutions for aquifer flow fields in terms of the complex potential are derived, illustrated, and analyzed for doubly symmetric DG configurations and arbitrary reactor hydraulic resistance as well as ambient groundwater flow direction. A series of practitioner-friendly charts for capture width is given to assist in PRB design and optimization without requiring complex mathematics. DG PRBs are identified as more susceptible to flow divergence around the reactor than configurations using impermeable side structures (e.g., funnel-and-gate), and deployment of impermeable walls on drains is seen to mitigate this problem under certain circumstances.

Claudin-2-mediated cation and water transport share a common pore

PubMed Central

Rosenthal, Rita; Günzel, Dorothee; Krug, Susanne M.; Schulzke, Jörg-Dieter; Fromm, Michael; Yu, Alan S.L.

2016-01-01

Aim Claudin-2 is a tight junction protein typically located in “leaky” epithelia exhibiting large paracellular permeabilities like small intestine and proximal kidney tubule. Former studies revealed that claudin-2 forms paracellular channels for small cations like sodium and potassium and also paracellular channels for water. This study analyzes whether the diffusive transport of sodium and water occurs through a common pore of the claudin-2 channel. Methods Wild-type claudin-2 and different claudin-2 mutants were expressed in MDCK I kidney tubule cells using an inducible system. Ion and water permeability and the effect of blocking reagents on both were investigated on different clones of the mutants. Results Neutralization of a negatively charged cation interaction site in the pore with the mutation, D65N, decreased both, sodium permeability and water permeability. Claudin-2 mutants (I66C and S68C) with substitution of the pore-lining amino acids with cysteine were used to test the effect of steric blocking of the claudin-2 pore by thiol-reactive reagents. Addition of thiol-reactive reagents to these mutants simultaneously decreased conductance and water permeability. Remarkably, all experimental perturbations caused parallel changes in ion conductance and water permeability, disproving different or independent passage pathways. Conclusion Our results indicate that claudin-2-mediated cation and water transport are frictionally coupled and share a common pore. This pore is lined and determined in permeability by amino acid residues of the first extracellular loop of claudin-2. PMID:27359349

Time-lapse 3D imaging of calcite precipitation in a microporous column

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godinho, Jose R. A.; Withers, Philip J.

2018-02-01

Time-lapse X-ray computed tomography is used to image the evolution of calcite precipitation during flow through microporous quartz over the course of 400 h. The growth rate decreases by more than seven times, which is linked to the clogging of flow paths that restricts flow to some regions of the column. Fewer precipitates are observed as a function of column depth, which is found to be related to a differential nucleation density along the sample. A higher nucleation density closer to the inlet implies more crystal volume increase per unit of time without affecting the rate if normalized to the surface area of crystals. Our overall growth rates measured in porous media are orders of magnitude slower than growth rates derived from traditional precipitation experiments on free surfaces. Based on our time-lapse results we hypothesize a scenario where the evolving distribution of precipitates within a pore structure during precipitation progressively modifies the local transport through the pores. Within less permeable regions the saturation index may be lower than along the main flow paths. Therefore, the reactive crystal surfaces within those regions grow at a slower rate than that expected from the bulk fluid composition. Since the amount of reactive surface area within these less permeable regions increases over time, the overall growth rate decreases without a necessary significant change of the bulk fluid composition along more permeable flow paths. In conclusion, the overall growth rates in an evolving porous media expected from bulk fluid compositions alone can be overestimated due to the development of stagnant sub-regions where the reactive surface area is bath by a solution with lower saturation index. In this context we highlight the value of time-lapse 3D studies for understanding the dynamics of mineral precipitation in porous media.

Reactive Transport Modeling of Microbe-mediated Fe (II) Oxidation for Enhanced Oil Recovery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surasani, V.; Li, L.

2011-12-01

Microbially Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) aims to improve the recovery of entrapped heavy oil in depleted reservoirs using microbe-based technology. Reservoir ecosystems often contain diverse microbial communities those can interact with subsurface fluids and minerals through a network of nutrients and energy fluxes. Microbe-mediated reactions products include gases, biosurfactants, biopolymers those can alter the properties of oil and interfacial interactions between oil, brine, and rocks. In addition, the produced biomass and mineral precipitates can change the reservoir permeability profile and increase sweeping efficiency. Under subsurface conditions, the injection of nitrate and Fe (II) as the electron acceptor and donor allows bacteria to grow. The reaction products include minerals such as Fe(OH)3 and nitrogen containing gases. These reaction products can have large impact on oil and reservoir properties and can enhance the recovery of trapped oil. This work aims to understand the Fe(II) oxidation by nitrate under conditions relevant to MEOR. Reactive transport modeling is used to simulate the fluid flow, transport, and reactions involved in this process. Here we developed a complex reactive network for microbial mediated nitrate-dependent Fe (II) oxidation that involves both thermodynamic controlled aqueous reactions and kinetic controlled Fe (II) mineral reaction. Reactive transport modeling is used to understand and quantify the coupling between flow, transport, and reaction processes. Our results identify key parameter controls those are important for the alteration of permeability profile under field conditions.

Porosity and Permeability Evolution in Cemented Rock Cores under Reactive Flowing Conditions: Comparative Analysis between Limestone and Sandstone Host Rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, P.; Karpyn, Z.; Li, L.

2013-12-01

CO2-brine has the potential to alter wellbore cement in depleted oil and gas reservoirs under geological CO2 sequestration conditions. A better understanding of CO2-brine-cement-rock interaction is needed to evaluate the seal integrity of candidate sequestration formation in the long run. This work investigates possible alteration of wellbore cement when bonded by different host formation rock upon exposure to CO2-saturated brine. Composite cement-sandstone and cement-limestone core samples were created to perform reactive coreflood experiments. After an eight-day dynamic flow-through period, both cores had a similar extent of porosity increase, while the cement-limestone core experienced a ten-fold higher increase in permeability. With the aid of X-ray Micro-CT imaging and Scanning Electron Microscopy, it is observed that cement underwent greater degradation at the cement-sandstone interface. Degradation of cement-limestone core mainly took place on the host rock matrix. Worm holes were developed and a solution channel was formed in the limestone, creating a dominant flow path that altered both flow and reaction behavior. Limestone buffered the injected acidic brine preventing further deterioration of cement near the core outlet. Changes in fluid chemistry of limestone and sandstone coreflood effluents are compared. Results from this work are aimed at assisting the development and validation of robust reactive transport models through direct measurement of cemented rock core porosity and permeability evolution as well as the effluent aqueous chemistry change. This will subsequently improve predictive capabilities of reactive transport models associated with CO2 sequestration in geologic environments. Permeability Evolution of Cement-Rock Core Sample during Dynamic Flow of CO2-Brine

Rapid one-step whole blood C-reactive protein magnetic permeability immunoassay with monoclonal antibody conjugated nanoparticles as superparamagnetic labels and enhanced sedimentation.

PubMed

Ibraimi, Filiz; Kriz, Dario; Lu, Min; Hansson, Lars-Olof; Kriz, Kirstin

2006-02-01

A rapid (5.5 min) one-step whole blood C-reactive protein (CRP) magnetic permeability immunoassay utilizing monoclonal antibody conjugated dextran iron oxide nanoparticles (70 nm) as superparamagnetic labels and mixed fractions (1:1 ratio of 15-40 and 60 microm) of polyclonal anti-CRP conjugated silica microparticles for enhanced sedimentation is described. In this one-step assay procedure, a whole blood sample (4 microl) is applied to an assay glass vial, containing both antibody conjugates, and mixed for 30 s. The target analyte, CRP, forms a sandwich complex between the conjugated nanoparticles and microparticles, and, subsequently, the complex sediments under normal gravitation within 5 min to the bottom of the vial. The magnetic permeability increase of the sediment due to the presence of the complexed superparamagnetic nanoparticles is determined using an inductance-based transducer. Assayed patient whole blood samples were compared with the Abbott Diagnostics Architect reference method. A strong linear correlation was observed for the CRP concentration range 0-260 mg/l in whole blood (y=1.001x+0.42, R2=0.982, n=50). The CRP assay presented showed a limit of detection of 3 mg/l and a total imprecision (coefficient of variation) of 10.5%. On the basis of our observations, we propose a rapid, one-step, CRP assay for near-patient testing.

Effect of Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, and Urea on the Molecular Interactions and Properties of Whey Protein Isolate-Based Films

PubMed Central

Schmid, Markus; Prinz, Tobias K.; Stäbler, Andreas; Sängerlaub, Sven

2017-01-01

Whey protein coatings and cast films are promising for use as food packaging materials. Ongoing research is endeavoring to reduce their permeability. The intention of this study was to evaluate the effect of the reactive additives sodium sulfite, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and urea on the oxygen barrier, water vapor barrier, and protein solubility of whey protein cast films. The concentration of the reactive additives was 1 to 20 wt.-%. Dried whey protein cast films were used as substrate materials. The water vapor transmission rate, the oxygen permeability, and the protein solubility were measured. Effective diffusion coefficients and effective sorption coefficients were calculated from the results of the water vapor sorption experiments. The presence of sodium sulfite resulted in an increased number of hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds and a slightly decreased number of disulfide bonds. The oxygen permeability decreased from 68 to 46 cm3 (STP/standard temperature and pressure) 100 μm (m2 d bar)−1 for 1 wt.-% SDS in the whey protein cast film. The water vapor transmission rate decreased from 165 to 44 g 100 μm (m2 d)−1 measured at 50 to 0% r. h. for 20 wt.-% SDS in the whey protein cast film. The reduction in the water vapor transmission rate correlated with the lower effective diffusion coefficient. PMID:28149835

Effect of sodium sulfite, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and urea on the molecular interactions and properties of whey protein isolate-based films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmid, Markus; Prinz, Tobias K.; Stäbler, Andreas; Sängerlaub, Sven

2016-12-01

Whey protein coatings and cast films are promising for use as food packaging materials. Ongoing research is endeavoring to reduce their permeability. The intention of this study was to evaluate the effect of the reactive additives sodium sulfite, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and urea on the oxygen barrier, water vapor barrier, and protein solubility of whey protein cast films. The concentration of the reactive additives was 1 to 20 wt.-%. Dried whey protein cast films were used as substrate materials. The water vapor transmission rate, the oxygen permeability, and the protein solubility were measured. Effective diffusion coefficients and effective sorption coefficients were calculated from the results of the water vapor sorption experiments. The presence of sodium sulfite resulted in an increased number of hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds and a slightly decreased number of disulfide bonds. The oxygen permeability decreased from 68 to 46 cm³ (STP / standard temperature and pressure) 100 µm (m² d bar)-1 for 1 wt.-% SDS in the whey protein cast film. The water vapor transmission rate decreased from 165 to 44 g 100 µm (m² d)-1 measured at 50 to 0 % r. h. for 20 wt.-% SDS in the whey protein cast film. The reduction in the water vapor transmission rate correlated with the lower effective diffusion coefficient.

Novel priming and crosslinking systems for use with isocyanatomethacrylate dental adhesives.

PubMed

Chappelow, C C; Power, M D; Bowles, C Q; Miller, R G; Pinzino, C S; Eick, J D

2000-11-01

(a) to design, formulate and evaluate prototype primers and a crosslinking agent for use with isocyanatomethacrylate-based comonomer adhesives and (b) to establish correlations between bond strength and solubility parameter differences between the adhesives and etched dentin, and the permeability coefficients of the adhesives. Equimolar mixtures of 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate (IEM) and a methacrylate comonomer were formulated with tri-n-butyl borane oxide (TBBO) as the free radical initiator to have cure times of 6-10 min. Shear bond strengths to dentin were determined for each adhesive mixture (n = 7) using standard testing protocols. Shear bond strengths for the three systems were also determined after application of "reactive primers" to the dentin surface. The "reactive primers" contained 10-20 parts by weight of the respective comonomer mixture and 3.5 parts by weight TBBO in acetone. Solubility parameters difference values (delta delta) and permeability coefficients (P) were approximated for each adhesive system and correlated with shear bond strength values. Additionally, a crosslinking agent was prepared by bulk reaction of an equimolar mixture containing IEM and a methacrylate comonomer. The effects of crosslinker addition on: (a) the setting time of IEM; and (b) the setting times and initiator requirements of selected IEM/comonomer mixtures were determined. Shear bond strength values (MPa): IEM/HEMA 13.6 +/- 2.0 (no primer), 20.1 +/- 2.0 (with primer); IEM/HETMA 9.3 +/- 3.3 (no primer), 20.8 +/- 8.1 (with primer); IEM/AAEMA 13.6 +/- 1.9 (no primer), 17.3 +/- 3.2 (with primer). Also, approximated permeability coefficients showed a significant correlation (r = +0.867, p < 0.001) with shear bond strength values. Crosslinker addition studies with IEM/4-META: (a) at 5-9 mol% reduced the setting time of IEM polymerization by 79%; and (b) at 6 mol% reduced initiator level requirements 60-70% to achieve a comparable setting time, and decreased setting times by ca. 75% for a given initiator level with selected IEM/methacrylate adhesive systems. The shear bond strengths of isocyanatomethacrylate-based dental adhesives can be enhanced by using reactive primers; their setting times and initiator requirements can be improved using a dimethacrylate crosslinker. Approximated permeability coefficients may be useful as indicators of bonding performance for dentin adhesive systems.

SCANNING ELECTRON ANALYSIS OF IRON FILINGS FROM A ZERO-VALENT IRON PERMEABLE BARRIER USED FOR GROUND WATER RESTORATION

EPA Science Inventory

Permeable iron reactive barriers have become a popular way to remediate contaminated ground water. Although this technology has been in use for about a decade, there is still little knowledge about long-term performance issues (l). One of the biggest concerns is the corrosion of ...

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in human microvascular endothelial cells: role in endothelial permeability.

PubMed

Qian, Yong; Ducatman, Alan; Ward, Rebecca; Leonard, Steve; Bukowski, Valerie; Lan Guo, Nancy; Shi, Xianglin; Vallyathan, Val; Castranova, Vincent

2010-01-01

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a member of the perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA) containing an eight-carbon backbone. PFOS is a man-made chemical with carbon-fluorine bonds that are among the strongest in organic chemistry, and PFOS is widely used in industry. Human occupational and environmental exposure to PFOS occurs globally. PFOS is non-biodegradable and is persistent in the human body and environment. In this study, data demonstrated that exposure of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) to PFOS induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at both high and low concentrations. Morphologically, it was found that exposure to PFOS induced actin filament remodeling and endothelial permeability changes in HMVEC. Furthermore, data demonstrated that the production of ROS plays a regulatory role in PFOS-induced actin filament remodeling and the increase in endothelial permeability. Our results indicate that the generation of ROS may play a role in PFOS-induced aberrations of the endothelial permeability barrier. The results generated from this study may provide a new insight into the potential adverse effects of PFOS exposure on humans at the cellular level.

Solid phase studies and geochemical modelling of low-cost permeable reactive barriers.

PubMed

Bartzas, Georgios; Komnitsas, Kostas

2010-11-15

A continuous column experiment was carried out under dynamic flow conditions in order to study the efficiency of low-cost permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) to remove several inorganic contaminants from acidic solutions. A 50:50 w/w waste iron/sand mixture was used as candidate reactive media in order to activate precipitation and promote sorption and reduction-oxidation mechanisms. Solid phase studies of the exhausted reactive products after column shutdown, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), confirmed that the principal Fe corrosion products identified in the reactive zone are amorphous iron (hydr)oxides (maghemite/magnetite and goethite), intermediate products (sulfate green rust), and amorphous metal sulfides such as amFeS and/or mackinawite. Geochemical modelling of the metal removal processes, including interactions between reactive media, heavy metal ions and sulfates, and interpretation of the ionic profiles was also carried out by using the speciation/mass transfer computer code PHREEQC-2 and the WATEQ4F database. Mineralogical characterization studies as well as geochemical modelling calculations also indicate that the effect of sulfate and silica sand on the efficiency of the reactive zone should be considered carefully during design and operation of low-cost field PRBs. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

NITRATE REDUCTION AND TRANSFORMATION IN ORGANIC COMPOST MEDIA: LABORATORY BATCH STUDIES

EPA Science Inventory

We studied the effectiveness of three organic solid reactive media (cotton burr compost, mulch compost, and Canadian sphagnum peat) that may be potentially used in permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) for groundwater nitrate removal. We aimed at answering the question about the na...

PRB CHEMISTRY CASE STUDY: DENVER FEDERAL CENTER

EPA Science Inventory

The Denver Federal Center permeable reactive barrier is a funnel-and-gate system with four reactive gates, each separated by up to about 120 m of metal sheet pile. In this study, ground water sampling, core collection, and solid phase characterization studies were carried out in...

Astrocytic TYMP and VEGFA drive blood–brain barrier opening in inflammatory central nervous system lesions

PubMed Central

Chapouly, Candice; Tadesse Argaw, Azeb; Horng, Sam; Castro, Kamilah; Zhang, Jingya; Asp, Linnea; Loo, Hannah; Laitman, Benjamin M.; Mariani, John N.; Straus Farber, Rebecca; Zaslavsky, Elena; Nudelman, German; Raine, Cedric S.

2015-01-01

In inflammatory central nervous system conditions such as multiple sclerosis, breakdown of the blood–brain barrier is a key event in lesion pathogenesis, predisposing to oedema, excitotoxicity, and ingress of plasma proteins and inflammatory cells. Recently, we showed that reactive astrocytes drive blood–brain barrier opening, via production of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). Here, we now identify thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP; previously known as endothelial cell growth factor 1, ECGF1) as a second key astrocyte-derived permeability factor, which interacts with VEGFA to induce blood–brain barrier disruption. The two are co-induced NFκB1-dependently in human astrocytes by the cytokine interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), and inactivation of Vegfa in vivo potentiates TYMP induction. In human central nervous system microvascular endothelial cells, VEGFA and the TYMP product 2-deoxy-d-ribose cooperatively repress tight junction proteins, driving permeability. Notably, this response represents part of a wider pattern of endothelial plasticity: 2-deoxy-d-ribose and VEGFA produce transcriptional programs encompassing angiogenic and permeability genes, and together regulate a third unique cohort. Functionally, each promotes proliferation and viability, and they cooperatively drive motility and angiogenesis. Importantly, introduction of either into mouse cortex promotes blood–brain barrier breakdown, and together they induce severe barrier disruption. In the multiple sclerosis model experimental autoimmune encephalitis, TYMP and VEGFA co-localize to reactive astrocytes, and correlate with blood–brain barrier permeability. Critically, blockade of either reduces neurologic deficit, blood–brain barrier disruption and pathology, and inhibiting both in combination enhances tissue preservation. Suggesting importance in human disease, TYMP and VEGFA both localize to reactive astrocytes in multiple sclerosis lesion samples. Collectively, these data identify TYMP as an astrocyte-derived permeability factor, and suggest TYMP and VEGFA together promote blood–brain barrier breakdown. PMID:25805644

Evaporite Caprock Integrity. An experimental study of reactive mineralogy and pore-scale heterogeneity during brine-CO 2 exposure

DOE PAGES

Smith, Megan M.; Sholokhova, Yelena; Hao, Yue; ...

2012-07-25

Characterization and geochemical data are presented from a core-flooding experiment on a sample from the Three Fingers evaporite unit forming the lower extent of caprock at the Weyburn-Midale reservoir, Canada. This low-permeability sample was characterized in detail using X-ray computed microtomography before and after exposure to CO 2-acidified brine, allowing mineral phase and voidspace distributions to be quantified in three dimensions. Solution chemistry indicated that CO 2-acidified brine preferentially dissolved dolomite until saturation was attained, while anhydrite remained unreactive. Dolomite dissolution contributed to increases in bulk permeability through the formation of a localized channel, guided by microfractures as well asmore » porosity and reactive phase distributions aligned with depositional bedding. An indirect effect of carbonate mineral reactivity with CO 2-acidified solution is voidspace generation through physical transport of anhydrite freed from the rock matrix following dissolution of dolomite. The development of high permeability fast pathways in this experiment highlights the role of carbonate content and potential fracture orientations in evaporite caprock formations considered for both geologic carbon sequestration and CO 2-enhanced oil recovery operations.« less

Nitrate consumption in sediments of the German Bight (North Sea)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neumann, Andreas; van Beusekom, Justus E. E.; Holtappels, Moritz; Emeis, Kay-Christian

2017-09-01

Denitrification on continental margins and in coastal sediments is a major sink of reactive N in the present nitrogen cycle and a major ecosystem service of eutrophied coastal waters. We analyzed the nitrate removal in surface sediments of the Elbe estuary, Wadden Sea, and adjacent German Bight (SE North Sea) during two seasons (spring and summer) along a eutrophication gradient ranging from a high riverine nitrate concentrations at the Elbe Estuary to offshore areas with low nitrate concentrations. The gradient encompassed the full range of sediment types and organic carbon concentrations of the southern North Sea. Based on nitrate penetration depth and concentration gradient in the porewater we estimated benthic nitrate consumption rates assuming either diffusive transport in cohesive sediments or advective transport in permeable sediments. For the latter we derived a mechanistic model of porewater flow. During the peak nitrate discharge of the river Elbe in March, the highest rates of diffusive nitrate uptake were observed in muddy sediments (up to 2.8 mmol m- 2 d- 1). The highest advective uptake rate in that period was observed in permeable sediment and was tenfold higher (up to 32 mmol m- 2 d- 1). The intensity of both diffusive and advective nitrate consumption dropped with the nitrate availability and thus decreased from the Elbe estuary towards offshore stations, and were further decreased during late summer (minimum nitrate discharge) compared to late winter (maximum nitrate discharge). In summary, our rate measurements indicate that the permeable sediment accounts for up to 90% of the total benthic reactive nitrogen consumption in the study area due to the high efficiency of advective nitrate transport into permeable sediment. Extrapolating the averaged nitrate consumption of different sediment classes to the areas of Elbe Estuary, Wadden Sea and eastern German Bight amounts to an N-loss of 3.1 ∗ 106 mol N d- 1 from impermeable, diffusion-controlled sediment, and 5.2 ∗ 107 mol N d- 1 from permeable sediment with porewater advection.

PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER PERFORMANCE MONITORING: LONG-TERM TRENDS IN GEOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AT TWO SITES

EPA Science Inventory

A major goal of research on the long-term performance of subsurface reactive barriers is to identify standard ground water monitoring parameters that may be useful indicators of declining performance or impending system failure. Results are presented from ground water monitoring ...

PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER PERFORMANCE MONITORING: LONG-TERM TRENDS IN GEOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AT TWO SITES

EPA Science Inventory

A major goal of research on the long-term performance of subsurface reactive barriers is to identify standard ground-water monitoring parameters that may be useful indicators of declining performance or impending system failure. Results are presented from studies conducted over ...

An approach to modeling coupled thermal-hydraulic-chemical processes in geothermal systems

USGS Publications Warehouse

Palguta, Jennifer; Williams, Colin F.; Ingebritsen, Steven E.; Hickman, Stephen H.; Sonnenthal, Eric

2011-01-01

Interactions between hydrothermal fluids and rock alter mineralogy, leading to the formation of secondary minerals and potentially significant physical and chemical property changes. Reactive transport simulations are essential for evaluating the coupled processes controlling the geochemical, thermal and hydrological evolution of geothermal systems. The objective of this preliminary investigation is to successfully replicate observations from a series of hydrothermal laboratory experiments [Morrow et al., 2001] using the code TOUGHREACT. The laboratory experiments carried out by Morrow et al. [2001] measure permeability reduction in fractured and intact Westerly granite due to high-temperature fluid flow through core samples. Initial permeability and temperature values used in our simulations reflect these experimental conditions and range from 6.13 × 10−20 to 1.5 × 10−17 m2 and 150 to 300 °C, respectively. The primary mineralogy of the model rock is plagioclase (40 vol.%), K-feldspar (20 vol.%), quartz (30 vol.%), and biotite (10 vol.%). The simulations are constrained by the requirement that permeability, relative mineral abundances, and fluid chemistry agree with experimental observations. In the models, the granite core samples are represented as one-dimensional reaction domains. We find that the mineral abundances, solute concentrations, and permeability evolutions predicted by the models are consistent with those observed in the experiments carried out by Morrow et al. [2001] only if the mineral reactive surface areas decrease with increasing clay mineral abundance. This modeling approach suggests the importance of explicitly incorporating changing mineral surface areas into reactive transport models.

Frictional and hydraulic behaviour of carbonate fault gouge during fault reactivation - An experimental study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delle Piane, Claudio; Giwelli, Ausama; Clennell, M. Ben; Esteban, Lionel; Nogueira Kiewiet, Melissa Cristina D.; Kiewiet, Leigh; Kager, Shane; Raimon, John

2016-10-01

We present a novel experimental approach devised to test the hydro-mechanical behaviour of different structural elements of carbonate fault rocks during experimental re-activation. Experimentally faulted core plugs were subject to triaxial tests under water saturated conditions simulating depletion processes in reservoirs. Different fault zone structural elements were created by shearing initially intact travertine blocks (nominal size: 240 × 110 × 150 mm) to a maximum displacement of 20 and 120 mm under different normal stresses. Meso-and microstructural features of these sample and the thickness to displacement ratio characteristics of their deformation zones allowed to classify them as experimentally created damage zones (displacement of 20 mm) and fault cores (displacement of 120 mm). Following direct shear testing, cylindrical plugs with diameter of 38 mm were drilled across the slip surface to be re-activated in a conventional triaxial configuration monitoring the permeability and frictional behaviour of the samples as a function of applied stress. All re-activation experiments on faulted plugs showed consistent frictional response consisting of an initial fast hardening followed by apparent yield up to a friction coefficient of approximately 0.6 attained at around 2 mm of displacement. Permeability in the re-activation experiments shows exponential decay with increasing mean effective stress. The rate of permeability decline with mean effective stress is higher in the fault core plugs than in the simulated damage zone ones. It can be concluded that the presence of gouge in un-cemented carbonate faults results in their sealing character and that leakage cannot be achieved by renewed movement on the fault plane alone, at least not within the range of slip measureable with our apparatus (i.e. approximately 7 mm of cumulative displacement). Additionally, it is shown that under sub seismic slip rates re-activated carbonate faults remain strong and no frictional weakening was observed during re-activation.

Study of Reactive Materials for Development of new Protective Clothing Concepts

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-10-01

G, and V agents and must not unduly change the fabric permeability. Microencapsulation , the technique of encasing extremely small droplets or...preparing and evaluating decontaminating microcapsules that contain strong-base alkali- metal hydroxides, s-Im-bis(N,chloro-2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) urea...and various amines as the core phase. We are now identifying and developing microcapsule wall materials that will be stable to the highly basic core

Assessment of a Hydroxyapatite Permeable Reactive Barrier to Remediate Uranium at the Old Rifle Site Colorado.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moore, Robert C.; Szecsody, James; Rigali, Mark J.

We have performed an initial evaluation and testing program to assess the effectiveness of a hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) permeable reactive barrier and source area treatment to decrease uranium mobility at the Department of Energy (DOE) former Old Rifle uranium mill processing site in Rifle, western Colorado. Uranium ore was processed at the site from the 1940s to the 1970s. The mill facilities at the site as well as the uranium mill tailings previously stored there have all been removed. Groundwater in the alluvial aquifer beneath the site still contains elevated concentrations of uranium, and is currently used for field tests tomore » study uranium behavior in groundwater and investigate potential uranium remediation technologies. The technology investigated in this work is based on in situ formation of apatite in sediment to create a subsurface apatite PRB and also for source area treatment. The process is based on injecting a solution containing calcium citrate and sodium into the subsurface for constructing the PRB within the uranium plume. As the indigenous sediment micro-organisms biodegrade the injected citrate, the calcium is released and reacts with the phosphate to form hydroxyapatite (precipitate). This paper reports on proof-of-principle column tests with Old Rifle sediment and synthetic groundwater.« less

Microbial Sulfate Reduction Enhances Arsenic Mobility Downstream of Zerovalent-Iron-Based Permeable Reactive Barrier.

PubMed

Kumar, Naresh; Couture, Raoul-Marie; Millot, Romain; Battaglia-Brunet, Fabienne; Rose, Jérôme

2016-07-19

We assessed the potential of zerovalent-iron- (Fe(0)) based permeable reactive barrier (PRB) systems for arsenic (As) remediation in the presence or absence of microbial sulfate reduction. We conducted long-term (200 day) flow-through column experiments to investigate the mechanisms of As transformation and mobility in aquifer sediment (in particular, the PRB downstream linkage). Changes in As speciation in the aqueous phase were monitored continuously. Speciation in the solid phase was determined at the end of the experiment using X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy analysis. We identified thio-As species in solution and AsS in solid phase, which suggests that the As(V) was reduced to As(III) and precipitated as AsS under sulfate-reducing conditions and remained as As(V) under abiotic conditions, even with low redox potential and high Fe(II) content (4.5 mM). Our results suggest that the microbial sulfate reduction plays a key role in the mobilization of As from Fe-rich aquifer sediment under anoxic conditions. Furthermore, they illustrate that the upstream-downstream linkage of PRB affects the speciation and mobility of As in downstream aquifer sediment, where up to 47% of total As initially present in the sediment was leached out in the form of mobile thio-As species.

Selected hydrologic data for the field demonstration of three permeable reactive barriers near Fry Canyon, Utah, 1996-2000

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilkowske, Chris D.; Rowland, Ryan C.; Naftz, David L.

2001-01-01

Three permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) were installed near Fry Canyon, Utah, in August 1997 to demonstrate the use of PRBs to control the migration of uranium in ground water. Reactive material included (1) bone-char phosphate, (2) zero-valent iron pellets, and (3) amorphous ferric oxyhydroxide coated gravel. An extensive monitoring network was installed in and around each PRB for collection of water samples, analysis of selected water-quality parameters, and monitoring of water levels. Water temperature, specific conductance, pH, Eh (oxidation-reduction potential), and dissolved oxygen were measured continuously within three different barrier materials, and in two monitoring wells. Water temperature and water level below land surface were electronically recorded every hour with pressure transducers. Data were collected from ground-water monitoring wells installed in and around the PRBs during 1996-98 and from surface-water sites in Fry Creek.

Evaluation of Permeable Reactive Barrier Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-12-09

and-fill operation, where the trench was initially stabilized using guar gum and subsequently broken down by circulating an enzyme through the trench...80 Peerless Reactive cell placed within gravel-filled capture trench, guar gum used during installation Uranium Mill Tailings Site...Regulatory Issues 5.3.1 Biostat. The use of guar gum (a natural food thickener) as a reactive medium or as a support for trench excavation, is gaining

Degassing, gas retention and release in Fe(0) permeable reactive barriers.

PubMed

Ruhl, Aki S; Jekel, Martin

2014-04-01

Corrosion of Fe(0) has been successfully utilized for the reductive treatment of multiple contaminants. Under anaerobic conditions, concurrent corrosion leads to the generation of hydrogen and its liberation as a gas. Gas bubbles are mobile or trapped within the irregular pore structure leading to a reduction of the water filled pore volume and thus decreased residence time and permeability (gas clogging). With regard to the contaminant transport to the reactive site, the estimation of surface properties of the reactive material indicated that individual gas bubbles only occupied minor contact areas of the reactive surface. Quantification of gas entrapment by both gravimetrical and tracer investigations revealed that development of preferential flow paths was not significant. A novel continuous gravimetrical method was implemented to record variations in gas entrapment and gas bubble releases from the reactive filling. Variation of grain size fractions revealed that the pore geometry had a significant impact on gas release. Large pores led to the release of comparably large gas amounts while smaller volumes were released from finer pores with a higher frequency. Relevant processes are explained with a simplified pictorial sequence that incorporates relevant mechanisms. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spatial patterns of diagenesis during geothermal circulation in carbonate platforms

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilson, A.M.; Sanford, W.; Whitaker, F.; Smart, P.

2001-01-01

Geothermal convection of seawater deep in carbonate platforms could provide the necessary supply of magnesium for dolomitization at temperatures high enough to overcome kinetic limitations. We used reactive-transport simulations to predict the rates and spatial patterns of dolomitization during geothermal convection in a platform that was 40 km across and 2 km thick. In the simulations, porosity and permeability decrease with depth to account for sediment compaction. Dolomitization of a platform consisting of medium grained (???0.05 mm) sediments occurred in a broad band ranging from ???2.5 km depth near the margin to ???1.5 km depth near the platform center. The area of dolomitization is deep enough that temperatures exceed ???50??C but not so deep that low permeabilities restrict mass transport. Complete dolomitization in the center of this zone is estimated to require at least 60 my. Incorporation of permeability contrasts, permeable beds, and reactive beds focused dolomitization strongly and reduced the estimated time required for dolomitization by as much as 50 percent. Dolomitization created magnesium-depleted, calcium-rich fluids in less than 10 ky, and results support a link between dolomitization and anhydrite precipitation where adequate sulfate is available.

Permeable bio-reactive barriers to address petroleum hydrocarbon contamination at subantarctic Macquarie Island.

PubMed

Freidman, Benjamin L; Terry, Deborah; Wilkins, Dan; Spedding, Tim; Gras, Sally L; Snape, Ian; Stevens, Geoffrey W; Mumford, Kathryn A

2017-05-01

A reliance on diesel generated power and a history of imperfect fuel management have created a legacy of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination at subantarctic Macquarie Island. Increasing environmental awareness and advances in contaminant characterisation and remediation technology have fostered an impetus to reduce the environmental risk associated with legacy sites. A funnel and gate permeable bio-reactive barrier (PRB) was installed in 2014 to address the migration of Special Antarctic Blend diesel from a spill that occurred in 2002, as well as older spills and residual contaminants in the soil at the Main Power House. The PRB gate comprised of granular activated carbon and natural clinoptilolite zeolite. Petroleum hydrocarbons migrating in the soil water were successfully captured on the reactive materials, with concentrations at the outflow of the barrier recorded as being below reporting limits. The nutrient and iron concentrations delivered to the barrier demonstrated high temporal variability with significant iron precipitation observed across the bed. The surface of the granular activated carbon was largely free from cell attachment while natural zeolite demonstrated patchy biofilm formation after 15 months following PRB installation. This study illustrates the importance of informed material selection at field scale to ensure that adsorption and biodegradation processes are utilised to manage the environmental risk associated with petroleum hydrocarbon spills. This study reports the first installation of a permeable bio-reactive barrier in the subantarctic. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel method of utilizing permeable reactive kiddle (PRK) for the remediation of acid mine drainage.

PubMed

Lee, Woo-Chun; Lee, Sang-Woo; Yun, Seong-Taek; Lee, Pyeong-Koo; Hwang, Yu Sik; Kim, Soon-Oh

2016-01-15

Numerous technologies have been developed and applied to remediate AMD, but each has specific drawbacks. To overcome the limitations of existing methods and improve their effectiveness, we propose a novel method utilizing permeable reactive kiddle (PRK). This manuscript explores the performance of the PRK method. In line with the concept of green technology, the PRK method recycles industrial waste, such as steel slag and waste cast iron. Our results demonstrate that the PRK method can be applied to remediate AMD under optimal operational conditions. Especially, this method allows for simple installation and cheap expenditure, compared with established technologies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Role of mitochondrial permeability transition pores in mitochondrial autophagy.

PubMed

Rodriguez-Enriquez, Sara; He, Lihua; Lemasters, John J

2004-12-01

During autophagy, cells rid themselves of damaged and superfluous mitochondria, as well as other organelles. This activation of mitochondrial turnover could be the result of changes in the physiological state of mitochondria. Confocal microscopy and fluorescence techniques indicate that onset of mitochondrial permeability transition is one such change. The mitochondrial permeability transition is a reversible phenomenon whereby the mitochondrial inner membrane becomes freely permeable to solutes of less than 1500 Da. At onset of the mitochondrial permeability transition, mitochondria depolarize, uncouple, and undergo large amplitude swelling due to opening of permeability transition pores, which may form by aggregation of damaged, misfolded membrane proteins. When injurious cellular stresses occur, cells may protect themselves using autophagy to remove damaged mitochondria and mutated mitochondrial DNA. Ca(2+) overloading, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and oxidation of pyridine nucleotides and glutathione all promote mitochondrial damage and onset of the mitochondrial permeability transition. The mitochondrial permeability transition is also associated with necrosis and apoptosis after a variety of stimuli. This review emphasizes the role of the mitochondrial permeability transition as a key event in mitochondrial autophagy.

INFLUENCE OF GROUNDWATER GEOCHEMISTRY ON THE LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE OF IN-SITU PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS CONTAINING ZERO-VALENT IRON

EPA Science Inventory

Reactive barriers that couple subsurface fluid flow with a passive chemical treatment zone are emerging, cost effective approaches for in-situ remediation of contaminated groundwater. Factors such as the build-up of surface precipitates, bio-fouling, and changes in subsurface tr...

EFFECTIVE REMOVAL OF TCE IN A LABORATORY MODEL OF A PRB CONSTRUCTED WITH PLANT MULCH

EPA Science Inventory

Ground water contaminated with TCE is commonly treated with a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) constructed with zero-valence iron. The cost of iron as the reactive matrix has driven a search for less costly alternatives, and composted plant mulch has been used as an alternative ...

REMEDIATION OF GROUND WATER CONTAMINATED WITH LANDFILL LEACHATE USING PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS

EPA Science Inventory

The Norman Landfill is the field site for this project. It was reported that ground water toxicity at this site was due to ammonia, and napthalene was the only ASOC present at high concentrations. Thus, batch and column studies will be used to evaluate reactive materials with the...

Formation Processes and Impacts of Reactive and Nonreactive Minerals in Permeable Reactive Barriers

EPA Science Inventory

Mineral precipitates in zero-valent iron PRBs can be classified by formation processes into three groups: 1) those that result from changes in chemical conditions (i.e., changes in pH, e.g., calcite); 2) those that are a consequence of microbial activity (i.e., sulfate reduction,...

Biocatalytic Stimuli-Responsive Asymmetric Triblock Terpolymer Membranes for Localized Permeability Gating.

PubMed

Poole, Jennifer L; Donahue, Scott; Wilson, David; Li, Yuk Mun; Zhang, Qi; Gu, Yibei; Ferebee, Rachel; Lu, Zhao; Dorin, Rachel Mika; Hancock, Lawrence F; Takiff, Larry; Hakem, Ilhem F; Bockstaller, Michael R; Wiesner, Ulrich; Walker, Jeremy

2017-10-01

The functionalization with phosphotriesterase of poly(isoprene-b-styrene-b-4-vinylpyridine)-based nanoporous membranes fabricated by self-assembly and nonsolvent induced phase separation (SNIPS) is shown to enable dynamically responsive membranes capable of substrate-specific and localized gating response. Integration of the SNIPS process with macroporous nylon support layers yields mechanically robust textile-type films with high moisture vapor transport rates that display rapid and local order-of-magnitude modulation of permeability. The simplicity of the fabrication process that is compatible with large-area fabrication along with the versatility and efficacy of enzyme reactivity offers intriguing opportunities for engineered biomimetic materials that are tailored to respond to a complex range of external parameters, providing sensing, protection, and remediation capabilities. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Assessment of two-phase flow on the chemical alteration and sealing of leakage pathways in cemented wellbores

DOE PAGES

Iyer, Jaisree; Walsh, Stuart D. C.; Hao, Yue; ...

2018-01-08

Wellbore leakage tops the list of perceived risks to the long-term geologic storage of CO 2, because wells provide a direct path between the CO 2 storage reservoir and the atmosphere. In this paper, we have coupled a two-phase flow model with our original framework that combined models for reactive transport of carbonated brine, geochemistry of reacting cement, and geomechanics to predict the permeability evolution of cement fractures. Additionally, this makes the framework suitable for field conditions in geological storage sites, permitting simulation of contact between cement and mixtures of brine and supercritical CO 2. Due to lack of conclusivemore » experimental data, we tried both linear and Corey relative permeability models to simulate flow of the two phases in cement fractures. The model also includes two options to account for the inconsistent experimental observations regarding cement reactivity with two-phase CO 2-brine mixtures. One option assumes that the reactive surface area is independent of the brine saturation and the second option assumes that the reactive surface area is proportional to the brine saturation. We have applied the model to predict the extent of cement alteration, the conditions under which fractures seal, the time it takes to seal a fracture, and the leakage rates of CO 2 and brine when damage zones in the wellbore are exposed to two-phase CO 2-brine mixtures. Initial brine residence time and the initial fracture aperture are critical parameters that affect the fracture sealing behavior. We also evaluated the importance of the model assumptions regarding relative permeability and cement reactivity. These results illustrate the need to understand how mixtures of carbon dioxide and brine flow through fractures and react with cement to make reasonable predictions regarding well integrity. For example, a reduction in the cement reactivity with two-phase CO 2-brine mixture can not only significantly increase the sealing time for fractures but may also prevent fracture sealing.« less

Assessment of two-phase flow on the chemical alteration and sealing of leakage pathways in cemented wellbores

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Iyer, Jaisree; Walsh, Stuart D. C.; Hao, Yue

Wellbore leakage tops the list of perceived risks to the long-term geologic storage of CO 2, because wells provide a direct path between the CO 2 storage reservoir and the atmosphere. In this paper, we have coupled a two-phase flow model with our original framework that combined models for reactive transport of carbonated brine, geochemistry of reacting cement, and geomechanics to predict the permeability evolution of cement fractures. Additionally, this makes the framework suitable for field conditions in geological storage sites, permitting simulation of contact between cement and mixtures of brine and supercritical CO 2. Due to lack of conclusivemore » experimental data, we tried both linear and Corey relative permeability models to simulate flow of the two phases in cement fractures. The model also includes two options to account for the inconsistent experimental observations regarding cement reactivity with two-phase CO 2-brine mixtures. One option assumes that the reactive surface area is independent of the brine saturation and the second option assumes that the reactive surface area is proportional to the brine saturation. We have applied the model to predict the extent of cement alteration, the conditions under which fractures seal, the time it takes to seal a fracture, and the leakage rates of CO 2 and brine when damage zones in the wellbore are exposed to two-phase CO 2-brine mixtures. Initial brine residence time and the initial fracture aperture are critical parameters that affect the fracture sealing behavior. We also evaluated the importance of the model assumptions regarding relative permeability and cement reactivity. These results illustrate the need to understand how mixtures of carbon dioxide and brine flow through fractures and react with cement to make reasonable predictions regarding well integrity. For example, a reduction in the cement reactivity with two-phase CO 2-brine mixture can not only significantly increase the sealing time for fractures but may also prevent fracture sealing.« less

Frictional stability-permeability relationships for fractures in shales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Yi; Elsworth, Derek; Wang, Chaoyi; Ishibashi, Takuya; Fitts, Jeffrey P.

2017-03-01

There is wide concern that fluid injection in the subsurface, such as for the stimulation of shale reservoirs or for geological CO2 sequestration (GCS), has the potential to induce seismicity that may change reservoir permeability due to fault slip. However, the impact of induced seismicity on fracture permeability evolution remains unclear due to the spectrum of modes of fault reactivation (e.g., stable versus unstable). As seismicity is controlled by the frictional response of fractures, we explore friction-stability-permeability relationships through the concurrent measurement of frictional and hydraulic properties of artificial fractures in Green River shale (GRS) and Opalinus shale (OPS). We observe that carbonate-rich GRS shows higher frictional strength but weak neutral frictional stability. The GRS fracture permeability declines during shearing while an increased sliding velocity reduces the rate of permeability decline. By comparison, the phyllosilicate-rich OPS has lower friction and strong stability while the fracture permeability is reduced due to the swelling behavior that dominates over the shearing induced permeability reduction. Hence, we conclude that the friction-stability-permeability relationship of a fracture is largely controlled by mineral composition and that shale mineral compositions with strong frictional stability may be particularly subject to permanent permeability reduction during fluid infiltration.

Astrocytic TYMP and VEGFA drive blood-brain barrier opening in inflammatory central nervous system lesions.

PubMed

Chapouly, Candice; Tadesse Argaw, Azeb; Horng, Sam; Castro, Kamilah; Zhang, Jingya; Asp, Linnea; Loo, Hannah; Laitman, Benjamin M; Mariani, John N; Straus Farber, Rebecca; Zaslavsky, Elena; Nudelman, German; Raine, Cedric S; John, Gareth R

2015-06-01

In inflammatory central nervous system conditions such as multiple sclerosis, breakdown of the blood-brain barrier is a key event in lesion pathogenesis, predisposing to oedema, excitotoxicity, and ingress of plasma proteins and inflammatory cells. Recently, we showed that reactive astrocytes drive blood-brain barrier opening, via production of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). Here, we now identify thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP; previously known as endothelial cell growth factor 1, ECGF1) as a second key astrocyte-derived permeability factor, which interacts with VEGFA to induce blood-brain barrier disruption. The two are co-induced NFκB1-dependently in human astrocytes by the cytokine interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), and inactivation of Vegfa in vivo potentiates TYMP induction. In human central nervous system microvascular endothelial cells, VEGFA and the TYMP product 2-deoxy-d-ribose cooperatively repress tight junction proteins, driving permeability. Notably, this response represents part of a wider pattern of endothelial plasticity: 2-deoxy-d-ribose and VEGFA produce transcriptional programs encompassing angiogenic and permeability genes, and together regulate a third unique cohort. Functionally, each promotes proliferation and viability, and they cooperatively drive motility and angiogenesis. Importantly, introduction of either into mouse cortex promotes blood-brain barrier breakdown, and together they induce severe barrier disruption. In the multiple sclerosis model experimental autoimmune encephalitis, TYMP and VEGFA co-localize to reactive astrocytes, and correlate with blood-brain barrier permeability. Critically, blockade of either reduces neurologic deficit, blood-brain barrier disruption and pathology, and inhibiting both in combination enhances tissue preservation. Suggesting importance in human disease, TYMP and VEGFA both localize to reactive astrocytes in multiple sclerosis lesion samples. Collectively, these data identify TYMP as an astrocyte-derived permeability factor, and suggest TYMP and VEGFA together promote blood-brain barrier breakdown. © The Author (2015). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Integrated evaluation of the performance of a more than seven year old permeable reactive barrier at a site contaminated with chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muchitsch, Nanna; Van Nooten, Thomas; Bastiaens, Leen; Kjeldsen, Peter

2011-11-01

An important issue of concern for permeable reactive iron barriers is the long-term efficiency of the barriers due to the long operational periods required. Mineral precipitation resulting from the anaerobic corrosion of the iron filings and bacteria present in the barrier may play an important role in the long-term performance. An integrated study was performed on the Vapokon permeable reactive barrier (PRB) in Denmark by groundwater and iron core sample characterization. The detailed field groundwater sampling carried out from more than 75 well screens up and downstream the barrier showed a very efficient removal (> 99%) for the most important CAHs (PCE, TCE and 1,1,1-TCA). However, significant formation of cis-DCE within the PRB resulted in an overall insufficient efficiency for cis-DCE removal. The detailed analysis of the upstream groundwater revealed a very heterogeneous spatial distribution of contaminant loading into the PRB, which resulted in that only about a quarter of the barrier system is treating significant loads of CAHs. Laboratory batch experiments using contaminated groundwater from the site and iron material from the core samples revealed that the aged iron material performed equally well as virgin granular iron of the same type based on determined degradation rates despite that parts of the cored iron material were covered by mineral precipitates (especially iron sulfides, carbonate green rust and aragonite). The PCR analysis performed on the iron core samples indicated the presence of a microbial consortium in the barrier. A wide range of species were identified including sulfate and iron reducing bacteria, together with Dehalococcoides and Desulfuromonas species indicating microbial reductive dehalogenation potential. The microbes had a profound effect on the performance of the barrier, as indicated by significant degradation of dichloromethane (which is typically unaffected by zero valent iron) within the barrier.

Evaluation of a permeable reactive barrier technology for use at Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (RFETS)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

DWYER,BRIAN P.

2000-01-01

Three reactive materials were evaluated at laboratory scale to identify the optimum treatment reagent for use in a Permeable Reactive Barrier Treatment System at Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (RFETS). The contaminants of concern (COCS) are uranium, TCE, PCE, carbon tetrachloride, americium, and vinyl chloride. The three reactive media evaluated included high carbon steel iron filings, an iron-silica alloy in the form of a foam aggregate, and a peculiar humic acid based sorbent (Humasorb from Arctech) mixed with sand. Each material was tested in the laboratory at column scale using simulated site water. All three materials showed promise for themore » 903 Mound Site however, the iron filings were determined to be the least expensive media. In order to validate the laboratory results, the iron filings were further tested at a pilot scale (field columns) using actual site water. Pilot test results were similar to laboratory results; consequently, the iron filings were chosen for the fill-scale demonstration of the reactive barrier technology. Additional design parameters including saturated hydraulic conductivity, treatment residence time, and head loss across the media were also determined and provided to the design team in support of the final design. The final design was completed by the Corps of Engineers in 1997 and the system was constructed in the summer of 1998. The treatment system began fill operation in December, 1998 and despite a few problems has been operational since. Results to date are consistent with the lab and pilot scale findings, i.e., complete removal of the contaminants of concern (COCs) prior to discharge to meet RFETS cleanup requirements. Furthermore, it is fair to say at this point in time that laboratory developed design parameters for the reactive barrier technology are sufficient for fuel scale design; however,the treatment system longevity and the long-term fate of the contaminants are questions that remain unanswered. This project along with others such as the Durango, CO and Monticello, UT reactive barriers will provide the data to determine the long-term effectiveness and return on investment (ROI) for this technology for comparison to the baseline pump and treat.« less

Chemistry and microbiology of permeable reactive barriers for in situ groundwater clean up.

PubMed

Scherer, M M; Richter, S; Valentine, R L; Alvarez, P J

2000-01-01

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) are receiving a great deal of attention as an innovative, cost-effective technology for in situ clean up of groundwater contamination. A wide variety of materials are being proposed for use in PRBs, including zero-valent metals (e.g., iron metal), humic materials, oxides, surfactant-modified zeolites (SMZs), and oxygen- and nitrate-releasing compounds. PRB materials remove dissolved groundwater contaminants by immobilization within the barrier or transformation to less harmful products. The primary removal processes include: (1) sorption and precipitation, (2) chemical reaction, and (3) biologically mediated reactions. This article presents an overview of the mechanisms and factors controlling these individual processes and discusses the implications for the feasibility and long-term effectiveness of PRB technologies.

USE OF PRETREATMENT ZONES AND ZERO-VALENT IRON FOR THE REMEDIATION OF CHLOROALKENES IN AN OXIC AQUIFER

EPA Science Inventory

Pre-treatment zones (PTZs) composed of sand, 10% zero-valent iron [Fe(0)]/sand, and 10% pyrite (FeS2)/sand were examined for their ability to prolong Fe(0) reactivity in aboveground column reactors and a subsurface permeable reactive barrier (PRB). The test site had an acidic, o...

THE APPLICATION OF PRB TECHNOLOGY AT TWO SITES: LESSONS LEARNED AFTER 7 YEARS OF PERFORMANCE MONITORING

EPA Science Inventory

In June of 1996, a 46 m long, 7.3 m deep, and 0.6 m wide permeable reactive barrier (continuous wall configuration) of zero-valent iron was installed at the USCG-SC site. The reactive wall was designed to remediate hexavalent chromium-contaminated groundwater, in addition to tre...

Frictional stability-permeability relationships for fractures in shales: Friction-Permeability Relationships

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fang, Yi; Elsworth, Derek; Wang, Chaoyi

There is wide concern that fluid injection in the subsurface, such as for the stimulation of shale reservoirs or for geological CO 2 sequestration (GCS), has the potential to induce seismicity that may change reservoir permeability due to fault slip. However, the impact of induced seismicity on fracture permeability evolution remains unclear due to the spectrum of modes of fault reactivation (e.g., stable versus unstable). As seismicity is controlled by the frictional response of fractures, we explore friction-stability-permeability relationships through the concurrent measurement of frictional and hydraulic properties of artificial fractures in Green River shale (GRS) and Opalinus shale (OPS).more » We observe that carbonate-rich GRS shows higher frictional strength but weak neutral frictional stability. The GRS fracture permeability declines during shearing while an increased sliding velocity reduces the rate of permeability decline. By comparison, the phyllosilicate-rich OPS has lower friction and strong stability while the fracture permeability is reduced due to the swelling behavior that dominates over the shearing induced permeability reduction. Hence, we conclude that the friction-stability-permeability relationship of a fracture is largely controlled by mineral composition and that shale mineral compositions with strong frictional stability may be particularly subject to permanent permeability reduction during fluid infiltration.« less

Modeling reactive transport processes in fractured rock using the time domain random walk approach within a dual-porosity framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roubinet, D.; Russian, A.; Dentz, M.; Gouze, P.

2017-12-01

Characterizing and modeling hydrodynamic reactive transport in fractured rock are critical challenges for various research fields and applications including environmental remediation, geological storage, and energy production. To this end, we consider a recently developed time domain random walk (TDRW) approach, which is adapted to reproduce anomalous transport behaviors and capture heterogeneous structural and physical properties. This method is also very well suited to optimize numerical simulations by memory-shared massive parallelization and provide numerical results at various scales. So far, the TDRW approach has been applied for modeling advective-diffusive transport with mass transfer between mobile and immobile regions and simple (theoretical) reactions in heterogeneous porous media represented as single continuum domains. We extend this approach to dual-continuum representations considering a highly permeable fracture network embedded into a poorly permeable rock matrix with heterogeneous geochemical reactions occurring in both geological structures. The resulting numerical model enables us to extend the range of the modeled heterogeneity scales with an accurate representation of solute transport processes and no assumption on the Fickianity of these processes. The proposed model is compared to existing particle-based methods that are usually used to model reactive transport in fractured rocks assuming a homogeneous surrounding matrix, and is used to evaluate the impact of the matrix heterogeneity on the apparent reaction rates for different 2D and 3D simple-to-complex fracture network configurations.

Can a fractured caprock self-heal?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elkhoury, Jean E.; Detwiler, Russell L.; Ameli, Pasha

2015-05-01

The ability of geologic seals to prevent leakage of fluids injected into the deep subsurface is critical for mitigating risks associated with greenhouse-gas sequestration and natural-gas production. Fractures caused by tectonic or injection-induced stresses create potential leakage pathways that may be further enhanced by mineral dissolution. We present results from reactive-flow experiments in fractured caprock (dolomitic anhydrite), where additional dissolution occurs in the rock matrix adjacent to the fracture surfaces. Preferential dissolution of anhydrite left a compacted layer of dolomite in the fractures. At lower flow rate, rock-fluid reactions proceeded to near equilibrium within the fracture with preferential flow paths persisting over the 6-month duration of the experiment and a negligible change in permeability. At higher flow rate, permeability decreased by a dramatic two orders of magnitude. This laboratory-scale observation of self-healing argues against the likelihood of runaway permeability growth in fractured porous caprock composed of minerals with different solubilities and reaction kinetics. However, scaling arguments suggest that at larger length scales this self-healing process may be offset by the formation of dissolution channels. Our results have relevance beyond the greenhouse-gas sequestration problem. Chemical disequilibrium at waste injection sites and in hydrothermal reservoirs will lead to reactive flows that may also significantly alter formation permeability.

Modeling of coulpled deformation and permeability evolution during fault reactivation induced by deep underground injection of CO2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cappa, F.; Rutqvist, J.

2010-06-01

The interaction between mechanical deformation and fluid flow in fault zones gives rise to a host of coupled hydromechanical processes fundamental to fault instability, induced seismicity, and associated fluid migration. In this paper, we discuss these coupled processes in general and describe three modeling approaches that have been considered to analyze fluid flow and stress coupling in fault-instability processes. First, fault hydromechanical models were tested to investigate fault behavior using different mechanical modeling approaches, including slip interface and finite-thickness elements with isotropic or anisotropic elasto-plastic constitutive models. The results of this investigation showed that fault hydromechanical behavior can be appropriatelymore » represented with the least complex alternative, using a finite-thickness element and isotropic plasticity. We utilized this pragmatic approach coupled with a strain-permeability model to study hydromechanical effects on fault instability during deep underground injection of CO{sub 2}. We demonstrated how such a modeling approach can be applied to determine the likelihood of fault reactivation and to estimate the associated loss of CO{sub 2} from the injection zone. It is shown that shear-enhanced permeability initiated where the fault intersects the injection zone plays an important role in propagating fault instability and permeability enhancement through the overlying caprock.« less

Placental ischemia in pregnant rats impairs cerebral blood flow autoregulation and increases blood–brain barrier permeability

PubMed Central

Warrington, Junie P.; Fan, Fan; Murphy, Sydney R.; Roman, Richard J.; Drummond, Heather A.; Granger, Joey P.; Ryan, Michael J.

2014-01-01

Abstract Cerebrovascular events contribute to ~40% of preeclampsia/eclampsia‐related deaths, and neurological symptoms are common among preeclamptic patients. We previously reported that placental ischemia, induced by reducing utero‐placental perfusion pressure, leads to impaired myogenic reactivity and cerebral edema in the pregnant rat. Whether the impaired myogenic reactivity is associated with altered cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation and the edema is due to altered blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability remains unclear. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that placental ischemia leads to impaired CBF autoregulation and a disruption of the BBB. CBF autoregulation, measured in vivo by laser Doppler flowmetry, was significantly impaired in placental ischemic rats. Brain water content was increased in the anterior cerebrum of placental ischemic rats and BBB permeability, assayed using the Evans blue extravasation method, was increased in the anterior cerebrum. The expression of the tight junction proteins: claudin‐1 was increased in the posterior cerebrum, while zonula occludens‐1, and occludin, were not significantly altered in either the anterior or posterior cerebrum. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that placental ischemia mediates anterior cerebral edema through impaired CBF autoregulation and associated increased transmission of pressure to small vessels that increases BBB permeability leading to cerebral edema. PMID:25168877

Sodium alginate/graphene oxide hydrogel beads as permeable reactive barrier material for the remediation of ciprofloxacin-contaminated groundwater.

PubMed

Zhao, Pingping; Yu, Fei; Wang, Ruoyu; Ma, Yao; Wu, Yanqing

2018-06-01

The wide occurrence of antibiotics in groundwater has raised serious concerns due to their impacts on humans and the ecosystem. Most of the research in groundwater remediation focuses on the exploitation of nano-materials. However, nano-materials have several disadvantages such as high production cost, rapid reduction in permeability, disposal problems, and high sensitivity to environmental conditions. To solve these issues, novel sodium alginate/graphene oxide hydrogel beads (GSA) were synthesised and their effectiveness as permeable reactive barrier (PRB) backfill material in the remediation of ciprofloxacin (CPX)-contaminated groundwater was tested. The adsorption of CPX onto GSA followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The isotherm data followed the Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption capacity was 100 mg g -1 at pH 7.0. The adsorption process was sensitive to contact time, initial CPX concentration and ionic strength. However, it was not pH sensitive. Hydrophobic interaction, electrostatic interaction, ion exchange, H-bonding, and pore filling were proposed to be the main adsorption mechanisms. The effects of flow rate, influent CPX concentration, and ionic strength on the performance of PRB were confirmed through flow-through column experiments and by using a chemical non-equilibrium two-site model. Accordingly, a proper PRB was designed based on hydrogeological conditions. Finally, the lifetime and cost of the PRBs were calculated. The results obtained provided concrete evidence that GSA is a promising adsorbent material for PRBs applications in the remediation of CPX-contaminated groundwater. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Remediation of RDX- and HMX-contaminated groundwater using organic mulch permeable reactive barriers.

PubMed

Ahmad, Farrukh; Schnitker, Stephen P; Newell, Charles J

2007-02-20

Organic mulch is a complex organic material that is typically populated with its own consortium of microorganisms. The organisms in mulch breakdown complex organics to soluble carbon, which can then be used by these and other microorganisms as an electron donor for treating RDX and HMX via reductive pathways. A bench-scale treatability study with organic mulch was conducted for the treatment of RDX- and HMX-contaminated groundwater obtained from a plume at the Pueblo Chemical Depot (PCD) in Pueblo, Colorado. The site-specific cleanup criteria of 0.55 ppb RDX and 602 ppb HMX were used as the logical goals of the study. Column flow-through tests were run to steady-state at the average site seepage velocity, using a 70%:30% (vol.:vol.) mulch:pea gravel packing to approach the formation's permeability. Significant results included: (1) Complete removal of 90 ppb influent RDX and 8 ppb influent HMX in steady-state mulch column effluent; (2) pseudo-first-order steady-state kinetic rate constant, k, of 0.20 to 0.27 h(-1) based on RDX data, using triplicate parallel column runs; (3) accumulation of reduced RDX intermediates in the steady-state column effluent at less than 2% of the influent RDX mass; (4) no binding of RDX to the column fill material; and (5) no leaching of RDX, HMX or reduction intermediates from the column fill material. The results of the bench-scale study will be used to design and implement a pilot-scale organic mulch/pea gravel permeable reactive barrier (PRB) at the site.

Characterization of reactive flow-induced evolution of carbonate rocks using digital core analysis - part 2: Calculation of the evolution of percolation and transport properties.

PubMed

Qajar, Jafar; Arns, Christoph H

2017-09-01

Percolation of reactive fluids in carbonate rocks affects the rock microstructure and hence changes the rock macroscopic properties. In Part 1 paper, we examined the voxel-wise evolution of microstructure of the rock in terms of mineral dissolution/detachment, mineral deposition, and unchanged regions. In the present work, we investigate the relationships between changes in two characteristic transport properties, i.e. permeability and electrical conductivity and two critical parameters of the pore phase, i.e. the fraction of the pore space connecting the inlet and outlet faces of the core sample and the critical pore-throat diameter. We calculate the aforementioned properties on the images of the sample, wherein a homogeneous modification of pore structure occurred in order to ensure the representativeness of the calculated transport properties at the core scale. From images, the evolution of pore connectivity and the potential role of micropores on the connectivity are quantified. It is found that the changing permeability and electrical conductivity distributions along the core length are generally in good agreement with the longitudinal evolution of macro-connected macroporosity and the critical pore-throat diameter. We incorporate microporosity into critical length and permeability calculations and show how microporosity locally plays a role in permeability. It is shown that the Katz-Thompson model reasonably predicts the post-alteration permeability in terms of pre-alteration simulated parameters. This suggests that the evolution of permeability and electrical conductivity of the studied complex carbonate core are controlled by the changes in the macro-connected macroporosity as well as the smallest pore-throats between the connected macropores. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stochastic simulation of uranium migration at the Hanford 300 Area.

PubMed

Hammond, Glenn E; Lichtner, Peter C; Rockhold, Mark L

2011-03-01

This work focuses on the quantification of groundwater flow and subsequent U(VI) transport uncertainty due to heterogeneity in the sediment permeability at the Hanford 300 Area. U(VI) migration at the site is simulated with multiple realizations of stochastically-generated high resolution permeability fields and comparisons are made of cumulative water and U(VI) flux to the Columbia River. The massively parallel reactive flow and transport code PFLOTRAN is employed utilizing 40,960 processor cores on DOE's petascale Jaguar supercomputer to simultaneously execute 10 transient, variably-saturated groundwater flow and U(VI) transport simulations within 3D heterogeneous permeability fields using the code's multi-realization simulation capability. Simulation results demonstrate that the cumulative U(VI) flux to the Columbia River is less responsive to fine scale heterogeneity in permeability and more sensitive to the distribution of permeability within the river hyporheic zone and mean permeability of larger-scale geologic structures at the site. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pre-treatment with vinpocetine protects against retinal ischemia.

PubMed

Nivison-Smith, Lisa; Khoo, Pauline; Acosta, Monica L; Kalloniatis, Michael

2017-01-01

Vinpocetine has been shown to have beneficial effects for tissues of the central nervous system subjected to ischemia and other related metabolic insults. We recently showed vinpocetine promotes glucose availability, prevents unregulated cation channel permeability and regulates glial reactivity when present during retinal ischemia. Less is known however about the ability of vinpocetine to protect against future ischemic insults. This study explores the effect of vinpocetine when used as a pre-treatment in an ex vivo model for retinal ischemia using cation channel permeability of agmatine (AGB) combined with immunohistochemistry as a measure for cell functionality. We found that vinpocetine pre-treatment reduced cation channel permeability and apoptotic marker immunoreactivity in the GCL and increased parvalbumin immunoreactivity of inner retinal neurons in the inner nuclear layer following ischemic insult. Vinpocetine pre-treatment also reduced Müller cell reactivity following ischemic insults of up to 120 min compared to untreated controls. Many of vinpocetine's effects however were transient in nature suggesting the drug can protect retinal neurons against future ischemic damage but may have limited long-term applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Method of forming and starting a sodium sulfur battery

DOEpatents

Paquette, David G.

1981-01-01

A method of forming a sodium sulfur battery and of starting the reactive capability of that battery when heated to a temperature suitable for battery operation is disclosed. An anodic reaction zone is constructed in a manner that sodium is hermetically sealed therein, part of the hermetic seal including fusible material which closes up openings through the container of the anodic reaction zone. The hermetically sealed anodic reaction zone is assembled under normal atmospheric conditions with a suitable cathodic reaction zone and a cation-permeable barrier. When the entire battery is heated to an operational temperature, the fusible material of the hermetically sealed anodic reaction zone is fused, thereby allowing molten sodium to flow from the anodic reaction zone into reactive engagement with the cation-permeable barrier.

A benzothiazole-based fluorescent probe for hypochlorous acid detection and imaging in living cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Khac Hong; Hao, Yuanqiang; Zeng, Ke; Fan, Shengnan; Li, Fen; Yuan, Suke; Ding, Xuejing; Xu, Maotian; Liu, You-Nian

2018-06-01

A benzothiazole-based turn-on fluorescent probe with a large Stokes shift (190 nm) has been developed for hypochlorous acid detection. The probe displays prompt fluorescence response for HClO with excellent selectivity over other reactive oxygen species as well as a low detection limit of 0.08 μM. The sensing mechanism involves the HClO-induced specific oxidation of oxime moiety of the probe to nitrile oxide, which was confirmed by HPLC-MS technique. Furthermore, imaging studies demonstrated that the probe is cell permeable and can be applied to detect HClO in living cells.

The Importance of Parameter Variances, Correlations Lengths, and Cross-Correlations in Reactive Transport Models: Key Considerations for Assessing the Need for Microscale Information (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reimus, P. W.

2010-12-01

A process-oriented modeling approach is implemented to examine the importance of parameter variances, correlation lengths, and especially cross-correlations in contaminant transport predictions over large scales. It is shown that the most important consideration is the correlation between flow rates and retardation processes (e.g., sorption, matrix diffusion) in the system. If flow rates are negatively correlated with retardation factors in systems containing multiple flow pathways, then characterizing these negative correlation(s) may have more impact on reactive transport modeling than microscale information. Such negative correlations are expected in porous-media systems where permeability is negatively correlated with clay content and rock alteration (which are usually associated with increased sorption). Likewise, negative correlations are expected in fractured rocks where permeability is positively correlated with fracture apertures, which in turn are negatively correlated with sorption and matrix diffusion. Parameter variances and correlation lengths are also shown to have important effects on reactive transport predictions, but they are less important than parameter cross-correlations. Microscale information pertaining to contaminant transport has become more readily available as characterization methods and spectroscopic instrumentation have achieved lower detection limits, greater resolution, and better precision. Obtaining detailed mechanistic insights into contaminant-rock-water interactions is becoming a routine practice in characterizing reactive transport processes in groundwater systems (almost necessary for high-profile publications). Unfortunately, a quantitative link between microscale information and flow and transport parameter distributions or cross-correlations has not yet been established. One reason for this is that quantitative microscale information is difficult to obtain in complex, heterogeneous systems, so simple systems that lack the complexity and heterogeneity of real aquifer materials are often studied. Another is that instrumentation used to obtain microscale information often probes only one variable or family of variables at a time, so linkages to other variables must be inferred by indirect means from other lines of evidence. Despite these limitations, microscale information can be useful in the development and validation of reactive transport models. For example, knowledge of mineral phases that have strong affinities for contaminants can help in the development of cross-correlations between flow and sorption parameters via characterization of permeability and mineral distributions in aquifers. Likewise, microscale information on pore structures in low-permeability zones and contaminant penetration distances into these zones from higher-permeability zones (e.g., fractures) can provide valuable constraints on the representation of diffusive mass transfer processes between flowing porosity and secondary porosity. The prioritization of obtaining microscale information in any groundwater system can be informed by modeling exercises such as those conducted for this study.

Geologic Sequestration of CO2: Potential Permeability Changes in Host Formations of the San Juan Basin, New Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abel, A. P.; McPherson, B.; Lichtner, P.; Bond, G.; Stringer, J.; Grigg, R.

2002-12-01

Terrestrial sequestration through injection into geologic formations is one proposed method for the isolation of anthropogenic CO2 from the atmosphere. A variety of physical and chemical processes are known to occur both during and after geologic CO2 injection, including diagenetic chemical reactions and associated permeability changes. Although it is commonly assumed that CO2 sequestered in this way will ultimately become mineralized, the rates of these changes, including CO2 hydration in brines, are known to be relatively slow. Bond and others (this volume) have developed a biomimetic approach to CO2 sequestration, in which the rate of CO2 hydration is accelerated by the use of a biological catalyst. Together with the hydrated CO2, cations from produced brines may be used to form solid-state carbonate minerals at the earth's surface, or this bicarbonate solution may be reinjected for geologic sequestration. Chemical composition of produced brines will affect both the diagenetic reactions that occur within the host formation, and the precipitation reactions that will occur above ground. In a specific case study of the San Juan Basin, New Mexico, we are cataloging different brines present in that basin. We are using this information to facilitate evaluation of potential applications of the biomimetic process and geologic sequestration. In a separate collaborative study by Grigg and others (this volume), laboratory experiments have been conducted on multiphase CO2 and brine injection and flow through saturated rock cores. We are extending from that study to our specific case study of the San Juan basin, to examine and characterize potential permeability changes associated with accelerated diagenesis due to the presence of high concentrations of CO2 or bicarbonate solutions in situ. We are developing and conducting new laboratory experiments to evaluate relative permeability (to CO2 and brine) of selected strata from the Fruitland Formation and Pictured Cliffs Sandstone. In addition to relative permeability, we are conducting longer-term flow tests reflecting marked permeability changes, and documenting the changes by comparing detailed pre-test measurements of porosity and permeability to post-test measurements. We are using these experimental results to parameterize coupled-flow and reactive-chemistry models of a selected cross-section of the San Juan basin. Our flow and chemistry model is based on the Los Alamos National Laboratory reactive chemistry simulator, TRANS, coupled to the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory flow simulator, TOUGH2. The purpose of these simulation models is to evaluate potential CO2- and bicarbonate-induced diagenetic changes in permeability and flow at the basin-scale. In addition they will provide useful information in relation to brine extraction. We are also using these calibrated basin models to examine natural diagenesis and permeability evolution associated with changing brine properties and flow conditions over geologic time.

Zeolite in horizontal permeable reactive barriers for artificial groundwater recharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leal, María; Martínez-Hernández, Virtudes; Lillo, Javier; Meffe, Raffaella; de Bustamante, Irene

2013-04-01

The Spanish Water Reuse Royal Decree 1620/2007 considers groundwater recharge as a feasible use of reclaimed water. To achieve the water quality established in the above-mentioned legislation, a tertiary wastewater treatment is required. In this context, the infiltration of effluents generated by secondary wastewater treatments through a Horizontal Permeable Reactive Barrier (HPRB) may represent a suitable regeneration technology. Some nutrients (phosphate and ammonium) and some Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) are not fully removed in conventional wastewater treatment plants. To avoid groundwater contamination when effluents of wastewater treatments plants are used in artificial recharge activities, these contaminants have to be removed. Due to its sorption capacities, zeolite is among the most used reactive materials in Permeable Reactive Barrier (PRB). Therefore, the main goal of this study is to evaluate the zeolite retention effectiveness of nutrients and PPCPs occurring in treated wastewater. Batch sorption experiments using synthetic wastewater (SWW) and zeolite were performed. A 1:4 zeolite/SWW ratio was selected due to the high sorption capacity of the reactive material.The assays were carried out by triplicate. All the bottles containing the SWW-zeolite mixture were placed on a mechanical shaker during 24 hours at 140 rpm and 25 °C. Ammonium and phosphate, as main nutrients, and a group of PPCPs were selected as compounds to be tested during the experiments. Nutrients were analyzed by ion chromatography. For PPCPs determination, Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) was applied before their analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry time of flight (LC-MS/ TOF). The experimental data were fitted to linearized Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations to obtain sorption parameters. In general, Freundlich model shows a greater capability of reproducing experimental data. To our knowledge, sorption of the investigated compounds on zeolite has rarely been addressed and this holds true especially for PPCPs. Therefore, the obtained results will be useful for the design and characterization of those HPRBs in which zeolite will be employed to regenerate treated wastewater for artificial recharge activities.

Validating predictions of evolving porosity and permeability in carbonate reservoir rocks exposed to CO2-brine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, M. M.; Hao, Y.; Carroll, S.

2017-12-01

Improving our ability to better forecast the extent and impact of changes in porosity and permeability due to CO2-brine-carbonate reservoir interactions should lower uncertainty in long-term geologic CO2 storage capacity estimates. We have developed a continuum-scale reactive transport model that simulates spatial and temporal changes to porosity, permeability, mineralogy, and fluid composition within carbonate rocks exposed to CO2 and brine at storage reservoir conditions. The model relies on two primary parameters to simulate brine-CO2-carbonate mineral reaction: kinetic rate constant(s), kmineral, for carbonate dissolution; and an exponential parameter, n, relating porosity change to resulting permeability. Experimental data collected from fifteen core-flooding experiments conducted on samples from the Weyburn (Saskatchewan, Canada) and Arbuckle (Kansas, USA) carbonate reservoirs were used to calibrate the reactive-transport model and constrain the useful range of k and n values. Here we present the results of our current efforts to validate this model and the use of these parameter values, by comparing predictions of extent and location of dissolution and the evolution of fluid permeability against our results from new core-flood experiments conducted on samples from the Duperow Formation (Montana, USA). Agreement between model predictions and experimental data increase our confidence that these parameter ranges need not be considered site-specific but may be applied (within reason) at various locations and reservoirs. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Permeability Variations Associated With Fault Reactivation in a Claystone Formation Investigated by Field Experiments and Numerical Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeanne, Pierre; Guglielmi, Yves; Rutqvist, Jonny; Nussbaum, Christophe; Birkholzer, Jens

2018-02-01

We studied the relation between rupture and changes in permeability within a fault zone intersecting the Opalinus Clay formation at 300 m depth in the Mont Terri Underground Research Laboratory (Switzerland). A series of water injection experiments were performed in a borehole straddle interval set within the damage zone of the main fault. A three-component displacement sensor allowed an estimation of the displacement of a minor fault plane reactivated during a succession of step rate pressure tests. The experiment reveals that the fault hydromechanical (HM) behavior is different from one test to the other with varying pressure levels needed to trigger rupture and different slip behavior under similar pressure conditions. Numerical simulations were performed to better understand the reason for such different behavior and to investigate the relation between rupture nucleation, permeability change, pressure diffusion, and rupture propagation. Our main findings are as follows: (i) a rate frictional law and a rate-and-state permeability law can reproduce the first test, but it appears that the rate constitutive parameters must be pressure dependent to reproduce the complex HM behavior observed during the successive injection tests; (ii) almost similar ruptures can create or destroy the fluid diffusion pathways; (iii) a too high or too low diffusivity created by the main rupture prevents secondary rupture events from occurring whereas "intermediate" diffusivity favors the nucleation of a secondary rupture associated with the fluid diffusion. However, because rupture may in certain cases destroy permeability, this succession of ruptures may not necessarily create a continuous hydraulic pathway.

Reactive transport of CO2-rich fluids in simulated wellbore interfaces: Experiments and models exploring behaviour on length scales of 1 to 6 m

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolterbeek, T. K. T.; Raoof, A.; Peach, C. J.; Spiers, C. J.

2016-12-01

Defects present at casing-cement interfaces in wellbores constitute potential pathways for CO2 to migrate from geological storage systems. It is essential to understand how the transport properties of such pathways evolve when penetrated by CO2-rich fluids. While numerous studies have explored this problem at the decimetre length-scale, the 1-10-100 m scales relevant for real wellbores have received little attention. The present work addresses the effects of long-range reactive transport on a length scale of 1-6 m. This is done by means of a combined experimental and modelling study. The experimental work consisted of flow-through tests, performed on cement-filled steel tubes, 1-6 m in length, containing artificially debonded cement-interfaces. Four tests were performed, at 60-80 °C, imposing flow-through of CO2-rich fluid at mean pressures of 10-15 MPa, controlling the pressure difference at 0.12-4.8 MPa, while measuring flow-rate. In the modelling work, we developed a numerical model to explore reactive transport in CO2-exposed defects on a similar length scale. The formulation adopted incorporates fluid flow, advective and diffusive solute transport, and CO2-cement chemical reactions. Our results show that long-range reactive transport strongly affects the permeability evolution of CO2-exposed defects. In the experiments, sample permeability decreased by 2-4 orders, which microstructural observations revealed was associated with downstream precipitation of carbonates, possibly aided by migration of fines. The model simulations show precipitation in initially open defects produces a sharp decrease in flow rate, causing a transition from advection to diffusion-dominated reactive transport. While the modelling results broadly reproduce the experimental observations, it is further demonstrated that non-uniformity in initial defect aperture has a profound impact on self-sealing behaviour and system permeability evolution on the metre scale. The implication is that future reactive transport models and wellbore scale analyses must include defects with variable aperture in order to obtain reliable upscaling relations.

Characterizing the Performance of Gas-Permeable Membranes as an Ammonia Recovery Strategy from Anaerobically Digested Dairy Manure

PubMed Central

Fillingham, Melanie; Singh, Jessica; Burtt, Stephen; Crolla, Anna; Kinsley, Chris; MacDonald, J. Douglas

2017-01-01

Capturing ammonia from anaerobically digested manure could simultaneously decrease the adverse effects of ammonia inhibition on biogas production, reduce reactive nitrogen (N) loss to the environment, and produce mineral N fertilizer as a by-product. In this study, gas permeable membranes (GPM) were used to capture ammonia from dairy manure and digestate by the diffusion of gaseous ammonia across the membrane where ammonia is captured by diluted acid, forming an aqueous ammonium salt. A lab-scale prototype using tubular expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) GPM was used to (1) characterize the effect of total ammonium nitrogen (TAN) concentration, temperature, and pH on the ammonia capture rate using GPM, and (2) to evaluate the performance of a GPM system in conditions similar to a mesophilic anaerobic digester. The GPM captured ammonia at a rate between 2.2 and 6.3% of gaseous ammonia in the donor solution per day. Capture rate was faster in anaerobic digestate than raw manure. The ammonia capture rate could be predicted using non-linear regression based on the factors of total ammonium nitrogen concentration, temperature, and pH. This use of membranes shows promise in reducing the deleterious impacts of ammonia on both the efficiency of biogas production and the release of reactive N to the environment. PMID:28991162

Reactive transport modelling of a high-pH infiltration test in concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaparro, M. Carme; Soler, Josep M.; Saaltink, Maarten W.; Mäder, Urs K.

2017-06-01

A laboratory-scale tracer test was carried out to characterize the transport properties of concrete from the Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility at El Cabril (Spain). A hyperalkaline solution (K-Ca-OH, pH = 13.2) was injected into a concrete sample under a high entry pressure in order to perform the experiment within a reasonable time span, obtaining a decrease of permeability by a factor of 1000. The concentrations of the tracers, major elements (Ca2+, SO4 2 - , K+ and Na+) and pH were measured at the outlet of the concrete sample. A reactive transport model was built based on a double porosity conceptual model, which considers diffusion between a mobile zone, where water can flow, and an immobile zone without any advective transport. The numerical model assumed that all reactions took place in the immobile zone. The cement paste consists of C-S-H gel, portlandite, ettringite, calcite and gypsum, together with residual alite and belite. Two different models were compared, one with portlandite in equilibrium (high initial surface area) and another one with portlandite reaction controlled by kinetics (low initial surface area). Overall the results show dissolution of alite, belite, gypsum, quartz, C-S-H gel and ettringite and precipitation of portlandite and calcite. Permeability could have decreased due to mineral precipitation.

Column test-based optimization of the permeable reactive barrier (PRB) technique for remediating groundwater contaminated by landfill leachates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Dan; Li, Yan; Zhang, Yinbo; Zhang, Chang; Li, Xiongfei; Chen, Zhiliang; Huang, Junyi; Li, Xia; Flores, Giancarlo; Kamon, Masashi

2014-11-01

We investigated the optimum composition of permeable reactive barrier (PRB) materials for remediating groundwater heavily contaminated by landfill leachate, in column tests using various mixtures of zero-valent iron (ZVI), zeolite (Zeo) and activated carbon (AC) with 0.01-0.25, 3.0-5.0 and 0.7-1.0 mm grain sizes, respectively. The main contributors to the removal of organic/inorganic contaminants were ZVI and AC, and the optimum weight ratio of the three PRB materials for removing the contaminants and maintaining adequate hydraulic conductivity was found to be 5:1:4. Average reductions in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and contents of total nitrogen (TN), ammonium, Ni, Pb and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from test samples using this mixture were 55.8%, 70.8%, 89.2%, 70.7%, 92.7% and 94.2%, respectively. We also developed a systematic method for estimating the minimum required thickness and longevity of the PRB materials. A ≥ 309.6 cm layer with the optimum composition is needed for satisfactory longevity, defined here as meeting the Grade III criteria (the Chinese National Bureau of Standards: GB/T14848/93) for in situ treatment of the sampled groundwater for ≥ 10 years.

Design and synthesis of (aza)indolyl maleimide-based covalent inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase 3β.

PubMed

Yang, Zhimin; Liu, Hui; Pan, Botao; He, Fengli; Pan, Zhengying

2018-05-21

As an important kinase in multiple signal transduction pathways, GSK-3β has been an attractive target for chemical probe discovery and drug development. Compared to numerous reversible inhibitors that have been developed, covalent inhibitors of GSK-3β are noticeably lacking. Here, we report the discovery of a series of covalent GSK-3β inhibitors by optimizing both non-covalent interactions and reactive groups. Among these covalent inhibitors, compound 38b with a mild α-fluoromethyl amide reactive group emerges as a selective and covalent inhibitor against GSK-3β, effectively inhibits the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase and tau protein, and increases β-catenin's levels in living cells. In addition, compound 38b is highly permeable and not a substrate of P-glycoprotein.

Reactive Minerals and Dechlorinating Communities: Mechanisms Governing the Degradation of Chlorinated Ethenes during Back Diffusion from Low Permeability Zones in Aerobic and Anaerobic Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berns, E. C.; Zeng, R.; Singh, H.; Valocchi, A. J.; Sanford, R. A.; Strathmann, T. J.; Schaefer, C. E.; Werth, C. J.

2017-12-01

Low permeability zones (LPZs) comprised of silts and clays, and contaminated with chlorinated ethenes, can act as a long term source of contaminated groundwater by diffusion into adjacent high permeability zones (HPZs). Following initial remediation efforts, chlorinated ethenes that have diffused into LPZs will back diffuse and recontaminate HPZs. Because chlorinated ethenes are known to cause cancer and damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, it is important to understand how they degrade in natural systems and how to model their fate and transport. Previous work has shown that anaerobic hydrogenolysis reactions are facilitated by both dechlorinating microorganisms and reactive minerals. Abiotic dichloro-elimination reactions with reactive minerals can also degrade chlorinated ethenes to acetylene, albeit at slower rates than biotic processes. More recently, studies have explored aerobic abiotic degradation of chlorinated ethenes to formate, glycolate, and carbon dioxide. This study focuses on these biotic and abiotic reactions and their contributions to chlorinated ethene degradation under aerobic and anaerobic conditions at the LPZ/HPZ interface. A two-dimensional flow cell was constructed to model this interface using clay and sand from Pease Air Force Base. The clay was inoculated with a dechlorinating enrichment culture. Tenax adsorbent beads equilibrated with trichloroethylene (TCE) were used as a chlorinated ethene source zone at the base of the clay. TCE and its degradation products diffused from the clay into the sand, where they were removed from the flow cell by groundwater at a rate of 50 mL/day. Volatile compounds were trapped in a sample loop and removed every 48 hours for analysis by GC-FID. Organic and inorganic ions in the effluent were analyzed on the HPLC and IC. The experiment was terminated by freezing the flow cell, and chemical profiles through the flow cell material were created to show the spatial distribution of degradation products. Chemical profiles through the clay were modeled using a 1D diffusion-reaction model, and the contributions of abiotic and biotic processes to TCE degradation were determined. The model and experimental data lend insights into transformation processes that control the fate and transport of chlorinated ethenes at contaminated sites.

Heat-energy storage through semi-opened circulation into low-permeability hard-rock aquifers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pettenati, Marie; Bour, Olivier; Ausseur, Jean-Yves; de Dreuzy, Jean-Raynald; de la Bernardie, Jérôme; Chatton, Eliot; Lesueur, Hervé; Bethencourt, Lorine; Mougin, Bruno; Aquilina, Luc; Koch, Florian; Dewandel, Benoit; Boisson, Alexandre; Mosser, Jean-François; Pauwels, Hélène

2016-04-01

In low-permeability environments, the solutions of heat storage are still limited to the capacities of geothermal borehole heat exchangers. The ANR Stock-en-Socle project explores the possibilities of periodic storage of sensitive heat1 in low-permeability environments that would offer much better performance than that of borehole heat exchangers, especially in terms of unit capacity. This project examines the storage possibilities of using semi-open water circulation in typically a Standing Column Well (SCW), using the strong heterogeneity of hard-rock aquifers in targeting the least favorable areas for water resources. To solve the main scientific issues, which include evaluating the minimum level of permeability required around a well as well as its evolution through time (increase and decrease) due to water-rock interaction processes, the study is based on an experimental program of fieldwork and modelling for studying the thermal, hydraulic and geochemical processes involved. This includes tracer and water-circulation tests by injecting hot water in different wells located in distinct hard-rock settings (i.e. granite and schist) in Brittany, Ploemeur (H+ observatory network) and Naizin. A numerical modelling approach allows studying the effects of permeability structures on the storage and heat-recovery capacities, whereas the modelling of reactive transfers will provide an understanding of how permeability evolves under the influence of dissolution and precipitation. Based on the obtained results, technical solutions will be studied for constructing a well of the SCW type in a low-permeability environment. This work will be completed by a technical and economic feasibility study leading to an investment and operations model. This study aims to describe the suitability of SCW storage for shallow geothermal energy. In order to reach these objectives, Stock-en-Socle is constructed around a public/private partnership between two public research organizations, Géosciences Rennes and BRGM, and two companies, Antea Group and Soletanche Bachy, experts in groundwater and geothermal energy. 1Sensitive heat: modifies the temperature of water and its surrounding solids without modification of physical properties, as opposed to latent heat that causes a phase change, such as vaporization.

Using laboratory flow experiments and reactive chemical transport modeling for designing waterflooding of the Agua Fria Reservoir, Poza Rica-Altamira Field, Mexico

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Birkle, P.; Pruess, K.; Xu, T.

Waterflooding for enhanced oil recovery requires that injected waters must be chemically compatible with connate reservoir waters, in order to avoid mineral dissolution-and-precipitation cycles that could seriously degrade formation permeability and injectivity. Formation plugging is a concern especially in reservoirs with a large content of carbonates, such as calcite and dolomite, as such minerals typically react rapidly with an aqueous phase, and have strongly temperature-dependent solubility. Clay swelling can also pose problems. During a preliminary waterflooding pilot project, the Poza Rica-Altamira oil field, bordering the Gulf coast in the eastern part of Mexico, experienced injectivity loss after five months ofmore » reinjection of formation waters into well AF-847 in 1999. Acidizing with HCl restored injectivity. We report on laboratory experiments and reactive chemistry modeling studies that were undertaken in preparation for long-term waterflooding at Agua Frma. Using analogous core plugs obtained from the same reservoir interval, laboratory coreflood experiments were conducted to examine sensitivity of mineral dissolution and precipitation effects to water composition. Native reservoir water, chemically altered waters, and distilled water were used, and temporal changes in core permeability, mineral abundances and aqueous concentrations of solutes were monitored. The experiments were simulated with the multi-phase, nonisothermal reactive transport code TOUGHREACT, and reasonable to good agreement was obtained for changes in solute concentrations. Clay swelling caused an additional impact on permeability behavior during coreflood experiments, whereas the modeled permeability depends exclusively on chemical processes. TOUGHREACT was then used for reservoir-scale simulation of injecting ambient-temperature water (30 C, 86 F) into a reservoir with initial temperature of 80 C (176 F). Untreated native reservoir water was found to cause serious porosity and permeability reduction due to calcite precipitation, which is promoted by the retrograde solubility of this mineral. Using treated water that performed well in the laboratory flow experiments was found to avoid excessive precipitation, and allowed injection to proceed.« less

The role of wellbore remediation on the evolution of groundwater quality from CO₂ and brine leakage

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mansoor, Kayyum; Carroll, Susan A.; Sun, Yunwei

Long-term storage of CO₂ in underground reservoirs requires a careful assessment to evaluate risk to groundwater sources. The focus of this study is to assess time-frames required to restore water quality to pre-injection levels based on output from complex reactive transport simulations that exhibit plume retraction within a 200-year simulation period. We examined the relationship between plume volume, cumulative injected CO₂ mass, and permeability. The role of mitigation was assessed by projecting falloffs in plume volumes from their maximum peak levels with a Gaussian function to estimate plume recovery times to reach post-injection groundwater compositions. The results show a strongmore » correlation between cumulative injected CO₂ mass and maximum plume pH volumes and a positive correlation between CO₂ flux, cumulative injected CO₂, and plume recovery times, with secondary dependence on permeability.« less

The role of wellbore remediation on the evolution of groundwater quality from CO₂ and brine leakage

DOE PAGES

Mansoor, Kayyum; Carroll, Susan A.; Sun, Yunwei

2014-12-31

Long-term storage of CO₂ in underground reservoirs requires a careful assessment to evaluate risk to groundwater sources. The focus of this study is to assess time-frames required to restore water quality to pre-injection levels based on output from complex reactive transport simulations that exhibit plume retraction within a 200-year simulation period. We examined the relationship between plume volume, cumulative injected CO₂ mass, and permeability. The role of mitigation was assessed by projecting falloffs in plume volumes from their maximum peak levels with a Gaussian function to estimate plume recovery times to reach post-injection groundwater compositions. The results show a strongmore » correlation between cumulative injected CO₂ mass and maximum plume pH volumes and a positive correlation between CO₂ flux, cumulative injected CO₂, and plume recovery times, with secondary dependence on permeability.« less

Tarp Testing Guidance

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Since the reactivity, stability, and other chemical properties are different for each soil fumigant pesticide, the permeability of each fumigant through a film will be different. Certain tarps that qualify for buffer zone reduction credits are listed.

Understanding pH Effects on Trichloroethylene and Perchloroethylene Adsorption to Iron in Permeable Reactive Barriers for Groundwater Remediation.

PubMed

Luo, Jing; Farrell, James

2013-01-01

Metallic iron filings are becoming increasing used in permeable reactive barriers for remediating groundwater contaminated by chlorinated solvents. Understanding solution pH effects on rates of reductive dechlorination in permeable reactive barriers is essential for designing remediation systems that can meet treatment objectives under conditions of varying groundwater properties. The objective of this research was to investigate how the solution pH value affects adsorption of trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) on metallic iron surfaces. Because adsorption is first required before reductive dechlorination can occur, pH effects on halocarbon adsorption energies may explain pH effects on dechlorination rates. Adsorption energies for TCE and PCE were calculated via molecular mechanics simulations using the Universal force field and a self-consistent reaction field charge equilibration scheme. A range in solution pH values was simulated by varying the amount of atomic hydrogen adsorbed on the iron. The potential energies associated TCE and PCE complexes were dominated by electrostatic interactions, and complex formation with the surface was found to result in significant electron transfer from the iron to the adsorbed halocarbons. Adsorbed atomic hydrogen was found to lower the energies of TCE complexes more than those for PCE. Attractions between atomic hydrogen and iron atoms were more favorable when TCE versus PCE was adsorbed to the iron surface. These two findings are consistent with the experimental observation that changes in solution pH affect TCE reaction rates more than those for PCE.

ROS-activated calcium signaling mechanisms regulating endothelial barrier function.

PubMed

Di, Anke; Mehta, Dolly; Malik, Asrar B

2016-09-01

Increased vascular permeability is a common pathogenic feature in many inflammatory diseases. For example in acute lung injury (ALI) and its most severe form, the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), lung microvessel endothelia lose their junctional integrity resulting in leakiness of the endothelial barrier and accumulation of protein rich edema. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by neutrophils (PMNs) and other inflammatory cells play an important role in increasing endothelial permeability. In essence, multiple inflammatory syndromes are caused by dysfunction and compromise of the barrier properties of the endothelium as a consequence of unregulated acute inflammatory response. This review focuses on the role of ROS signaling in controlling endothelial permeability with particular focus on ALI. We summarize below recent progress in defining signaling events leading to increased endothelial permeability and ALI. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and cell death during myocardial infarction: roles of calcium and reactive oxygen species

PubMed Central

Webster, Keith A

2013-01-01

Excess generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytosolic calcium accumulation play major roles in the initiation of programmed cell death during acute myocardial infarction. Cell death may include necrosis, apoptosis and autophagy, and combinations thereof. During ischemia, calcium handling between the sarcoplasmic reticulum and myofilament is disrupted and calcium is diverted to the mitochondria causing swelling. Reperfusion, while essential for survival, reactivates energy transduction and contractility and causes the release of ROS and additional ionic imbalance. During acute ischemia–reperfusion, the principal death pathways are programmed necrosis and apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway, initiated by the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and outer mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, respectively. Despite intense investigation, the mechanisms of action and modes of regulation of mitochondrial membrane permeabilization are incompletely understood. Extrinsic apoptosis, necroptosis and autophagy may also contribute to ischemia–reperfusion injury. In this review, the roles of dysregulated calcium and ROS and the contributions of Bcl-2 proteins, as well as mitochondrial morphology in promoting mitochondrial membrane permeability change and the ensuing cell death during myocardial infarction are discussed. PMID:23176689

Permeability evolution due to dissolution of natural shale fractures reactivated by fracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwiatkowski, Kamil; Kwiatkowski, Tomasz; Szymczak, Piotr

2015-04-01

Investigation of cores drilled from gas-bearing shale formations reveals a relatively large number of calcite-cemented fractures. During fracking, some of these fractures will be reactivated [1-2] and may become important flow paths in the resulting fracture system. In this communication, we investigate numerically the effect of low-pH reactive fluid on such fractures. The low-pH fluids can either be pumped during the initial fracking stage (as suggested e.g. by Grieser et al., [3]) or injected later, as part of enhanced gas recovery (EGR) processes. In particular, it has been suggested that CO2 injection can be considered as a method of EGR [4], which is attractive as it can potentially be combined with simultaneous CO2 sequestration. However, when mixed with brine, CO2 becomes acidic and thus can be a dissolving agent for the carbonate cement in the fractures. The dissolution of the cement leads to the enhancement of permeability and interconnectivity of the fracture network and, as a result, increases the overall capacity of the reservoir. Importantly, we show that the dissolution of such fractures proceeds in a highly non-homogeneous manner - a positive feedback between fluid transport and mineral dissolution leads to the spontaneous formation of pronounced flow channels, frequently referred to as "wormholes". The wormholes carry the chemically active fluid deeper inside the system, which dramatically speeds up the overall permeability increase. If the low-pH fluids are used during fracking, then the non-uniform dissolution becomes important for retaining the fracture permeability, even in the absence of the proppant. Whereas a uniformly etched fracture will close tightly under the overburden once the fluid pressure is removed, the nonuniform etching will tend to maintain the permeability since the less dissolved regions will act as supports to keep more dissolved regions open. [1] Gale, J. F., Reed, R. M., Holder, J. (2007). Natural fractures in the Barnett Shale and their importance for hydraulic fracture treatments. AAPG bulletin, 91(4), 603-622. [2] Walton, I., & McLennan, J. (2013, May). The Role of Natural Fractures in Shale Gas Production. In ISRM International Conference for Effective and Sustainable Hydraulic Fracturing. International Society for Rock Mechanics. [3] Grieser, W. et al. "Surface Reactive Fluid's Effect on Shale." Proceedings of the Production and Operations Symposium, 31 March-3 April 2007, Oklahoma City (SPE-106815-MS) [4] Khosrokhavar, R., Griffiths, S., & Wolf, K. H. (2014). Shale Gas Formations and Their Potential for Carbon Storage: Opportunities and Outlook. Environmental Processes, 1(4), 595-611.

Drug-like properties and the causes of poor solubility and poor permeability.

PubMed

Lipinski, C A

2000-01-01

There are currently about 10000 drug-like compounds. These are sparsely, rather than uniformly, distributed through chemistry space. True diversity does not exist in experimental combinatorial chemistry screening libraries. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and chemical reactivity-related toxicity is low, while biological receptor activity is higher dimensional in chemistry space, and this is partly explainable by evolutionary pressures on ADME to deal with endobiotics and exobiotics. ADME is hard to predict for large data sets because current ADME experimental screens are multi-mechanisms, and predictions get worse as more data accumulates. Currently, screening for biological receptor activity precedes or is concurrent with screening for properties related to "drugability." In the future, "drugability" screening may precede biological receptor activity screening. The level of permeability or solubility needed for oral absorption is related to potency. The relative importance of poor solubility and poor permeability towards the problem of poor oral absorption depends on the research approach used for lead generation. A "rational drug design" approach as exemplified by Merck advanced clinical candidates leads to time-dependent higher molecular weight, higher H-bonding properties, unchanged lipophilicity, and, hence, poorer permeability. A high throughput screening (HTS)-based approach as exemplified by unpublished data on Pfizer (Groton, CT) early candidates leads to higher molecular weight, unchanged H-bonding properties, higher lipophilicity, and, hence, poorer aqueous solubility.

ARSENIC RESEARCH AT GWERD

EPA Science Inventory

Abstract - The presentation will summarize the arsenic research program at the Ground Water & Ecosystems Restoration Division of the National Risk Management Research Laboratory of USEPA. Topics include use of permeable reactive barriers for in situ arsenic remediation in ground...

In Situ Formation of Calcium Apatite in Soil for Sequestering Contaminants in Soil and Groundwater

ScienceCinema

Moore, Robert; Szecsody, Jim; Thompson, Mike

2018-01-16

A new method for in situ formation of a calcium apatite permeable reactive barrier that is a groundbreaking technology for containing radioactive/heavy metal contaminants threatening groundwater supplies.

In Situ Formation of Calcium Apatite in Soil for Sequestering Contaminants in Soil and Groundwater

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moore, Robert; Szecsody, Jim; Thompson, Mike

2015-10-20

A new method for in situ formation of a calcium apatite permeable reactive barrier that is a groundbreaking technology for containing radioactive/heavy metal contaminants threatening groundwater supplies.

Geothermal convection: a mechanism for dolomitization at Enewetak Atoll?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilson, A.M.; Sanford, W.; Whitaker, F.; Smart, P.

2000-01-01

Geothermal convection in carbonate platforms could drive massive dolomitization by supplying mass transport of magnesium over long periods and at temperatures high enough to overcome kinetic limitations. Reactive-transport simulations based on Enewetak Atoll show dolomitization in a thin band at a permeability contrast near the base of the platform, which is consistent with field observations of dolomitized Eocene deposits. Dolomitization is predicted at approximately 6% per My at temperatures of 45–60°C, and complete dolomitization could be accomplished in ∼16 My. Calcium enrichment of pore fluids and upward transport of these fluids is established early, prior to 30 ky.

Effects of propionyl-L-carnitine on ischemia-reperfusion injury in hamster cheek pouch microcirculation.

PubMed

Lapi, Dominga; Sabatino, Lina; Altobelli, Giovanna Giuseppina; Mondola, Paolo; Cimini, Vincenzo; Colantuoni, Antonio

2010-01-01

Propionyl-l-carnitine (pLc) exerts protective effects in different experimental models of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of intravenously and topically applied pLc on microvascular permeability increase induced by I/R in the hamster cheek pouch preparation. The hamster cheek pouch microcirculation was visualized by fluorescence microscopy. Microvascular permeability, leukocyte adhesion to venular walls, perfused capillary length, and capillary red blood cell velocity (V(RBC)) were evaluated by computer-assisted methods. E-selectin expression was assessed by in vitro analysis. Lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation were determined by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and 2'-7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF), respectively. In control animals, I/R caused a significant increase in permeability and in the leukocyte adhesion in venules. Capillary perfusion and V(RBC) decreased. TBARS levels and DCF fluorescence significantly increased compared with baseline. Intravenously infused pLc dose-dependently prevented leakage and leukocyte adhesion, preserved capillary perfusion, and induced vasodilation at the end of reperfusion, while ROS concentration decreased. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase prior to pLc caused vasoconstriction and partially blunted the pLc-induced protective effects; inhibition of the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) abolished pLc effects. Topical application of pLc on cheek pouch membrane produced the same effects as observed with intravenous administration. pLc decreased the E-selectin expression. pLc prevents microvascular changes induced by I/R injury. The reduction of permeability increase could be mainly due to EDHF release induce vasodilatation together with NO. The reduction of E-selectin expression prevents leukocyte adhesion and permeability increase.

Reactive transport under stress: Permeability evolution in deformable porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roded, R.; Paredes, X.; Holtzman, R.

2018-07-01

We study reactive transport in a stressed porous media, where dissolution of the solid matrix causes two simultaneous, competing effects: pore enlargement due to chemical deformation, and pore compaction due to mechanical weakening. We use a novel, mechanistic pore-scale model to simulate flooding of a sample under fixed confining stress. Our simulations show that increasing the stress inhibits the permeability enhancement, increasing the injected volume required to reach a certain permeability, in agreement with recent experiments. We explain this behavior by stress concentration downstream, in the less dissolved (hence stiffer) outlet region. As this region is also less conductive, even its small compaction has a strong bottleneck effect that curbs the permeability. Our results also elucidate that the impact of stress depends on the dissolution regime. Under wormholing conditions (slow injection, i.e. high Damkohler number, Da), the development of a sharp dissolution front and high porosity contrast accentuates the bottleneck effect. This reduces transport heterogeneity, promoting wormhole competition. Once the outlet starts eroding, the extreme focusing of transport and hence dissolution-characteristic of wormholing-becomes dominant, diminishing the bottleneck effect and hence the impact of stress at breakthrough. In contrast, at high flow rates (low Da), incomplete reaction upstream allows some of the reactant to traverse the sample, causing a more uniform dissolution. The continuous dissolution and its partial counteraction by compaction at the outlet provides a steady, gradual increase in the effect of stress. Consequently, the impact of stress is more pronounced at high Da during early stages (low permeability), and at low Da close breakthrough. Our work promotes understanding of the interplay between dissolution and compaction and its effect on the hydromechanical property evolution, with important implications for processes ranging from diagenesis and weathering of rocks, to well stimulation and carbon sequestration.

Effects of Propionyl-L-Carnitine on Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury in Hamster Cheek Pouch Microcirculation

PubMed Central

Lapi, Dominga; Sabatino, Lina; Altobelli, Giovanna Giuseppina; Mondola, Paolo; Cimini, Vincenzo; Colantuoni, Antonio

2010-01-01

Background and purpose Propionyl-l-carnitine (pLc) exerts protective effects in different experimental models of ischemia–reperfusion (I/R). The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of intravenously and topically applied pLc on microvascular permeability increase induced by I/R in the hamster cheek pouch preparation. Methods The hamster cheek pouch microcirculation was visualized by fluorescence microscopy. Microvascular permeability, leukocyte adhesion to venular walls, perfused capillary length, and capillary red blood cell velocity (VRBC) were evaluated by computer-assisted methods. E-selectin expression was assessed by in vitro analysis. Lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation were determined by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and 2′-7′-dichlorofluorescein (DCF), respectively. Results In control animals, I/R caused a significant increase in permeability and in the leukocyte adhesion in venules. Capillary perfusion and VRBC decreased. TBARS levels and DCF fluorescence significantly increased compared with baseline. Intravenously infused pLc dose-dependently prevented leakage and leukocyte adhesion, preserved capillary perfusion, and induced vasodilation at the end of reperfusion, while ROS concentration decreased. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase prior to pLc caused vasoconstriction and partially blunted the pLc-induced protective effects; inhibition of the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) abolished pLc effects. Topical application of pLc on cheek pouch membrane produced the same effects as observed with intravenous administration. pLc decreased the E-selectin expression. Conclusions pLc prevents microvascular changes induced by I/R injury. The reduction of permeability increase could be mainly due to EDHF release induce vasodilatation together with NO. The reduction of E-selectin expression prevents leukocyte adhesion and permeability increase. PMID:21423374

Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater remediation with simulated permeable reactive barrier (PRB) filled with natural pyrite as reactive material: Environmental factors and effectiveness.

PubMed

Liu, Yuanyuan; Mou, Haiyan; Chen, Liqun; Mirza, Zakaria A; Liu, Li

2015-11-15

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) are efficient technologies for in situ remediation of contaminated groundwater, the effectiveness of which greatly depends on the reactive media filled. Natural pyrite is an iron sulfide material with a very low content of iron and sulfur, and a mining waste which is a potential material for Cr(VI) immobilization. In this study, we conducted a series of batch tests to research the effects of typical environmental factors on Cr(VI) removal and also simulated PRB filled with natural pyrite to investigate its effectiveness, in order to find a both environmentally and economically fine method for groundwater remediation. Batch tests showed that pH had the significant impact on Cr(VI) removal with an apparently higher efficiency under acidic conditions, and dissolved oxygen (DO) would inhibit Cr(VI) reduction; a relatively high initial Cr(VI) concentration would decrease the rate of Cr(VI) sorption; ionic strength and natural organic matter resulted in no significant effects on Cr(VI) removal. Column tests demonstrated that the simulated PRB with natural pyrite as the reactive media was considerably effective for removing Cr(VI) from groundwater, with a sorption capability of 0.6222 mg Cr per gram of natural pyrite at an initial Cr(VI) concentration of 10mg/L at pH 5.5 in an anoxic environment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Distinct bone marrow blood vessels differentially regulate haematopoiesis.

PubMed

Itkin, Tomer; Gur-Cohen, Shiri; Spencer, Joel A; Schajnovitz, Amir; Ramasamy, Saravana K; Kusumbe, Anjali P; Ledergor, Guy; Jung, Yookyung; Milo, Idan; Poulos, Michael G; Kalinkovich, Alexander; Ludin, Aya; Kollet, Orit; Shakhar, Guy; Butler, Jason M; Rafii, Shahin; Adams, Ralf H; Scadden, David T; Lin, Charles P; Lapidot, Tsvee

2016-04-21

Bone marrow endothelial cells (BMECs) form a network of blood vessels that regulate both leukocyte trafficking and haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) maintenance. However, it is not clear how BMECs balance these dual roles, and whether these events occur at the same vascular site. We found that mammalian bone marrow stem cell maintenance and leukocyte trafficking are regulated by distinct blood vessel types with different permeability properties. Less permeable arterial blood vessels maintain haematopoietic stem cells in a low reactive oxygen species (ROS) state, whereas the more permeable sinusoids promote HSPC activation and are the exclusive site for immature and mature leukocyte trafficking to and from the bone marrow. A functional consequence of high permeability of blood vessels is that exposure to blood plasma increases bone marrow HSPC ROS levels, augmenting their migration and differentiation, while compromising their long-term repopulation and survival. These findings may have relevance for clinical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and mobilization protocols.

PERFORMANCE GOALS CASE STUDY: ELIZABETH CITY, NC

EPA Science Inventory

Permeable reactive barriers (PRB's) are an emerging, alternative in-situ approach for remediating groundwater contamination that combine subsurface fluid flow management with a passive chemical treatment zone. The few pilot and commercial installations which have been implemented...

Organic/inorganic nanocomposites, methods of making, and uses as a permeable reactive barrier

DOEpatents

Harrup, Mason K [Idaho Falls, ID; Stewart, Frederick F [Idaho Falls, ID

2007-05-15

Nanocomposite materials having a composition including an inorganic constituent, a preformed organic polymer constituent, and a metal ion sequestration constituent are disclosed. The nanocomposites are characterized by being single phase, substantially homogeneous materials wherein the preformed polymer constituent and the inorganic constituent form an interpenetrating network with each other. The inorganic constituent may be an inorganic oxide, such as silicon dioxide, formed by the in situ catalyzed condensation of an inorganic precursor in the presence of the solvated polymer and metal ion sequestration constituent. The polymer constituent may be any hydrophilic polymer capable of forming a type I nanocomposite such as, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyethyleneoxide (PEO), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and combinations thereof. Nanocomposite materials of the present invention may be used as permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) to remediate contaminated groundwater. Methods for making nanocomposite materials, PRB systems, and methods of treating groundwater are also disclosed.

HIV-1 gp120 as well as alcohol affect blood-brain barrier permeability and stress fiber formation: involvement of reactive oxygen species.

PubMed

Shiu, Carlum; Barbier, Elisabeth; Di Cello, Francescopaolo; Choi, Hee Jung; Stins, Monique

2007-01-01

HIV-1 infection commonly leads to serious HIV-1-associated neurological disorders, such as HIV-1-associated encephalopathy and dementia. In addition, alcohol is commonly used and/or abused among AIDS patients, but it is unclear whether alcohol affects the disease progression and if it affects it, how this occurs. We hypothesized that alcohol could affect the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and thus could affect the onset and/or progression of HIV-associated neurological disorders. Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) in a BBB model system were pretreated with alcohol (17 and 68 mM) and subsequently coexposed with HIV-1 gp120. Expression of chemokine receptors CCR3, CCR5, and CXCR4 was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Changes in the permeability of the HBMEC monolayer were assessed using paracellular markers [(3)H]inulin or propidium iodide. Actin rearrangements in HBMEC were visualized by fluorescence microscopy and viability assessed using Live/Dead stain. Both gp120 and alcohol increased the permeability of the BBB model by up to 141%, without affecting HBMEC viability. Cotreatment with alcohol and gp120 did not result in a significant synergistic effect. Gp120 permeability involved chemokine receptor CCR5. Alcohol did not affect chemokine receptor expression on brain endothelial cells. Both gp120 and alcohol reorganized the cytoskeleton and induced stress fiber formation. Inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation through NADPH blocked the effects of both gp120 and alcohol on permeability and stress fiber formation. These results indicate that both HIV-1 gp120 and alcohol induce stress fibers, causing increased permeability of the human BBB endothelium. Alcohol (68 mM)-mediated permeability increase was linked to ROS formation. The alcohol-mediated physiological changes in the HBMEC monolayers may increase diffusion of plasma components and viral penetration across the BBB. This suggests that alcohol, especially at levels attained in heavy drinkers, can potentially contribute in a negative fashion to HIV-1 neuropathogenesis.

Pressure Monitoring to Detect Fault Rupture Due to CO 2 Injection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Keating, Elizabeth; Dempsey, David; Pawar, Rajesh

The capacity for fault systems to be reactivated by fluid injection is well-known. In the context of CO 2 sequestration, however, the consequence of reactivated faults with respect to leakage and monitoring is poorly understood. Using multi-phase fluid flow simulations, this study addresses key questions concerning the likelihood of ruptures, the timing of consequent upward leakage of CO 2, and the effectiveness of pressure monitoring in the reservoir and overlying zones for rupture detection. A range of injection scenarios was simulated using random sampling of uncertain parameters. These include the assumed distance between the injector and the vulnerable fault zone,more » the critical overpressure required for the fault to rupture, reservoir permeability, and the CO 2 injection rate. We assumed a conservative scenario, in which if at any time during the five-year simulations the critical fault overpressure is exceeded, the fault permeability is assumed to instantaneously increase. For the purposes of conservatism we assume that CO 2 injection continues ‘blindly’ after fault rupture. We show that, despite this assumption, in most cases the CO 2 plume does not reach the base of the ruptured fault after 5 years. As a result, one possible implication of this result is that leak mitigation strategies such as pressure management have a reasonable chance of preventing a CO 2 leak.« less

Pressure Monitoring to Detect Fault Rupture Due to CO 2 Injection

DOE PAGES

Keating, Elizabeth; Dempsey, David; Pawar, Rajesh

2017-08-18

The capacity for fault systems to be reactivated by fluid injection is well-known. In the context of CO 2 sequestration, however, the consequence of reactivated faults with respect to leakage and monitoring is poorly understood. Using multi-phase fluid flow simulations, this study addresses key questions concerning the likelihood of ruptures, the timing of consequent upward leakage of CO 2, and the effectiveness of pressure monitoring in the reservoir and overlying zones for rupture detection. A range of injection scenarios was simulated using random sampling of uncertain parameters. These include the assumed distance between the injector and the vulnerable fault zone,more » the critical overpressure required for the fault to rupture, reservoir permeability, and the CO 2 injection rate. We assumed a conservative scenario, in which if at any time during the five-year simulations the critical fault overpressure is exceeded, the fault permeability is assumed to instantaneously increase. For the purposes of conservatism we assume that CO 2 injection continues ‘blindly’ after fault rupture. We show that, despite this assumption, in most cases the CO 2 plume does not reach the base of the ruptured fault after 5 years. As a result, one possible implication of this result is that leak mitigation strategies such as pressure management have a reasonable chance of preventing a CO 2 leak.« less

PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER TECHNOLOGIES FOR CONTAMINANT REMEDIATION

EPA Science Inventory

Environmental scientists are generally familiar with the concept of barriers for restricting the movement of contaminant plumes in ground water. Such barriers are typically constructed of highly impermeable emplacements of materials such as grouts, slurries, or sheet pilings to ...

Remediation Technology for Contaminated Groundwater

EPA Science Inventory

Bioremediation is the most commonly selected technology for remediation of ground water at Superfund sites in the USA. The next most common technology is Chemical treatment, followed by Air Sparging, and followed by Permeable Reactive Barriers. This presentation reviews the the...

Relationship between pressure, density of induced earthquake hypocenters, and permeability in the 2011 Paralana EGS stimulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riffault, J.; Dempsey, D. E.; Karra, S.; Archer, R.

2016-12-01

To create an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS), high pressure injection is undertaken to reactivate pre-existing fractures and enhance their permeability. During the 2011 Paralana-2 EGS stimulation in South Australia, both injectivity, the ratio of the injection rate to wellhead pressure, and seismicity were recorded. An increase in injectivity indicates that permeability has been enhanced, although it does not constrain the location or magnitude of the change. Induced earthquakes, a spatiotemporal dataset, can confine the range of possible scenarios for permeability evolution. We consider a model in which the number of hypocenters recorded per unit of area of the injection plane (the hypocenter density) is proportional to fluid pressure increase. Then an inverse modelling approach is employed to recover the permeability enhancement distribution that is consistent with both the recorded changes in injectivity and seismicity. Our forward model is radial Darcy-flow with permeability a prescribed function of time and distance, i.e., k(r,t). Initially, we identify a range of permeability evolution scenarios that reproduce the observed injectivity increase with time. Thus, injectivity observations on their own are insufficient to constrain k(r,t). Then, we calibrate k(r,t) for a close match between the modelled pressure distribution and that inferred from the hypocenter density observations using a simple proportionality constant. The resulting permeability model is the one most likely to approximate permeability evolution during the Paralana stimulation.

Regulatory Guidance for Permeable Reactive Barriers Designed to Remediate Chlorinated Solvents

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-12-01

Polyethylene 4ºC 48h Alkalinity 310.1 100mL Polyethylene 4ºC 14d Other TDS 160.2 100 mL Glass, Plastic 4ºC 7d TSS 160.1 100 mL Glass, Plastic 4ºC 7d TOC 415.1...Resource Conservation and Recovery Act SO4 sulfate TBD to be determined TCE trichloroethene, trichloroethylene TDS total dissolved solids TOC total organic...Center ( DFC ) funnel-and-gate system. The aquifer at DFC consists of three lithologic units of decreasing permeability with depth: alluvium, weathered

Towards a Model of Reactive-Cracking: the Role of Reactions, Elasticity and Surface Energy Driven Flow in Poro-elastic Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, O.; Spiegelman, M. W.; Wilson, C. R.; Kelemen, P. B.

2016-12-01

Many critical processes can be described by reactive fluid flow in brittle media, including hydration/alteration of oceanic plates near spreading ridges, chemical weathering, and dehydration/decarbonation of subducting plates. Such hydration reactions can produce volume changes that may induce stresses large enough to drive fracture in the rock, in turn exposing new reactive surface and modifying the permeability. A better understanding of this potentially rich feedback could also be critical in the design of engineered systems for geologic carbon sequestration. To aid understanding of these processes we have developed a macroscopic continuum description of reactive fluid flow in an elastically deformable porous media. We explore the behaviour of this model by considering a simplified hydration reaction (e.g. olivine + H20 -> serpentine + brucite). In a closed system, these hydration reactions will continue to consume available fluids until the permeability reaches zero, leaving behind it a highly stressed residuum. Our model demonstrates this limiting behaviour, and that the elastic stresses generated are large enough to cause failure/fracture of the host rock. Whilst it is understood that `reactive fracture' is an important mechanism for the continued evolution of this process, it is also proposed that imbibition/surface energy driven flow may play a role. Through a simplified set of computational experiments, we investigate the relative roles of elasticity and surface energy in both a non-reactive purely poro-elastic framework, and then in the presence of reaction. We demonstrate that surface energy can drive rapid diffusion of porosity, thus allowing the reaction to propagate over larger areas. As we expect both surface energy and fracture/failure to be of importance in these processes, we plan to integrate the current model into one that allows for fracture once critical stresses are exceeded.

FIELD TEST INSTRUCTION 100-NR-2 OPERABLE UNIT DESIGN OPTIMIZATION STUDY FOR SEQUESTRATION OF SR-90 SATURATED ZONE APATITE PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER EXTENSION

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

BOWLES NA

2010-10-06

The objective of this field test instruction is to provide technical guidance for aqueous injection emplacement of an extension apatite permeable reactive barrier (PRE) for the sequestration of strontium-90 (Sr-90) using a high concentration amendment formulation. These field activities will be conducted according to the guidelines established in DOE/RL-2010-29, 100-NR-2 Design Optimization Study, hereafter referred to as the DOS. The DOS supports the Federal Facility Agreement Consent Order (EPA et al., 1989), Milestone M-16-06-01, and 'Complete Construction of a Permeable Reactive Barrier at 100-N.' Injections of apatite precursor chemicals will occur at an equal distance intervals on each end ofmore » the existing PRE to extend the PRB from the existing 91 m (300 ft) to at least 274 m (900 ft). Field testing at the 100-N Area Apatite Treatability Test Site, as depicted on Figure 1, shows that the barrier is categorized by two general hydrologic conceptual models based on overall well capacity and contrast between the Hanford and Ringold hydraulic conductivities. The upstream portion of the original barrier, shown on Figure 1, is characterized by relatively low overall well specific capacity. This is estimated from well development data and a lower contrast in hydraulic conductivity between the Hanford formation and Ringold Formations. Comparison of test results from these two locations indicate that permeability contrast between the Hanford formation and Ringold Formation is significantly less over the upstream one-third of the barrier. The estimated hydraulic conductivity for the Hanford formation and Ringold Formation over the upstream portion of the barrier based on observations during emplacement of the existing 91 m (300 ft) PRB is approximately 12 and 10 m/day (39 and 32 ft/day), respectively (PNNL-17429). However, these estimates should be used as a rough guideline only, as significant variability in hydraulic conductivity is likely to be observed in the barrier extension wells, particularly those in the Ringold formation. The downstream portion of the original barrier, shown on Figure 1, is characterized by generally higher well specific capacity and a larger hydraulic conductivity contrast between the Hanford formation and Ringold Formation. Hydraulic conductivity rates for the Hanford formation and Ringold Formation over the downstream portion of the barrier were estimated at 29 and 9 m/day (95 and 29 ft/day), respectively (with the Hanford formation hydraulic conductivity being greater in the downstream portion than the upstream portion). Once again, it should be noted that the actual conductivities may vary significantly, and the values state above should only be used as a rough initial estimates. Optimum apatite emplacement has been shown to occur when injections targeting the Hanford formation and the Ringold Formation are performed separately. The remainder of this test instruction provides details for conducting these formation-targeted injections.« less

The role of mineral heterogeneity on the hydrogeochemical response of two fractured reservoir rocks in contact with dissolved CO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia Rios, Maria; Luquot, Linda; Soler, Josep M.; Cama, Jordi

2017-04-01

In this study we compare the hydrogeochemical response of two fractured reservoir rocks (limestone composed of 100 wt.% calcite and sandstone composed of 66 wt.% calcite, 28 wt.% quartz and 6 wt.% microcline) in contact with CO2-rich sulfate solutions. Flow-through percolation experiments were performed using artificially fractured limestone and sandstone cores and injecting a CO2-rich sulfate solution under a constant volumetric flow rate (from 0.2 to 60 mL/h) at P = 150 bar and T = 60 °C. Measurements of the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet of the samples and of the aqueous chemistry enabled the determination of fracture permeability changes and net reaction rates. Additionally, X-ray computed microtomography (XCMT) was used to characterize and localized changes in fracture volume induced by dissolution and precipitation reactions. In all reacted cores an increase in fracture permeability and in fracture volume was always produced even when gypsum precipitation happened. The presence of inert silicate grains in sandstone samples favored the occurrence of largely distributed dissolution structures in contrast to localized dissolution in limestone samples. This phenomenon promoted greater dissolution and smaller precipitation in sandstone than in limestone experiments. As a result, in sandstone reservoirs, the larger increase in fracture volume as well as the more extended distribution of the created volume would favor the CO2 storage capacity. The different distribution of created volume between limestone and sandstone experiments led to a different variation in fracture permeability. The progressive stepped permeability increase for sandstone would be preferred to the sharp permeability increase for limestone to minimize risks related to CO2 injection, favor capillary trapping and reduce energetic storage costs. 2D reactive transport simulations that reproduce the variation in aqueous chemistry and the fracture geometry (dissolution pattern) were performed using CrunchFlow. The calcite reactive surface area had to be diminished with respect to the geometric surface area in order to account for the transport control of the calcite dissolution reaction at pH < 5. The fitted reactive surface area was higher under faster flow conditions, reflecting a decrease in transport control and a more distributed reaction in sandstone compared to limestone.

COMBINATION OF IRON AND MIXED ANAEROBIC CULTURE FOR PERCHLOROETHENE DEGRADATION

EPA Science Inventory

Permeable reactive barriers (PRB's) are an emerging, alternative in-situ approach for remediating contaminated groundwater that combine subsurface fluid flow management with a passive chemical treatment zone. PRB's are a potentially more cost effective treatment option at severa...

A PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER FOR TREATMENT OF HEAVY METALS

EPA Science Inventory

Historical storage of ore concentrate containing sulfide minerals at an industrial site in British Columbia, Canada has resulted in widespread contamination of the underlying soil and groundwater. The oxidation of sulfide minerals has released significant quantities of heavy met...

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cheshire, Michael C.; Stack, Andrew G.; Carey, J. William

Mineral reactions during CO 2 sequestration will change the pore-size distribution and pore surface characteristics, complicating permeability and storage security predictions. In this study, we report a small/wide angle scattering study of wellbore cement that has been exposed to carbon dioxide for three decades. We have constructed detailed contour maps that describe local porosity distributions and the mineralogy of the sample and relate these quantities to the carbon dioxide reaction front on the cement. We find that the initial bimodal distribution of pores in the cement, 1–2 and 10–20 nm, is affected differently during the course of carbonation reactions. Initialmore » dissolution of cement phases occurs in the 10–20 nm pores and leads to the development of new pore spaces that are eventually sealed by CaCO 3 precipitation, leading to a loss of gel and capillary nanopores, smoother pore surfaces, and reduced porosity. This suggests that during extensive carbonation of wellbore cement, the cement becomes less permeable because of carbonate mineral precipitation within the pore space. Additionally, the loss of gel and capillary nanoporosities will reduce the reactivity of cement with CO 2 due to reactive surface area loss. Finally, this work demonstrates the importance of understanding not only changes in total porosity but also how the distribution of porosity evolves with reaction that affects permeability.« less

Flow-permeability feedbacks and the development of segregation pipes in volcanic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rust, Alison

2014-05-01

Flow and transformation in volcanic porous media is important for the segregation of melts and aqueous fluids from magmas as well as elutriation of fine ash from pyroclastic flows and vents. The general topic will be discussed in the framework of understanding sets of vertical pipes found in two very different types of volcanic deposits: 1) vesicular (bubbly) cylinders in basalt lava flows and 2) gas escape pipes in pyroclastic flow deposits. In both cases the cylinders can be explained by a flow-permeability feedback where perturbations in porosity and thus permeability cause locally higher flow speeds that in turn locally increase the permeability. For vesicular cylinders in lava flows, the porous medium is a framework of crystals within the magma. Above a critical crystallinity, which depends on the shape and size distribution of the crystals, the crystals form a touching framework. As the water-saturated magma continues to cool, it crystallizes anhydrous minerals, resulting in the exsolution of water vapour bubbles that can drive flow of bubbly melt through the crystal network. It is common to find sets of vertical cylinders of bubby melt in solidified lava flows, with compositions that match the residual melt from 35-50% crystallization of the host basalt. These cylinders resemble chimneys in experiments of crystallising ammonium chloride solution that are explained by reactive flow with porous medium convection. The Rayleigh number for the magmatic case is too low for convection but the growth of steam bubbles as the magma crystallizes induces pore fluid flow up through the permeable crystal pile even if there is no convective instability. This bubble-growth-driven upward flow is reactive and can lead to channelization because of a feedback between velocity and permeability. For the gas escape pipes in pyroclastic flows, the porous medium is a very poorly sorted granular material composed of fragments of solid magma with a huge range of grain sizes from ash (microns to 2 mm) to clasts of decimeters or greater. The vertical gas escape pipes are distinguished from the surrounding pyroclastic flow deposit by the lack of fine ash in the pipes; this missing ash was transported up out of the pyroclastic flow by gas flow, a process called elutriation. Laboratory experiments with beds of binary mixtures of spheres aerated through a porous plate at the base, demonstrate that the size ratio, density ratio, and proportions of the two populations of spheres all affect the pattern and efficiency of segregation. Decompaction of the upper portion of the bed separates the grains and thus facilitated the elutriation of the finer particles, which must be transported up through the spaces between the larger particles. A variety of segregation feature are found including pipes lacking fines that grow down from the top of the bed. These could be explained by channelizing of gas flow due to a feedback between local reduction in fines increasing the local permeability and gas velocity.

Calcium influx through TRP channels induced by short-lived reactive species in plasma-irradiated solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasaki, Shota; Kanzaki, Makoto; Kaneko, Toshiro

2016-05-01

Non-equilibrium helium atmospheric-pressure plasma (He-APP), which allows for a strong non-equilibrium chemical reaction of O2 and N2 in ambient air, uniquely produces multiple extremely reactive products, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), in plasma-irradiated solution. We herein show that relatively short-lived unclassified reactive species (i.e., deactivated within approximately 10 min) generated by the He-APP irradiation can trigger physiologically relevant Ca2+ influx through ruthenium red- and SKF 96365-sensitive Ca2+-permeable channel(s), possibly transient receptor potential channel family member(s). Our results provide novel insight into understanding of the interactions between cells and plasmas and the mechanism by which cells detect plasma-induced chemically reactive species, in addition to facilitating development of plasma applications in medicine.

Engineered passive bioreactive barriers: risk-managing the legacy of industrial soil and groundwater pollution.

PubMed

Kalin, Robert M

2004-06-01

Permeable reactive barriers are a technology that is one decade old, with most full-scale applications based on abiotic mechanisms. Though there is extensive literature on engineered bioreactors, natural biodegradation potential, and in situ remediation, it is only recently that engineered passive bioreactive barrier technology is being considered at the commercial scale to manage contaminated soil and groundwater risks. Recent full-scale studies are providing the scientific confidence in our understanding of coupled microbial (and genetic), hydrogeologic, and geochemical processes in this approach and have highlighted the need to further integrate engineering and science tools.

Evaluating long-term patterns of decreasing groundwater discharge through a lake-bottom permeable reactive barrier.

PubMed

McCobb, Timothy D; Briggs, Martin A; LeBlanc, Denis R; Day-Lewis, Frederick D; Johnson, Carole D

2018-05-18

Identifying and quantifying groundwater exchange is critical when considering contaminant fate and transport at the groundwater/surface-water interface. In this paper, areally distributed temperature and point seepage measurements are used to efficiently assess spatial and temporal groundwater discharge patterns through a glacial-kettle lakebed area containing a zero-valent iron permeable reactive barrier (PRB). Concern was that the PRB was becoming less permeable with time owing to biogeochemical processes within the PRB. Patterns of groundwater discharge over an 8-year period were examined using fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing (FO-DTS) and snapshot-in-time point measurements of temperature. The resulting thermal maps show complex and uneven distributions of temperatures across the lakebed and highlight zones of rapid seepage near the shoreline and along the outer boundaries of the PRB. Repeated thermal mapping indicates an increase in lakebed temperatures over time at periods of similar stage and surface-water temperature. Flux rates in six seepage meters permanently installed on the lakebed in the PRB area decreased on average by 0.021 md -1 (or about 4.5 percent) annually between 2004 and 2015. Modeling of diurnal temperature signals from shallow vertical profiles yielded mean flux values ranging from 0.39 to 1.15 md -1 , with stronger fluxes generally related to colder lakebed temperatures. The combination of an increase in lakebed temperatures, declines in direct seepage, and observations of increased cementation of the lakebed surface provide in situ evidence that the permeability of the PRB is declining. The presence of temporally persistent rapid seepage zones is also discussed. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The subsurface impact of hydraulic fracturing in shales- Perspectives from the well and reservoir

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

ter Heege, Jan; Coles, Rhys

2017-04-01

It has been identified that the main risks of subsurface shale gas operations in the U.S.A. and Canada are associated with (1) drilling and well integrity, (2) hydraulic fracturing, and (3) induced seismicity. Although it is unlikely that hydraulic fracturing operations result in direct pathways of enhanced migration between stimulated fracture disturbed rock volume and shallow aquifers, operations may jeopardize well integrity or induce seismicity. From the well perspective, it is often assumed that fluid injection leads to the initiation of tensile (mode I) fractures at different perforation intervals along the horizontal sections of shale gas wells if pore pressure exceeds the minimum principal stress. From the reservoir perspective, rise in pore pressure resulting from fluid injection may lead to initiation of tensile fractures, reactivation of shear (mode II) fractures if the criterion for failure in shear is exceeded, or combinations of different fracturing modes. In this study, we compare tensile fracturing simulations using conventional well-based models with shear fracturing simulations using a fractured shale model with characteristic fault populations. In the fractured shale model, stimulated permeability is described by an analytical model that incorporates populations of reactivated faults and that combines 3D permeability tensors for layered shale matrix, damage zone and fault core. Well-based models applied to wells crosscutting the Posidonia Shale Formation are compared to generic fractured shale models, and fractured shale models are compared to micro-seismic data from the Marcellus Shale. Focus is on comparing the spatial distribution of permeability, stimulated reservoir volume and seismicity, and on differences in fracture initiation pressure and fracture orientation for tensile and shear fracturing end-members. It is shown that incorporation of fault populations (for example resulting from analysis of 3D seismics or outcrops) in hydraulic fracturing models provides better constraints on well pressures, stimulated fracture disturbed volume and induced seismicity. Thereby, it helps assessing the subsurface impact of hydraulic fracturing in shales and mitigating risks associated with loss of loss of well integrity, loss of fracture containment, and induced seismicity.

LOCATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SUBSURFACE ANOMALIES USING A SOIL CONDUCTIVITY PROBE

EPA Science Inventory

An electrical conductivity probe, designed for use with "direct push" technology, has been successfully used to locate buried drums, contaminant plumes, and to precisely locate and characterize a previously installed permeable reactive iron wall. The conductivity probe was desig...

LONG TERM PERFORMANCE MONITORING OF A PRB FOR REMEDIATION OF CHLORINATED SOLVENTS AND CHROMIUM

EPA Science Inventory

Permeable reactive barriers (PRB's) are an emerging, alternative in-situ approach for remediating groundwater contamination that combine subsurface fluid flow management with a passive chemical treatment zone. The few pilot and commercial installations which have been implemented...

PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER STRATEGIES FOR REMEDIATION OF ARSENIC-CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER

EPA Science Inventory

Results are presented from laboratory batch tests using zero-valent iron to treat arsenic-contaminated groundwater. The laboratory tests were conducted using near- neutral pH groundwater from a contaminated aquifer located adjacent to a custom smelting facility. Experiments we...

Impact of FeS Mineralogy on TCE Degradation

EPA Science Inventory

Iron- and sulfate-reducing conditions are often encountered in permeable reactive barrier (PRB) systems that are constructed to remove TCE from groundwater, which usually leads to the accumulation of FeS mineral phases in the matrix of the PRB. Poorly crystalline mackinawite (Fe...

Minoxidil sulfate induced the increase in blood-brain tumor barrier permeability through ROS/RhoA/PI3K/PKB signaling pathway.

PubMed

Gu, Yan-ting; Xue, Yi-xue; Wang, Yan-feng; Wang, Jin-hui; Chen, Xia; ShangGuan, Qian-ru; Lian, Yan; Zhong, Lei; Meng, Ying-nan

2013-12-01

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel (KATP channel) activator, minoxidil sulfate (MS), can selectively increase the permeability of the blood-tumor barrier (BTB); however, the mechanism by which this occurs is still under investigation. Using a rat brain glioma (C6) model, we first examined the expression levels of occludin and claudin-5 at different time points after intracarotid infusion of MS (30 μg/kg/min) by western blotting. Compared to MS treatment for 0 min group, the protein expression levels of occludin and claudin-5 in brain tumor tissue of rats showed no changes within 1 h and began to decrease significantly after 2 h of MS infusion. Based on these findings, we then used an in vitro BTB model and selective inhibitors of diverse signaling pathways to investigate whether reactive oxygen species (ROS)/RhoA/PI3K/PKB pathway play a key role in the process of the increase of BTB permeability induced by MS. The inhibitor of ROS or RhoA or PI3K or PKB significantly attenuated the expression of tight junction (TJ) protein and the increase of the BTB permeability after 2 h of MS treatment. In addition, the significant increases in RhoA activity and PKB phosphorylation after MS administration were observed, which were partly inhibited by N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine (MPG) or C3 exoenzyme or LY294002 pretreatment. The present study indicates that the activation of signaling cascades involving ROS/RhoA/PI3K/PKB in BTB was required for the increase of BTB permeability induced by MS. Taken together, all of these results suggested that MS might increase BTB permeability in a time-dependent manner by down-regulating TJ protein expression and this effect could be related to ROS/RhoA/PI3K/PKB signal pathway. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

BBB-Permeable, Neuroprotective, and Neurotrophic Polysaccharide, Midi-GAGR.

PubMed

Makani, Vishruti; Jang, Yong-Gil; Christopher, Kevin; Judy, Wesley; Eckstein, Jacob; Hensley, Kenneth; Chiaia, Nicolas; Kim, Dong-Shik; Park, Joshua

2016-01-01

An enormous amount of efforts have been poured to find an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Among those, neurotrophic peptides that regenerate neuronal structures and increase neuron survival show a promise in slowing neurodegeneration. However, the short plasma half-life and poor blood-brain-barrier (BBB)-permeability of neurotrophic peptides limit their in vivo efficacy. Thus, an alternative neurotrophic agent that has longer plasma half-life and better BBB-permeability has been sought for. Based on the recent findings of neuroprotective polysaccharides, we searched for a BBB-permeable neuroprotective polysaccharide among natural polysaccharides that are approved for human use. Then, we discovered midi-GAGR, a BBB-permeable, long plasma half-life, strong neuroprotective and neurotrophic polysaccharide. Midi-GAGR is a 4.7kD cleavage product of low acyl gellan gum that is approved by FDA for human use. Midi-GAGR protected rodent cortical neurons not only from the pathological concentrations of co-/post-treated free reactive radicals and Aβ42 peptide but also from activated microglial cells. Moreover, midi-GAGR showed a good neurotrophic effect; it enhanced neurite outgrowth and increased phosphorylated cAMP-responsive element binding protein (pCREB) in the nuclei of primary cortical neurons. Furthermore, intra-nasally administered midi-GAGR penetrated the BBB and exerted its neurotrophic effect inside the brain for 24 h after one-time administration. Midi-GAGR appears to activate fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and its downstream neurotrophic signaling pathway for neuroprotection and CREB activation. Additionally, 14-day intranasal administration of midi-GAGR not only increased neuronal activity markers but also decreased hyperphosphorylated tau, a precursor of neurofibrillary tangle, in the brains of the AD mouse model, 3xTg-AD. Taken together, midi-GAGR with good BBB-permeability, long plasma half-life, and strong neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects has a great therapeutic potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, especially AD.

BBB-Permeable, Neuroprotective, and Neurotrophic Polysaccharide, Midi-GAGR

PubMed Central

Makani, Vishruti; Jang, Yong-gil; Christopher, Kevin; Judy, Wesley; Eckstein, Jacob; Hensley, Kenneth; Chiaia, Nicolas; Kim, Dong-Shik; Park, Joshua

2016-01-01

An enormous amount of efforts have been poured to find an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Among those, neurotrophic peptides that regenerate neuronal structures and increase neuron survival show a promise in slowing neurodegeneration. However, the short plasma half-life and poor blood-brain-barrier (BBB)-permeability of neurotrophic peptides limit their in vivo efficacy. Thus, an alternative neurotrophic agent that has longer plasma half-life and better BBB-permeability has been sought for. Based on the recent findings of neuroprotective polysaccharides, we searched for a BBB-permeable neuroprotective polysaccharide among natural polysaccharides that are approved for human use. Then, we discovered midi-GAGR, a BBB-permeable, long plasma half-life, strong neuroprotective and neurotrophic polysaccharide. Midi-GAGR is a 4.7kD cleavage product of low acyl gellan gum that is approved by FDA for human use. Midi-GAGR protected rodent cortical neurons not only from the pathological concentrations of co-/post-treated free reactive radicals and Aβ42 peptide but also from activated microglial cells. Moreover, midi-GAGR showed a good neurotrophic effect; it enhanced neurite outgrowth and increased phosphorylated cAMP-responsive element binding protein (pCREB) in the nuclei of primary cortical neurons. Furthermore, intra-nasally administered midi-GAGR penetrated the BBB and exerted its neurotrophic effect inside the brain for 24 h after one-time administration. Midi-GAGR appears to activate fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and its downstream neurotrophic signaling pathway for neuroprotection and CREB activation. Additionally, 14-day intranasal administration of midi-GAGR not only increased neuronal activity markers but also decreased hyperphosphorylated tau, a precursor of neurofibrillary tangle, in the brains of the AD mouse model, 3xTg-AD. Taken together, midi-GAGR with good BBB-permeability, long plasma half-life, and strong neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects has a great therapeutic potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, especially AD. PMID:26939023

Numerical Modeling of Permeability Enhancement by Hydroshearing: the Case of Phase I Reservoir Creation at Fenton Hill

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rutqvist, J.; Rinaldi, A. P.

2017-12-01

The exploitation of a geothermal system is one of the most promising clean and almost inexhaustible forms of energy production. However, the exploitation of hot dry rock (HDR) reservoirs at depth requires circulation of a large amount of fluids. Indeed, the conceptual model of an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) requires that the circulation is enhanced by fluid injection. The pioneering experiments at Fenton Hill demonstrated the feasibility of EGS by producing the world's first HDR reservoirs. Such pioneering project demonstrated that the fluid circulation can be effectively enhanced by stimulating a preexisting fracture zone. The so-called "hydroshearing" involving shear activation of preexisting fractures is recognized as one of the main processes effectively enhancing permeability. The goal of this work is to quantify the effect of shear reactivation on permeability by proposing a model that accounts for fracture opening and shearing. We develop a case base on a pressure stimulation experiment at Fenton Hill, in which observation suggest that a fracture was jacked open by pressure increase. The proposed model can successfully reproduce such a behavior, and we compare the base case of pure elastic opening with the hydroshearing model to demonstrate that this latter could have occurred at the field, although no "felt" seismicity was observed. Then we investigate on the sensitivity of the proposed model by varying some of the critical parameters such as the maximum aperture, the dilation angle, as well as the fracture density.

Permeability Evolution With Shearing of Simulated Faults in Unconventional Shale Reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, W.; Gensterblum, Y.; Reece, J. S.; Zoback, M. D.

2016-12-01

Horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing can lead to fault reactivation, a process thought to influence production from extremely low-permeability unconventional reservoir. A fundamental understanding of permeability changes with shear could be helpful for optimizing reservoir stimulation strategies. We examined the effects of confining pressure and frictional sliding on fault permeability in Eagle Ford shale samples. We performed shear-flow experiments in a triaxial apparatus on four shale samples: (1) clay-rich sample with sawcut fault, (2) calcite-rich sample with sawcut fault, (3) clay-rich sample with natural fault, and (4) calcite-rich sample with natural fault. We used pressure pulse-decay and steady-state flow techniques to measure fault permeability. Initial pore and confining pressures are set to 2.5 MPa and 5.0 MPa, respectively. To investigate the influence of confining pressure on fault permeability, we incrementally raised and lowered the confining pressure and measure permeability at different effective stresses. To examine the effect of frictional sliding on fault permeability, we slide the samples four times at a constant shear displacement rate of 0.043 mm/min for 10 minutes each and measure fault permeability before and after frictional sliding. We used a 3D Laser Scanner to image fault surface topography before and after the experiment. Our results show that frictional sliding can enhance fault permeability at low confining pressures (e.g., ≥5.0 MPa) and reduce fault permeability at high confining pressures (e.g., ≥7.5 MPa). The permeability of sawcut faults almost fully recovers when confining pressure returns to the initial value, and increases with sliding due to asperity damage and subsequent dilation at low confining pressures. In contrast, the permeability of natural faults does not fully recover. It initially increases with sliding, but then decreases with further sliding most likely due to fault gouge blocking fluid pathways.

Approach to the vadose zone monitoring in hazardous and solid waste disposal facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Twardowska, Irena

2004-03-01

In the solid waste (SW)disposal sites, in particular at the unlined facilities, at the remediated or newly-constructed units equipped with novel protective/reactive permeable barriers or at lined facilities with leachate collection systems that are prone to failure, the vadose zone monitoring should comprise besides the natural soil layer beneath the landfill, also the anthropogenic vadose zone, i.e. the waste layer and pore solutions in the landfill. The vadose zone screening along the vertical profile of SW facilities with use of direct invasive soil-core and soil-pore liquid techniques shows vertical downward redistribution of inorganic (macroconstituents and heavy metals) and organic (PAHs) contaminant loads in water infiltrating through the waste layer. These loads can make ground water down-gradient of the dump unfit for any use. To avoid damage of protective/reactive permeable barriers and liners, an installation of stationary monitoring systems along the waste layer profile during the construction of a landfill, which are amenable to generate accurate data and information in a near-real time should be considered including:(i) permanent samplers of pore solution, with a periodic pump-induced transport of collected solution to the surface, preferably with instant field measurements;(ii)chemical sensors with continuous registration of critical parameters. These techniques would definitely provide an early alert in case when the chemical composition of pore solution percolating downward the waste profile shows unfavorable transformations, which indicate an excessive contaminant load approaching ground water. The problems concerning invasive and stationary monitoring of the vadose zone in SW disposal facilities will be discussed at the background of results of monitoring data and properties of permeable protective/reactive barriers considered for use.

Effects of initial iron corrosion rate on long-term performance of iron permeable reactive barriers: column experiments and numerical simulation.

PubMed

suk O, Jin; Jeen, Sung-Wook; Gillham, Robert W; Gui, Lai

2009-01-26

Column experiments and numerical simulation were conducted to test the hypothesis that iron material having a high corrosion rate is not beneficial for the long-term performance of iron permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) because of faster passivation of iron and greater porosity loss close to the influent face of the PRBs. Four iron materials (Connelly, Gotthart-Maier, Peerless, and ISPAT) were used for the column experiments, and the changes in reactivity toward cis-dichloroethene (cis-DCE) degradation in the presence of dissolved CaCO3 were evaluated. The experimental results showed that the difference in distribution of the accumulated precipitates, resulting from differences in iron corrosion rate, caused a difference in the migration rate of the cis-DCE profiles and a significant difference in the pattern of passivation, indicating a faster passivation in the region close to the influent end for the material having a higher corrosion rate. For the numerical simulation, the accumulation of secondary minerals and reactivity loss of iron were coupled using an empirically-derived relationship that was incorporated into a multi-component reactive transport model. The simulation results provided a reasonable representation of the evolution of iron reactivity toward cis-DCE treatment and the changes in geochemical conditions for each material, consistent with the observed data. The simulations for long-term performance were also conducted to further test the hypothesis and predict the differences in performance over a period of 40 years under typical groundwater conditions. The predictions showed that the cases of higher iron corrosion rates had earlier cis-DCE breakthrough and more reduction in porosity starting from near the influent face, due to more accumulation of carbonate minerals in that region. Therefore, both the experimental and simulation results appear to support the hypothesis and suggest that reactivity changes of iron materials resulting from evolution of geochemical conditions should be considered in the design of iron PRBs.

Assessment of CO2 Mineralization and Dynamic Rock Properties at the Kemper Pilot CO2 Injection Site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, F.; Kirkland, B. L.; Beckingham, L. E.

2017-12-01

CO2-brine-mineral reactions following CO2 injection may impact rock properties including porosity, permeability, and pore connectivity. The rate and extent of alteration largely depends on the nature and evolution of reactive mineral interfaces. In this work, the potential for geochemical reactions and the nature of the reactive mineral interface and corresponding hydrologic properties are evaluated for samples from the Lower Tuscaloosa, Washita-Fredericksburg, and Paluxy formations. These formations have been identified as future regionally extensive and attractive CO2 storage reservoirs at the CO2 Storage Complex in Kemper County, Mississippi, USA (Project ECO2S). Samples from these formations were obtained from the Geological Survey of Alabama and evaluated using a suite of complementary analyses. The mineral composition of these samples will be determined using petrography and powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Using these compositions, continuum-scale reactive transport simulations will be developed and the potential CO2-brine-mineral interactions will be examined. Simulations will focus on identifying potential reactive minerals as well as the corresponding rate and extent of reactions. The spatial distribution and accessibility of minerals to reactive fluids is critical to understanding mineral reaction rates and corresponding changes in the pore structure, including pore connectivity, porosity and permeability. The nature of the pore-mineral interface, and distribution of reactive minerals, will be determined through imaging analysis. Multiple 2D scanning electron microscopy (SEM) backscattered electron (BSE) images and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) images will be used to create spatial maps of mineral distributions. These maps will be processed to evaluate the accessibility of reactive minerals and the potential for flow-path modifications following CO2 injection. The "Establishing an Early CO2 Storage Complex in Kemper, MS" project is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory and cost-sharing partners.

ARSENIC INTERACTION WITH IRON (II, III) HYDROXYCARBONATE GREEN RUST: IMPLICATIONS FOR ARSENIC REMEDIATION

EPA Science Inventory

Zerovalent iron is being used in permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) to remediate groundwater arsenic contamination. Iron(II, III) hydroxycarbonate green rust is a major corrosion product of zerovalent iron under anaerobic conditions. The interaction between arsenic and this green...

Project Update: ZVI Used for Arsenic from Lead Smelting Facility

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development’s National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) is conducting long-term monitoring of a granular iron permeable reactive barrier (PRB) for remediation of ground water contaminated with arsenic from a former lead smelting faci...

ZERO-VALENT IRON PRB APPLICATION EXPANDS TO ARSENIC REMOVAL

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development’s National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) and Region 8 have begun evaluating performance of a pilot-scale permeable reactive barrier (PRB) to treat arsenic-contaminated ground water at the ASARCO Superfund near Helena, ...

The Impact of FeS Mineralogy on TCE Degradation

EPA Science Inventory

Iron- and sulfate-reducing conditions are often encountered in permeable reactive barrier (PRB) systems that are constructed to remove TCE from groundwater, which usually leads to the accumulation of FeS mineral phases in the matrix of the PRB. Poorly crystalline mackinawite (Fe...

Remediation of groundwater contaminated with the lead-phenol binary system by granular dead anaerobic sludge-permeable reactive barrier.

PubMed

Faisal, Ayad A H; Abd Ali, Ziad T

2017-10-01

Computer solutions (COMSOL) Multiphysics 3.5a software was used for simulating the one-dimensional equilibrium transport of the lead-phenol binary system including the sorption process through saturated sandy soil as the aquifer and granular dead anaerobic sludge (GDAS) as the permeable reactive barrier. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis proved that the carboxylic and alcohol groups are responsible for the bio-sorption of lead onto GDAS, while phosphines, aromatic and alkane are the functional groups responsible for the bio-sorption of phenol. Batch tests have been performed to characterize the equilibrium sorption properties of the GDAS and sandy soil in lead and/or phenol containing aqueous solutions. Numerical and experimental results proved that the barrier plays a potential role in the restriction of the contaminant plume migration and there is a linear relationship between longevity and thickness of the barrier. A good agreement between these results was recognized with root mean squared error not exceeding 0.04.

Highly organic natural media as permeable reactive barriers: TCE partitioning and anaerobic degradation profile in eucalyptus mulch and compost.

PubMed

Öztürk, Zuhal; Tansel, Berrin; Katsenovich, Yelena; Sukop, Michael; Laha, Shonali

2012-10-01

Batch and column experiments were conducted with eucalyptus mulch and commercial compost to evaluate suitability of highly organic natural media to support anaerobic decomposition of trichloroethylene (TCE) in groundwater. Experimental data for TCE and its dechlorination byproducts were analyzed with Hydrus-1D model to estimate the partitioning and kinetic parameters for the sequential dechlorination reactions during TCE decomposition. The highly organic natural media allowed development of a bioactive zone capable of decomposing TCE under anaerobic conditions. The first order TCE biodecomposition reaction rates were 0.23 and 1.2d(-1) in eucalyptus mulch and compost media, respectively. The retardation factors in the eucalyptus mulch and compost columns for TCE were 35 and 301, respectively. The results showed that natural organic soil amendments can effectively support the anaerobic bioactive zone for remediation of TCE contaminated groundwater. The natural organic media are effective environmentally sustainable materials for use in permeable reactive barriers. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Organic substrates as electron donors in permeable reactive barriers for removal of heavy metals from acid mine drainage.

PubMed

Kijjanapanich, P; Pakdeerattanamint, K; Lens, P N L; Annachhatre, A P

2012-12-01

This research was conducted to select suitable natural organic substrates as potential carbon sources for use as electron donors for biological sulphate reduction in a permeable reactive barrier (PRB). A number of organic substrates were assessed through batch and continuous column experiments under anaerobic conditions with acid mine drainage (AMD) obtained from an abandoned lignite coal mine. To keep the heavy metal concentration at a constant level, the AMD was supplemented with heavy metals whenever necessary. Under anaerobic conditions, sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) converted sulphate into sulphide using the organic substrates as electron donors. The sulphide that was generated precipitated heavy metals as metal sulphides. Organic substrates, which yielded the highest sulphate reduction in batch tests, were selected for continuous column experiments which lasted over 200 days. A mixture of pig-farm wastewater treatment sludge, rice husk and coconut husk chips yielded the best heavy metal (Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn) removal efficiencies of over 90%.

Simulation of permeability evolution of leakage pathway in carbonate-rich caprocks in carbon sequestration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, B.; Fitts, J. P.; Dobossy, M. E.; Peters, C. A.

2013-12-01

Geologic carbon sequestration in deep saline aquifers is a promising strategy for mitigating climate change. A major concern is the possibility of brine and CO2 migration through the caprock such as through fractures and faults. In this work, we examine the extent to which mineral dissolution will substantially alter the porosity and permeability of caprock leakage pathways as CO2-acidified brine flows through them. Three models were developed. Firstly, a reactive transport model, Permeability Evolution of Leakage pathway (PEL), was developed to simulate permeability evolution of a leakage pathway during the injection period, and assumes calcite is the only reactive mineral. The system domain is a 100 m long by 0.2 m diameter cylindrical flow path with fixed boundaries containing a rock matrix with an initial porosity of 30% and initial permeability of 1×10-13 m2. One example result is for an initial calcite volume fraction (CVF) of 0.20, in which all the calcite is dissolved after 50 years and the permeability reaches 3.2×10-13 m2. For smaller values of CVF, the permeability reaches its final value earlier but the increase in permeability is minimal. For a large value of CVF such as 0.50, the permeability could eventually reach 1×10-12 m2, but the large amount of dissolved calcium buffers the solution and slows the reaction. After 50 years the permeability change is negligible. Thus, there is a non-monotonic relationship between the amount of calcite in the rock and the resulting permeability change because of the competing dynamics of calcite dissolution and alkalinity build-up. In the second model, PEL was coupled to an existing basin-scale multiphase flow model, Princeton's Estimating Leakage Semi-Analytical (ELSA) model. The new model, ELSA-PEL, estimates the brine and CO2 leakage rates during the injection period under conditions of permeability evolution. The scenario considered in this work is for 50 years of CO2 injection into the Mt. Simon formation in the Michigan basin at an injection rate of 1 Mt/y. As an example, for a CVF value of 5%, the brine leakage rate after fifty years for a leakage pathway 1,000 m distance from the injection well is 0.88 kg/s, which is 2.4% larger than if there were no geochemical evolution of the permeability. In a sensitivity analysis with regard to the distance between the leakage pathway and the injection well, it was found that the cumulative leakage first increases with the distance and the relationship reverses after a certain distance. When the leakage pathway is farther away, the pressure increment drops leading to less acid brine flow; meanwhile, the time before the CO2 plume reaches the pathway is longer and this lengthens the reaction time with brine. Thirdly, we explored the role that SO2 would play if it were present as a co-injectant in carbon sequestration. The reaction considered is SO2 hydrolysis to form sulfurous acid. We expect the sulfurous acid will erode the calcite faster than carbonic acid because it is a stronger acid. Contrary to intuition, the simulation results showed a decrease in permeability due to CaSO3 precipitation in replacement of CaCO3, as CaSO3 has a larger molar volume.

Corridors of crestal and radial faults linking salt diapirs in the Espírito Santo Basin, SE Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mattos, Nathalia H.; Alves, Tiago M.

2018-03-01

This work uses high-quality 3D seismic data to assess the geometry of fault families around salt diapirs in SE Brazil (Espírito Santo Basin). It aims at evaluating the timings of fault growth, and suggests the generation of corridors for fluid migration linking discrete salt diapirs. Three salt diapirs, one salt ridge, and five fault families were identified based on their geometry and relative locations. Displacement-length (D-x) plots, Throw-depth (T-z) data and structural maps indicate that faults consist of multiple segments that were reactivated by dip-linkage following a preferential NE-SW direction. This style of reactivation and linkage is distinct from other sectors of the Espírito Santo Basin where the preferential mode of reactivation is by upwards vertical propagation. Reactivation of faults above a Mid-Eocene unconformity is also scarce in the study area. Conversely, two halokinetic episodes dated as Cretaceous and Paleogene are interpreted below a Mid-Eocene unconformity. This work is important as it recognises the juxtaposition of permeable strata across faults as marking the generation of fault corridors linking adjacent salt structures. In such a setting, fault modelling shows that fluid will migrate towards the shallower salt structures along the fault corridors first identified in this work.

Analytical model for the design of in situ horizontal permeable reactive barriers (HPRBs) for the mitigation of chlorinated solvent vapors in the unsaturated zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verginelli, Iason; Capobianco, Oriana; Hartog, Niels; Baciocchi, Renato

2017-02-01

In this work we introduce a 1-D analytical solution that can be used for the design of horizontal permeable reactive barriers (HPRBs) as a vapor mitigation system at sites contaminated by chlorinated solvents. The developed model incorporates a transient diffusion-dominated transport with a second-order reaction rate constant. Furthermore, the model accounts for the HPRB lifetime as a function of the oxidant consumption by reaction with upward vapors and its progressive dissolution and leaching by infiltrating water. Simulation results by this new model closely replicate previous lab-scale tests carried out on trichloroethylene (TCE) using a HPRB containing a mixture of potassium permanganate, water and sand. In view of field applications, design criteria, in terms of the minimum HPRB thickness required to attenuate vapors at acceptable risk-based levels and the expected HPRB lifetime, are determined from site-specific conditions such as vapor source concentration, water infiltration rate and HPRB mixture. The results clearly show the field-scale feasibility of this alternative vapor mitigation system for the treatment of chlorinated solvents. Depending on the oxidation kinetic of the target contaminant, a 1 m thick HPRB can ensure an attenuation of vapor concentrations of orders of magnitude up to 20 years, even for vapor source concentrations up to 10 g/m3. A demonstrative application for representative contaminated site conditions also shows the feasibility of this mitigation system from an economical point of view with capital costs potentially somewhat lower than those of other remediation options, such as soil vapor extraction systems. Overall, based on the experimental and theoretical evaluation thus far, field-scale tests are warranted to verify the potential and cost-effectiveness of HPRBs for vapor mitigation control under various conditions of application.

Risk mitigation by waste-based permeable reactive barriers for groundwater pollution control at e-waste recycling sites.

PubMed

Beiyuan, Jingzi; Tsang, Daniel C W; Yip, Alex C K; Zhang, Weihua; Ok, Yong Sik; Li, Xiang-Dong

2017-02-01

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) have proved to be a promising passive treatment to control groundwater contamination and associated human health risks. This study explored the potential use of low-cost adsorbents as PRBs media and assessed their longevity and risk mitigation against leaching of acidic rainfall through an e-waste recycling site, of which Cu, Zn, and Pb were the major contaminants. Batch adsorption experiments suggested a higher adsorption capacity of inorganic industrial by-products [acid mine drainage sludge (AMDS) and coal fly ash (CFA)] and carbonaceous recycled products [food waste compost (FWC) and wood-derived biochar] compared to natural inorganic minerals (limestone and apatite). Continuous leaching tests of sand columns with 10 wt% low-cost adsorbents were then conducted to mimic the field situation of acidic rainfall infiltration through e-waste-contaminated soils (collected from Qingyuan, China) by using synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP) solution. In general, Zn leached out first, followed by Cu, and finally delayed breakthrough of Pb. In the worst-case scenario (e.g., at initial concentrations equal to 50-fold of average SPLP result), the columns with limestone, apatite, AMDS, or biochar were effective for a relatively short period of about 20-40 pore volumes of leaching, after which Cu breakthrough caused non-cancer risk concern and later-stage Pb leaching considerably increased both non-cancer and lifetime cancer risk associated with portable use of contaminated water. In contrast, the columns with CFA or FWC successfully mitigated overall risks to an acceptable level for a prolonged period of 100-200 pore volumes. Therefore, with proper selection of low-cost adsorbents (or their mixture), waste-based PRBs is a technically feasible and economically viable solution to mitigate human health risk due to contaminated groundwater at e-waste recycling sites.

Reactive Transport Modeling and Geophysical Monitoring of Bioclogging at Reservoir Scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surasani, V.; Commer, M.; Ajo Franklin, J. B.; Li, L.; Hubbard, S. S.

2012-12-01

In Microbial-Enhanced-Hydrocarbon-Recovery (MEHR), preferential bioclogging targets the growth of the biofilms (def. immobilized biopolymers with active cells embodied in it) in highly permeable thief zones to enhance sweep efficiency in oil reservoirs. During MEHR, understanding and controlling bioclogging is hindered by the lack of advanced modeling and monitoring tools; these deficiencies contribute to suboptimal performance. Our focus in this study was on developing a systematic approach to understand and monitor bioclogging at the reservoir scale using a combination of reactive transport modeling and geophysical imaging tools (EM & seismic). In this study, we created a realistic reservoir model from a heterogeneous gas reservoir in the Southern Sacramento basin, California; the model well (Citizen Green #1) was characterized using sonic, electrical, nuclear, and NMR logs for hydrologic and geophysical properties. From the simplified 2D log data model, a strip of size 150m x75m with several high permeability streaks is identified for bioclogging simulation experiments. From the NMR log data it is observed that a good linear correlation exist between logarithmic permeability (0.55- 3.34 log (mD)) versus porosity (0.041-0.28). L. mesenteroides was chosen as the model bacteria. In the presence of sucrose, it enzymatically catalyzes the production of dextran, a useful bioclogging agent. Using microbial kinetics from our laboratory experiment and reservoir heterogeneity, a reactive transport model (RTM) is established for two kinds of bioclogging treatments based on whether microbes are present in situ or are supplied externally. In both cases, sucrose media (1.5 M) is injected at the rate of 1 liter/s for 20 days into the center of high permeable strip to stimulate microbes. Simulations show that the high dextran production was deep into the formation from the injection well. This phenomenon can be explained precisely with bacterial kinetics and injection rate. In the in situ treatment, dextran contributes to a maximum porosity reduction of 9.2%, while in the exogenous microbes treatment, the dextran contributes to a maximum of 10.9% porosity reduction. After RTM, the potential geophysical signature of the treatment was evaluated using previously developed experimental rock physics models and realistic forward modeling approaches. Seismic experiments during dextran production performed by Kwan & Ajo-Franklin (2011) were combined with full waveform viscoelastic modeling to yield a predicted attenuation response from the dextran distributions modeled using RTM. The response suggests that crosswell attenuation tomography may be a viable approach for in situ monitoring of the bioclogging process. Modeling the EM response involved the induced polarization (IP) method, where the simulated resistance amplitude and phase changes can be attributed to porosity reduction. Our studies suggest that the IP signals provide a valuable additional indicator. Both geophysical data methods in a joint imaging approach potentially increase the resolution of each geophysical attribute change. Likewise, reactive transport modeling and geophysical monitoring can provide a powerful tool for predicting different bioclogging scenarios in subsurface. The combination may enhance our capabilities of controlling and monitoring the MEHR bioclogging process at reservoir scale.

Uptake Mechanisms of Eu(III) on Hydroxyapatite: A Potential Permeable Reactive Barrier Backfill Material for Trapping Trivalent Minor Actinides.

PubMed

Xu, Lin; Zheng, Tao; Yang, Shitong; Zhang, Linjuan; Wang, Jianqiang; Liu, Wei; Chen, Lanhua; Diwu, Juan; Chai, Zhifang; Wang, Shuao

2016-04-05

The permeable reactive barrier (PRB) technique has attracted an increasing level of attention for the in situ remediation of contaminated groundwater. In this study, the macroscopic uptake behaviors and microscopic speciation of Eu(III) on hydroxyapatite (HAP) were investigated by a combination of theoretical modeling, batch experiments, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) fitting, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The underlying removal mechanisms were identified to further assess the application potential of HAP as an effective PRB backfill material. The macroscopic analysis revealed that nearly all dissolved Eu(III) in solution was removed at pH 6.5 within an extremely short reaction time of 5 min. In addition, the thermodynamic calculations, desorption experiments, and PXRD and XAS analyses definitely confirmed the formation of the EuPO4·H2O(s) phase during the process of uptake of dissolved Eu(III) by HAP via the dissolution-precipitation mechanism. A detailed comparison of the present experimental findings and related HAP-metal systems suggests that the relative contribution of precipitation to the total Eu(III) removal increases as the P:Eu ratio decreases. The dosage of HAP-based PRB for the remediation of groundwater polluted by Eu(III) and analogous trivalent actinides [e.g., Am(III) and Cm(III)] should be strictly controlled depending on the dissolved Eu(III) concentration to obtain an optimal P:M (M represents Eu, Am, or Cm) ratio and treatment efficiency.

Boronic acid recognition of non-interacting carbohydrates for biomedical applications: increasing fluorescence signals of minimally interacting aldoses and sucralose.

PubMed

Resendez, Angel; Halim, Md Abdul; Singh, Jasmeet; Webb, Dominic-Luc; Singaram, Bakthan

2017-11-22

To address carbohydrates that are commonly used in biomedical applications with low binding affinities for boronic acid based detection systems, two chemical modification methods were utilized to increase sensitivity. Modified carbohydrates were analyzed using a two component fluorescent probe based on boronic acid-appended viologen-HPTS (4,4'-o-BBV). Carbohydrates normally giving poor signals (fucose, l-rhamnose, xylose) were subjected to sodium borohydride (NaBH 4 ) reduction in ambient conditions for 1 h yielding the corresponding sugar alcohols from fucose, l-rhamnose and xylose in essentially quantitative yields. Compared to original aldoses, apparent binding affinities were increased 4-25-fold. The chlorinated sweetener and colon permeability marker sucralose (Splenda), otherwise undetectable by boronic acids, was dechlorinated to a detectable derivative by reactive oxygen and hydroxide intermediates by the Fenton reaction or by H 2 O 2 and UV light. This method is specific to sucralose as other common sugars, such as sucrose, do not contain any carbon-chlorine bonds. Significant fluorescence response was obtained for chemically modified sucralose with the 4,4'-o-BBV-HPTS probe system. This proof of principle can be applied to biomedical applications, such as gut permeability, malabsorption, etc.

Development of vinylic and acetylenic functionalized structures based on high permeable glassy polymers as membrane materials for gas mixtures separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roizard, D.; Kiryukhina, Y.; Masalev, A.; Khotimskiy, V.; Teplyakov, V.; Barth, D.

2013-03-01

There are several challenging separation problems in industries which can be solved with the help of membrane technologies. It is the case for instance of the purification of gas energy carriers (i.e. H2, CH4) from CO2 as well as the CO2 recovery from flue gas. Glassy polymers containing trimethylsilyl residues like poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) [PTMSP] and polyvinyltrimethylsilane [PVTMS] are known to exhibit good membrane properties for gas separation. This paper reports two ways of improving their performances based on the controlled introduction of selective groups - alkyl imidazomium salts (C4I) and polyethyleneglycol (M-PEG)- able to enhance CO2 selectivity. CO2 Isotherm sorption data and permeability measurements have shown that the membrane performances could be significantly improved when C4I and M-PEG were introduced as residues covalently bounded to the main polymer chain. Moreover the introduced bromine reactive centres could also be used to induce chemical crosslinking giving rise to more resistant and stable membranes to organic vapours. With the C4I groups, the CO2 sorption could be enhanced by a factor 4.4.

Early breakthrough of molybdenum and uranium in a permeable reactive barrier.

PubMed

Morrison, Stan J; Mushovic, Paul S; Niesen, Preston L

2006-03-15

A permeable reactive barrier (PRB) using zerovalent iron (ZVI) was installed at a site near Cañon City, CO, to treat molybdenum (Mo) and uranium (U) in groundwater. The PRB initially decreased Mo concentrations from about 4.8 to less than 0.1 mg/L; however, Mo concentrations in the ZVI increased to 2.0 mg/L after about 250 days and continued to increase until concentrations in the ZVI were about 4 times higherthan in the influent groundwater. Concentrations of U were reduced from 1.0 to less than 0.02 mg/L during the same period. Investigations of solid-phase samples indicate that (1) calcium carbonate, iron oxide, and sulfide minerals had precipitated in pores of the ZVI; (2) U and Mo were concentrated in the upgradient 5.1 cm of the ZVI; and (3) calcium was present throughout the ZVI accounting for up to 20.5% of the initial porosity. Results of a column test indicated that the ZVI from the PRB was still reactive for removing Mo and that removal rates were dependenton residence time and pH. The chemical evolution of the PRB is explained in four stages that present a progression from porous media flow through preferential flow and, finally, complete bypass of the ZVI.

Field Application of a Permeable Reactive Barrier for Treatment of Arsenic in Ground Water

EPA Science Inventory

Contamination of ground-water resources by arsenic is a widespread environmental problem; consequently, there is an escalating need for developments and improvements of remedial technologies to effectively manage arsenic contamination in ground water and soils. In June 2005, a 9...

AN IN-SITU PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER FOR THE TREATMENT OF ARSENIC IN GROUND WATER

EPA Science Inventory

Contamination of ground-water resources by arsenic is a widespread environmental problem; consequently, there is an escalating need for developments and improvements of remedial technologies to effectively manage arsenic contamination in ground water and soils. In June 2005, a 7 ...

AN IN-SITU PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER FOR THE TREATMENT OF ARSENIC IN GROUND WATER

EPA Science Inventory

Contamination of ground-water resources by arsenic is a widespread environmental problem; consequently, there is an escalating need for developments and improvements of remedial technologies to effectively manage arsenic contamination in ground water and soils. In June 2005, a 7...

SODIUM DITHIONITE INJECTIONS USED FOR CHROMIUM REDUCTION

EPA Science Inventory

A field-scale pilot study was conducted in 1999 at the U.S. Coast Guard Support Center in Elizabeth City, NC, to evaluate the effectiveness of injecting sodium dithionite into the upper aquifer and lower vadose zone to create a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) system utilizing na...

Wellbore Cement Porosity Evolution in Response to Mineral Alteration during CO 2 Flooding

DOE PAGES

Cheshire, Michael C.; Stack, Andrew G.; Carey, J. William; ...

2016-12-13

Mineral reactions during CO 2 sequestration will change the pore-size distribution and pore surface characteristics, complicating permeability and storage security predictions. In this study, we report a small/wide angle scattering study of wellbore cement that has been exposed to carbon dioxide for three decades. We have constructed detailed contour maps that describe local porosity distributions and the mineralogy of the sample and relate these quantities to the carbon dioxide reaction front on the cement. We find that the initial bimodal distribution of pores in the cement, 1–2 and 10–20 nm, is affected differently during the course of carbonation reactions. Initialmore » dissolution of cement phases occurs in the 10–20 nm pores and leads to the development of new pore spaces that are eventually sealed by CaCO 3 precipitation, leading to a loss of gel and capillary nanopores, smoother pore surfaces, and reduced porosity. This suggests that during extensive carbonation of wellbore cement, the cement becomes less permeable because of carbonate mineral precipitation within the pore space. Additionally, the loss of gel and capillary nanoporosities will reduce the reactivity of cement with CO 2 due to reactive surface area loss. Finally, this work demonstrates the importance of understanding not only changes in total porosity but also how the distribution of porosity evolves with reaction that affects permeability.« less

Permeability, porosity, and mineral surface area changes in basalt cores induced by reactive transport of CO2-rich brine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luhmann, Andrew J.; Tutolo, Benjamin M.; Bagley, Brian C.; Mildner, David F. R.; Seyfried, William E.; Saar, Martin O.

2017-03-01

Four reactive flow-through laboratory experiments (two each at 0.1 mL/min and 0.01 mL/min flow rates) at 150°C and 150 bar (15 MPa) are conducted on intact basalt cores to assess changes in porosity, permeability, and surface area caused by CO2-rich fluid-rock interaction. Permeability decreases slightly during the lower flow rate experiments and increases during the higher flow rate experiments. At the higher flow rate, core permeability increases by more than one order of magnitude in one experiment and less than a factor of two in the other due to differences in preexisting flow path structure. X-ray computed tomography (XRCT) scans of pre- and post-experiment cores identify both mineral dissolution and secondary mineralization, with a net decrease in XRCT porosity of ˜0.7%-0.8% for the larger pores in all four cores. (Ultra) small-angle neutron scattering ((U)SANS) data sets indicate an increase in both (U)SANS porosity and specific surface area (SSA) over the ˜1 nm to 10 µm scale range in post-experiment basalt samples, with differences due to flow rate and reaction time. Net porosity increases from summing porosity changes from XRCT and (U)SANS analyses are consistent with core mass decreases. (U)SANS data suggest an overall preservation of the pore structure with no change in mineral surface roughness from reaction, and the pore structure is unique in comparison to previously published basalt analyses. Together, these data sets illustrate changes in physical parameters that arise due to fluid-basalt interaction in relatively low pH environments with elevated CO2 concentration, with significant implications for flow, transport, and reaction through geologic formations.

EFFECTS OF PORE STRUCTURE CHANGE AND MULTI-SCALE HETEROGENEITY ON CONTAMINANT TRANSPORT AND REACTION RATE UPSCALING

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lindquist, W. Brent; Jones, Keith W.; Um, Wooyong

2013-02-15

This project addressed the scaling of geochemical reactions to core and field scales, and the interrelationship between reaction rates and flow in porous media. We targeted reactive transport problems relevant to the Hanford site - specifically the reaction of highly caustic, radioactive waste solutions with subsurface sediments, and the immobilization of 90Sr and 129I through mineral incorporation and passive flow blockage, respectively. We addressed the correlation of results for pore-scale fluid-soil interaction with field-scale fluid flow, with the specific goals of (i) predicting attenuation of radionuclide concentration; (ii) estimating changes in flow rates through changes of soil permeabilities; and (iii)more » estimating effective reaction rates. In supplemental work, we also simulated reactive transport systems relevant to geologic carbon sequestration. As a whole, this research generated a better understanding of reactive transport in porous media, and resulted in more accurate methods for reaction rate upscaling and improved prediction of permeability evolution. These scientific advancements will ultimately lead to better tools for management and remediation of DOE’s legacy waste problems. We established three key issues of reactive flow upscaling, and organized this project in three corresponding thrust areas. 1) Reactive flow experiments. The combination of mineral dissolution and precipitation alters pore network structure and the subsequent flow velocities, thereby creating a complex interaction between reaction and transport. To examine this phenomenon, we conducted controlled laboratory experimentation using reactive flow-through columns. Results and Key Findings: Four reactive column experiments (S1, S3, S4, S5) have been completed in which simulated tank waste leachage (STWL) was reacted with pure quartz sand, with and without Aluminum. The STWL is a caustic solution that dissolves quartz. Because Al is a necessary element in the formation of secondary mineral precipitates (cancrinite), conducting experiments under conditions with and without Al allowed us to experimentally separate the conditions that lead to quartz dissolution from the conditions that lead to quartz dissolution plus cancrinite precipitation. Consistent with our expectations, in the experiments without Al, there was a substantial reduction in volume of the solid matrix. With Al there was a net increase in the volume of the solid matrix. The rate and extent of reaction was found to increase with temperature. These results demonstrate a successful effort to identify conditions that lead to increases and conditions that lead to decreases in solid matrix volume due to reactions of caustic tank wastes with quartz sands. In addition, we have begun to work with slightly larger, intermediate-scale columns packed with Hanford natural sediments and quartz. Similar dissolution and precipitation were observed in these colums. The measurements are being interpreted with reactive transport modeling using STOMP; preliminary observations are reported here. 2) Multi-Scale Imaging and Analysis. Mineral dissolution and precipitation rates within a porous medium will be different in different pores due to natural heterogeneity and the heterogeneity that is created from the reactions themselves. We used a combination of X-ray computed microtomography, backscattered electron and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy combined with computational image analysis to quantify pore structure, mineral distribution, structure changes and fluid-air and fluid-grain interfaces. Results and Key Findings: Three of the columns from the reactive flow experiments at PNNL (S1, S3, S4) were imaged using 3D X-ray computed microtomography (XCMT) at BNL and analyzed using 3DMA-rock at SUNY Stony Brook. The imaging results support the mass balance findings reported by Dr. Um’s group, regarding the substantial dissolution of quartz in column S1. An important observation is that of grain movement accompanying dissolution in the unconsolidated media. The resultant movement changes the anticipated findings for pore and throat size distributions. For column S3, with cancrinite precipitation accompanying quartz dissolution, the precitiation halts much of the grain movement and more systematic distributions are obtained. Column S4, which was sealed with caustic solution acted as a control sample to study reactive effects during periods when columns S1 and S3 were sealed between flow experiments. No significant changes are observed in S4 with time. At Princeton, the imaging and analysis work focused on the effects of mineral precipitation and advancing our understanding of the impacts of these reactions on reactive transport in subsurface sediments. These findings are described in detail below, and have been published in L.E. Crandell, C.A. Peters, W. Um, K.W. Jones, W.B. Lindquist, 2012. “Changes in the pore network structure of Hanford sediment after reaction with caustic tank wastes.” Journal of Contaminant Hydrology 131 (2012) 89–99. 3) Multi-Scale Modeling and Up-Scaling. Using an array of modeling approaches, we examined pore-scale variations in physical and mineralogical properties, flow velocities, and (for unsaturated conditions) wetting fluid/grain surface areas, and permeability evolution. Results and Key Findings: To predict the column permeability and estimate the impact of mineral precipitation, pore network models were informed using the pore and throat-size distributions from the imaging analyses. As a comparison, supplemental analyses were performed on Viking sandstone specimens from the Alberta sedimentary basin. In another part of this study we sought to understand how carbonate rocks in contact with CO2-rich brines change due to the precipitation or dissolution of fast-reacting minerals such as calcite and dolomite. Using a newly developed reactive-transport pore-network model we were able to identify the conditions that lead to significant permeability changes. These findings are presented below and are compiled in a publication that is under review: J.P. Nogues, J.P. Fitts, M.A. Celia, C.A. Peters. “Permeability evolution due to dissolution and precipitation of carbonates using reactive transport modeling in pore networks”, Submitted: Water Resources Research, 2013.« less

Resolving the Multi-scale Behavior of Geochemical Weathering in the Critical Zone Using High Resolution Hydro-geochemical Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, S.; Rajaram, H.

2015-12-01

This work investigates hydrologic and geochemical interactions in the Critical Zone (CZ) using high-resolution reactive transport modeling. Reactive transport models can be used to predict the response of geochemical weathering and solute fluxes in the CZ to changes in a dynamic environment, such as those pertaining to human activities and climate change in recent years. The scales of hydrology and geochemistry in the CZ range from days to eons in time and centimeters to kilometers in space. Here, we present results of a multi-dimensional, multi-scale hydro-geochemical model to investigate the role of subsurface heterogeneity on the formation of mineral weathering fronts in the CZ, which requires consideration of many of these spatio-temporal scales. The model is implemented using the reactive transport code PFLOTRAN, an open source subsurface flow and reactive transport code that utilizes parallelization over multiple processing nodes and provides a strong framework for simulating weathering in the CZ. The model is set up to simulate weathering dynamics in the mountainous catchments representative of the Colorado Front Range. Model parameters were constrained based on hydrologic, geochemical, and geophysical observations from the Boulder Creek Critical Zone Observatory (BcCZO). Simulations were performed in fractured rock systems and compared with systems of heterogeneous and homogeneous permeability fields. Tracer simulations revealed that the mean residence time of solutes was drastically accelerated as fracture density increased. In simulations that include mineral reactions, distinct signatures of transport limitations on weathering arose when discrete flow paths were included. This transport limitation was related to both advective and diffusive processes in the highly heterogeneous systems (i.e. fractured media and correlated random permeability fields with σlnk > 3). The well-known time-dependence of mineral weathering rates was found to be the most pronounced in the fractured systems, with a departure from the maximum system-averaged dissolution rate occurring after ~100 kyr followed by a gradual decrease in the reaction rate with time that persists beyond 104 kyr.

The ethanol metabolite acetaldehyde increases paracellular drug permeability in vitro and oral bioavailability in vivo.

PubMed

Fisher, Scott J; Swaan, Peter W; Eddington, Natalie D

2010-01-01

Alcohol consumption leads to the production of the highly reactive ethanol metabolite, acetaldehyde, which may affect intestinal tight junctions and increase paracellular permeability. We examined the effects of elevated acetaldehyde within the gastrointestinal tract on the permeability and bioavailability of hydrophilic markers and drug molecules of variable molecular weight and geometry. In vitro permeability was measured unidirectionally in Caco-2 and MDCKII cell models in the presence of acetaldehyde, ethanol, or disulfiram, an aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor, which causes acetaldehyde formation when coadministered with ethanol in vivo. Acetaldehyde significantly lowered transepithelial resistance in cell monolayers and increased permeability of the low-molecular-weight markers, mannitol and sucrose; however, permeability of high-molecular-weight markers, polyethylene glycol and inulin, was not affected. In vivo permeability was assessed in male Sprague-Dawley rats treated for 6 days with ethanol, disulfiram, or saline alone or in combination. Bioavailability of naproxen was not affected by any treatment, whereas that of paclitaxel was increased upon acetaldehyde exposure. Although disulfiram has been shown to inhibit multidrug resistance-1 P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in vitro, our data demonstrate that the known P-gp substrate paclitaxel is not affected by coadministration of disulfiram. In conclusion, we demonstrate that acetaldehyde significantly modulates tight junctions and paracellular permeability in vitro as well as the oral bioavailability of low-molecular-weight hydrophilic probes and therapeutic molecules in vivo even when these molecules are substrates for efflux transporters. These studies emphasize the significance of ethanol metabolism and drug interactions outside of the liver.

ARSENATE AND ARSENITE SORPTION AND ARSENITE OXIDATION BY IRON (II, III) HYDROXYCARBONATE GREEN RUST

EPA Science Inventory

Iron (II, III) hydroxycarbonate green rust is a major corrosion product of zerovalent iron that is being used in permeable reactive barriers to remediate groundwater arsenic contamination. To optimize the design of iron barriers, it is important to evaluate the influence of geoch...

MINERAL PARAGENESIS OF FINE-GRAINED PRECIPITATES IN PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS OF ZERO-VALENT IRON

EPA Science Inventory

U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) staff developed a field procedure to measure hydraulic conductivity using a direct-push system to obtain vertical profiles of hydraulic conductivity. Vertical profiles were obtained using an in situ field device-composed of a
Geopr...

CHEMICAL INTERACTIONS OF ARSENATE, ARSENITE, PHOSPHATE, AND SILICATE WITH IRON (II, III) HYDROXYCARBONATE GREEN RUST

EPA Science Inventory

Granular zerovalent iron has been proposed to be used as a medium in permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) to remove arsenic from contaminated groundwater. Iron(II, III) hydroxycarbonate green rust (carbonate green rust, or CGR) is a major corrosion product of zerovalent iron under ...

CHEMICAL INTERACTIONS OF ARSENATE, ARSENITE, PHOSPHATE, AND SILICATE WITH IRON (II,III) HYDROXYCARBONATE GREEN RUST

EPA Science Inventory

Granular zerovalent iron has been proposed to be used as a medium in permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) to remove arsenic from contaminated groundwater. Iron(II, III) hydroxycarbonate green rust (carbonate green rust, or CGR) is a major corrosion product of zerovalent iron under ...

Performance Monitoring: Evaluating an Organic Carbon-Limestone PRB for Treatment of Heavy Metals and Acidity

EPA Science Inventory

Since 2004, researchers from the U.S. EPA National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) have annually evaluated performance of an organic carbon-limestone permeable reactive barrier (PRB) system installed in 2003 by EPA Region 6 at the Delatte Metals Superfund site in Ponc...

Performance Monitoring: Evaluating a Wheat Straw PRB for Nitrate Removal at an Agricultural Operation

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development’s National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) is conducting long-term monitoring of a wheat straw permeable reactive barrier (PRB) for remediation of ground water contaminated with nitrate from a now-closed swine concentrat...

GROUND WATER ARSENIC AND METALS TREATMENT USING A COMBINATION COMPOST-ZVI PRB (ABSTRACT ONLY)

EPA Science Inventory

A pilot permeable reactive barrier (PRB) consisting of a mixture of leaf compost, zero-valent iron (ZVI), limestone and pea gravel was installed at a former phosphate fertilizer manufacturing facility in Charleston, S.C. in September 2002. The PRB is designed to treat arsenic an...

NITRATE REDUCTION BY ZEROVALENT IRON: EFFECTS OF FORMATE, OXALATE, CITRATE, CHLORIDE, SULFATE, BORATE, AND PHOSPHATE

EPA Science Inventory

Recent studies have shown that zerovalent iron (Fe0) may potentially be used as a chemical medium in permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) for nitrate remediation in groundwater; however, the effects of commonly found organic and inorganic ligands in soil and sediments on nitrate re...

REDUCTIVE DETOXIFICATION AND IMMOBILIZATION OF CHROMATE PRESENT IN SOILS

EPA Science Inventory

The in-situ permeable reactive barrier at the U.S. Coast Guard Air Support Center at Elizabeth City, North Carolina is very effective in remediating the contaminant plumes of TCE and chromate in the ground water, but it has limited effectiveness to attenuate chromate present as s...

Treatment of Arsenic, Heavy Metals, and Acidity Using a Mixed ZVI-Compost PRB

EPA Science Inventory

A 30-month performance evaluation of a pilot permeable reactive barrier (PRB) consisting of a mixture of leaf compost, zero-valent iron (ZVI), limestone and pea gravel installed at a former phosphate fertilizer manufacturing facility was conducted. The PRB is designed to remove ...

KINETICS OF SOLUBLE CHROMIUM REMOVAL FROM CONTAMINATED WATER BY ZEROVALENT IRON MEDIA: CORROSION INHIBITION AND PASSIVE OXIDE EFFECTS. (R825223)

EPA Science Inventory

Permeable reactive barriers containing zerovalent iron are being increasingly
employed for in situ remediation of groundwater contaminated with redox active
metals and chlorinated organic compounds. This research investigated the effect
of chromate concentration on...

TREATMENT OF ARSENIC AND METALS IN GROUND WATER USING A COMPOST-ZVI PRB

EPA Science Inventory

A pilot permeable reactive barrier (PRB) consisting of a mixture of leaf compost, zero-valent iron (ZVI), limestone and pea gravel was installed at a former phosphate fertilizer manufacturing facility in Charleston, S.C. in September 2002. The PRB is designed to treat arsenic an...

TREATMENT OF ARSENIC AND METALS IN GROUND WATER USING A COMPOST/ZVI PRB

EPA Science Inventory

A pilot permeable reactive barrier (PRB) consisting of a mixture of 30% yard waste compost, 20% zero-valent iron (ZVI), 5% limestone and 45% pea gravel by volume was installed at a former phosphate fertilizer manufacturing facility in Charleston, S.C. in September 2002. The pilo...

GROUND WATER ARSENIC AND METALS TREATMENT USING A COMBINATION COMPOST-ZVI PRB

EPA Science Inventory

A pilot permeable reactive barrier (PRB) consisting of a mixture of leaf compost, zero-valent iron (ZVI), limestone and pea gravel was installed at a former phosphate fertilizer manufacturing facility in Charleston, S.C. in September 2002. The PRB is designed to treat arsenic an...

SITE BULLETIN, ATTENUATED ANAEROBIC DECHLORINATION OF GROUNDWATER USING HRC MACTEC - HARDING ESE

EPA Science Inventory

A SITE demonstration of the Harding ESE permeable reactive barrier wall (PRBW) was conducted on the contaminated groundwater from the Fisherville Mill site in Grafton, MA beginning June 2000 to July 2003. Installation of the PRBW was accomplished by injecting HRC into a series of...

Understanding the hydrologic and geochemical control of regolith formation on shale in a hilly landscape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, D.; Brantley, S.; Li, L.

2017-12-01

Chemical weathering transforms rock to soil and determine soil texture, bedrock depth, and soil hydrological properties. At the Shale Hills watershed in central Pennsylvania, field evidence indicated that the regolith depth, hydrologic processes, and chemical depletion are different at the two aspects. Current regolith formation models considering reactive transport processes have a limitation in coupling complex and evolving hydrodynamic conditions. We hypothesize that deeper regolith forms when more water flushes dissolved mass out of the system. The hypothesis is tested by developing a two-dimensional regolith formation model at the hillslope scale using measured mineral composition and hydrologic properties at Shale Hills using CrunchFlow. A 2-D hillslope domain was setup to simulate hydrogeochemical processes at north and south aspects and to understand the evolution of hydrodynamics, rock properties, and extent of chemical reactions. The bedrock has the primary minerals of quartz, illite, chlorite, calcite, and pyrite; goethite and kaolinite precipitated as secondary minerals. The permeability, mass transfer, and groundwater table depth were constrained by field measurement. We implemented different recharge rates on north and south aspects based on the annually averaged fluxes from a current reanalysis using a hydrologic model. The simulation started from a homogeneous bedrock composition at 10,000 years ago. After 10,000 years' weathering, the south facing aspect with small recharge rate has a shallower soil and regolith. The simulation output indicates the formation of a shallow and a deep groundwater, based on the formation of lateral flow that connects to the stream. One is at the interface between high permeability soil zone and low permeability regolith zone, forming a relatively high-velocity perched groundwater layer. The remnant water infiltrates into the deeper low permeability zone and forms the regional groundwater layer. Because of high permeability in perched layer on north facing aspect, the remnant water in regional groundwater layer leads to shallower water table depth on north facing aspect. The model will be used to understand the role fractures, climate, and mineral compositions in affecting regolith formation.

Multi-scale modeling of multi-component reactive transport in geothermal aquifers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nick, Hamidreza M.; Raoof, Amir; Wolf, Karl-Heinz; Bruhn, David

2014-05-01

In deep geothermal systems heat and chemical stresses can cause physical alterations, which may have a significant effect on flow and reaction rates. As a consequence it will lead to changes in permeability and porosity of the formations due to mineral precipitation and dissolution. Large-scale modeling of reactive transport in such systems is still challenging. A large area of uncertainty is the way in which the pore-scale information controlling the flow and reaction will behave at a larger scale. A possible choice is to use constitutive relationships relating, for example the permeability and porosity evolutions to the change in the pore geometry. While determining such relationships through laboratory experiments may be limited, pore-network modeling provides an alternative solution. In this work, we introduce a new workflow in which a hybrid Finite-Element Finite-Volume method [1,2] and a pore network modeling approach [3] are employed. Using the pore-scale model, relevant constitutive relations are developed. These relations are then embedded in the continuum-scale model. This approach enables us to study non-isothermal reactive transport in porous media while accounting for micro-scale features under realistic conditions. The performance and applicability of the proposed model is explored for different flow and reaction regimes. References: 1. Matthäi, S.K., et al.: Simulation of solute transport through fractured rock: a higher-order accurate finite-element finite-volume method permitting large time steps. Transport in porous media 83.2 (2010): 289-318. 2. Nick, H.M., et al.: Reactive dispersive contaminant transport in coastal aquifers: Numerical simulation of a reactive Henry problem. Journal of contaminant hydrology 145 (2012), 90-104. 3. Raoof A., et al.: PoreFlow: A Complex pore-network model for simulation of reactive transport in variably saturated porous media, Computers & Geosciences, 61, (2013), 160-174.

Pore-scale study of multiphase reactive transport in fibrous electrodes of vanadium redox flow batteries

DOE PAGES

Chen, Li; He, YaLing; Tao, Wen -Quan; ...

2017-07-21

The electrode of a vanadium redox flow battery generally is a carbon fibre-based porous medium, in which important physicochemical processes occur. In this work, pore-scale simulations are performed to study complex multiphase flow and reactive transport in the electrode by using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). Four hundred fibrous electrodes with different fibre diameters and porosities are reconstructed. Both the permeability and diffusivity of the reconstructed electrodes are predicted and compared with empirical relationships in the literature. Reactive surface area of the electrodes is also evaluated and it is found that existing empirical relationship overestimates the reactive surface under lowermore » porosities. Further, a pore-scale electrochemical reaction model is developed to study the effects of fibre diameter and porosity on electrolyte flow, V II/V III transport, and electrochemical reaction at the electrolyte-fibre surface. Finally, evolution of bubble cluster generated by the side reaction is studied by adopting a LB multiphase flow model. Effects of porosity, fibre diameter, gas saturation and solid surface wettability on average bubble diameter and reduction of reactive surface area due to coverage of bubbles on solid surface are investigated in detail. It is found that gas coverage ratio is always lower than that adopted in the continuum model in the literature. Furthermore, the current pore-scale studies successfully reveal the complex multiphase flow and reactive transport processes in the electrode, and the simulation results can be further upscaled to improve the accuracy of the current continuum-scale models.« less

Remote Sensing of Subsurface Fractures in the Otway Basin, South Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bailey, Adam; King, Rosalind; Holford, Simon; Hand, Martin

2013-04-01

A detailed understanding of naturally occurring fracture networks within the subsurface is becoming increasingly important to the energy sector, as the focus of exploration has expanded to include unconventional reservoirs such as coal seam gas, shale gas, tight gas, and engineered geothermal systems. Successful production from such reservoirs, where primary porosity and permeability is often negligible, is heavily reliant on structural permeability provided by naturally occurring and induced fracture networks, permeability, which is often not provided for through primary porosity and permeability. In this study the Penola Trough, located within the onshore Otway Basin in South Australia, is presented as a case study for remotely detecting and defining subsurface fracture networks that may contribute to secondary permeability. This area is prospective for shale and tight gas and geothermal energy. The existence and nature of natural fractures is verified through an integrated analysis of geophysical logs (including wellbore image logs) and 3D seismic data. Wellbore image logs from 11 petroleum wells within the Penola Trough were interpreted for both stress indicators and natural fractures. A total of 507 naturally occurring fractures were identified, striking approximately WNE-ESE. Fractures which are aligned in the in-situ stress field are optimally oriented for reactivation, and are hence likely to be open to fluid flow. Fractures are identifiable as being either resistive or conductive sinusoids on the resistivity image logs used in this study. Resistive fractures, of which 239 were identified, are considered to be cemented with electrically resistive cements (such as quartz or calcite) and thus closed to fluid flow. Conductive fractures, of which 268 were identified, are considered to be uncemented and open to fluid flow, and thus important to geothermal exploration. Fracture susceptibility diagrams constructed for the identified fractures illustrate that the conductive fractures are optimally oriented for reactivation in the present-day strike-slip fault regime, and so are likely to be open to fluid flow. To gain an understanding of the broader extent of these natural fractures, it is necessary to analyse more regional 3D seismic data. It is well documented that fault and fracture networks like those generally observed in image logs lie well below seismic amplitude resolution, making them difficult to observe directly on amplitude data. However, seismic attributes can be calculated to provide some information on sub-seismic scale structural and stratigraphic features. Using the merged Balnaves/Haselgrove 3D seismic cube acquired over the Penola Trough, attribute maps of complex multi-trace dip-steered coherency and most positive curvature, among others, were used to document the presence of discontinuities within the seismic data which area likely to represent natural fractures, and to best constrain the likely extent of the fracture network which they form. The resulting fracture network model displays relatively good connectivity surrounding structural features intersecting the studied horizons, although large areas lacking significant discontinuities are observed. These areas make it unlikely that the fracture network contributes to permeability on a basin-wide scale, though observed features are optimally oriented for reactivation under contemporary stress conditions and are thus likely to provide at least local increases in permeability.

Investigation on porosity and permeability change of Mount Simon sandstone (Knox County, IN, USA) under geological CO 2 sequestration conditions: a numerical simulation approach

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Liwei; Soong, Yee; Dilmore, Robert M.

In this paper, a numerical model was developed to simulate reactive transport with porosity and permeability change of Mount Simon sandstone (samples from Knox County, IN) after 180 days of exposure to CO 2-saturated brine under CO 2 sequestration conditions. The model predicted formation of a high-porosity zone adjacent to the surface of the sample in contact with bulk brine, and a lower porosity zone just beyond that high-porosity zone along the path from sample/bulk brine interface to sample core. The formation of the high porosity zone was attributed to dissolution of quartz and muscovite/illite, while the formation of themore » lower porosity zone adjacent to the aforementioned high porosity zone was attributed to precipitation of kaolinite and feldspar. The model predicted a 40% permeability increase for the Knox sandstone sample after 180 days of exposure to CO 2-saturated brine, which was consistent with laboratory-measured permeability results. Model-predicted solution chemistry results were also found to be consistent with laboratory-measured solution chemistry data. Finally, initial porosity, initial feldspar content and the exponent n value (determined by pore structure and tortuosity) used in permeability calculations were three important factors affecting permeability evolution of sandstone samples under CO 2 sequestration conditions.« less

Investigation on porosity and permeability change of Mount Simon sandstone (Knox County, IN, USA) under geological CO 2 sequestration conditions: a numerical simulation approach

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Liwei; Soong, Yee; Dilmore, Robert M.

2016-01-14

In this paper, a numerical model was developed to simulate reactive transport with porosity and permeability change of Mount Simon sandstone (samples from Knox County, IN) after 180 days of exposure to CO 2-saturated brine under CO 2 sequestration conditions. The model predicted formation of a high-porosity zone adjacent to the surface of the sample in contact with bulk brine, and a lower porosity zone just beyond that high-porosity zone along the path from sample/bulk brine interface to sample core. The formation of the high porosity zone was attributed to dissolution of quartz and muscovite/illite, while the formation of themore » lower porosity zone adjacent to the aforementioned high porosity zone was attributed to precipitation of kaolinite and feldspar. The model predicted a 40% permeability increase for the Knox sandstone sample after 180 days of exposure to CO 2-saturated brine, which was consistent with laboratory-measured permeability results. Model-predicted solution chemistry results were also found to be consistent with laboratory-measured solution chemistry data. Finally, initial porosity, initial feldspar content and the exponent n value (determined by pore structure and tortuosity) used in permeability calculations were three important factors affecting permeability evolution of sandstone samples under CO 2 sequestration conditions.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Li; He, YaLing; Tao, Wen -Quan

The electrode of a vanadium redox flow battery generally is a carbon fibre-based porous medium, in which important physicochemical processes occur. In this work, pore-scale simulations are performed to study complex multiphase flow and reactive transport in the electrode by using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). Four hundred fibrous electrodes with different fibre diameters and porosities are reconstructed. Both the permeability and diffusivity of the reconstructed electrodes are predicted and compared with empirical relationships in the literature. Reactive surface area of the electrodes is also evaluated and it is found that existing empirical relationship overestimates the reactive surface under lowermore » porosities. Further, a pore-scale electrochemical reaction model is developed to study the effects of fibre diameter and porosity on electrolyte flow, V II/V III transport, and electrochemical reaction at the electrolyte-fibre surface. Finally, evolution of bubble cluster generated by the side reaction is studied by adopting a LB multiphase flow model. Effects of porosity, fibre diameter, gas saturation and solid surface wettability on average bubble diameter and reduction of reactive surface area due to coverage of bubbles on solid surface are investigated in detail. It is found that gas coverage ratio is always lower than that adopted in the continuum model in the literature. Furthermore, the current pore-scale studies successfully reveal the complex multiphase flow and reactive transport processes in the electrode, and the simulation results can be further upscaled to improve the accuracy of the current continuum-scale models.« less

On the physics-based processes behind production-induced seismicity in natural gas fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zbinden, Dominik; Rinaldi, Antonio Pio; Urpi, Luca; Wiemer, Stefan

2017-05-01

Induced seismicity due to natural gas production is observed at different sites worldwide. Common understanding states that the pressure drop caused by gas production leads to compaction, which affects the stress field in the reservoir and the surrounding rock formations and hence reactivates preexisting faults and induces earthquakes. In this study, we show that the multiphase fluid flow involved in natural gas extraction activities should be included. We use a fully coupled fluid flow and geomechanics simulator, which accounts for stress-dependent permeability and linear poroelasticity, to better determine the conditions leading to fault reactivation. In our model setup, gas is produced from a porous reservoir, divided into two compartments that are offset by a normal fault. Results show that fluid flow plays a major role in pore pressure and stress evolution within the fault. Fault strength is significantly reduced due to fluid flow into the fault zone from the neighboring reservoir compartment and other formations. We also analyze scenarios for minimizing seismicity after a period of production, such as (i) well shut-in and (ii) gas reinjection. In the case of well shut-in, a highly stressed fault zone can still be reactivated several decades after production has ceased, although on average the shut-in results in a reduction in seismicity. In the case of gas reinjection, fault reactivation can be avoided if gas is injected directly into the compartment under depletion. However, gas reinjection into a neighboring compartment does not stop the fault from being reactivated.

Acidization of shales with calcite cemented fractures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwiatkowski, Kamil; Szymczak, Piotr; Jarosiński, Marek

2017-04-01

Investigation of cores drilled from shale formations reveals a relatively large number of calcite-cemented fractures. Usually such fractures are reactivated during fracking and can contribute considerably to the permeability of the resulting fracture network. However, calcite coating on their surfaces effectively excludes them from production. Dissolution of the calcite cement by acidic fluids is investigated numerically with focus on the evolution of fracture morphology. Available surface area, breakthrough time, and reactant penetration length are calculated. Natural fractures in cores from Pomeranian shale formation (northern Poland) were analyzed and classified. Representative fractures are relatively thin (0.1 mm), flat and completely sealed with calcite. Next, the morphology evolution of reactivated natural fractures treated with low-pH fluids has been simulated numerically under various operating conditions. Depth-averaged equations for fracture flow and reactant transport has been solved by finite-difference method coupled with sparse-matrix solver. Transport-limited dissolution has been considered, which corresponds to the treatment with strong acids, such as HCl. Calcite coating in reactivated natural fractures dissolves in a highly non-homogeneous manner - a positive feedback between fluid transport and calcite dissolution leads to the spontaneous formation of wormhole-like patterns, in which most of the flow is focused. The wormholes carry reactive fluids deeper inside the system, which dramatically increases the range of the treatment. Non-uniformity of the dissolution patterns provides a way of retaining the fracture permeability even in the absence of the proppant, since the less dissolved regions will act as supports to keep more dissolved regions open. Evolution of fracture morphology is shown to depend strongly on the thickness of calcite layer - the thicker the coating the more pronounced wormholes are observed. However the interaction between wormholes is the strongest when coating thickness is a few times larger than the initial aperture of the fracture. This leads to formation of favorable complex networks of wormholes which provide adequate transport of reactive fluids to fracture surfaces and - at the same time - are capable of supporting fracture surfaces. As a conclusion, acidization of the reactivated fractures with hydrochloric acid seems to be an attractive treatment to apply at fracking stage or later on as EGR. The results contribute to the discussion on the use of acidization to enhance the gas production in the shale reservoirs. This communication stresses the importance of the dissolution of calcite cement in natural fractures in shale formations, which are initially sealed and become reactivated during fracking. While this research is based on the analysis of fractures in the Pomeranian shale basin its results are general enough to be applicable to different formations worldwide.

Mitochondrial permeability transition pore: a promising target for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Rasheed, Md Zeeshan; Tabassum, Heena; Parvez, Suhel

2017-01-01

Among the neurodegenerative diseases (ND), Parkinson's disease affects 6.3 million people worldwide characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra. The mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mtPTP) is a non-selective voltage-dependent mitochondrial channel whose opening modifies the permeability properties of the mitochondrial inner membrane. It is recognized as a potent pharmacological target for diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive cell death including ND such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Imbalance in Ca 2+ concentration, change in mitochondrial membrane potential, overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), or mutation in mitochondrial genome has been implicated in the pathophysiology of the opening of the mtPTP. Different proteins are released by permeability transition including cytochrome c which is responsible for apoptosis. This review aims to discuss the importance of PTP in the pathophysiology of PD and puts together different positive as well as negative aspects of drugs such as pramipexole, ropinirole, minocyclin, rasagilin, and safinamide which act as a blocker or modifier for mtPTP. Some of them may be detrimental in their neuroprotective nature.

Three-Dimensional Modeling of the Reactive Transport of CO2 and Its Impact on Geomechanical Properties of Reservoir Rocks and Seals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nguyen, Ba Nghiep; Hou, Zhangshuan; Bacon, Diana H.

This article develops a novel multiscale modeling approach to analyze CO2 reservoirs using Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s STOMP-CO2-R code that is interfaced with the ABAQUS® finite element package. The STOMP-CO2-R/ABAQUS® sequentially coupled simulator accounts for the reactive transport of CO2 causing mineral composition changes that modify the geomechanical properties of reservoir rocks and seals. Formation rocks’ elastic properties that vary during CO2 injection and govern the poroelastic behavior of rocks are modeled by an Eshelby-Mori-Tanka approach (EMTA) implemented in ABAQUS® via user-subroutines. The computational tool incorporates the change in rock permeability due to both geochemistry and geomechanics. A three-dimensional (3D)more » STOMP-CO2-R model for a model CO2 reservoir containing a vertical fault is built to analyze a formation containing a realistic geochemical reaction network with 5 minerals: albite, anorthite, calcite, kaolinite and quartz. A 3D ABAQUS® model that maps the above STOMP-CO2-R model is built for the analysis using STOMP-CO2-R/ABAQUS®. The results show that the changes in volume fraction of minerals include dissolution of anorthite, precipitation of calcite and kaolinite, with little change in the albite volume fraction. After a long period of CO2 injection the mineralogical and geomechanical changes significantly reduced the permeability and elastic modulus of the reservoir (between the base and caprock) in front of the fault leading to a reduction of the pressure margin to fracture at and beyond the injection location. The impact of reactive transport of CO2 on the geomechanical properties of reservoir rocks and seals are studied in terms of mineral composition changes that directly affect the rock stiffness, stress and strain distributions as well as the pressure margin to fracture.« less

Simulation of CO2 Sequestration at Rock Spring Uplift, Wyoming: Heterogeneity and Uncertainties in Storage Capacity, Injectivity and Leakage

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Deng, Hailin; Dai, Zhenxue; Jiao, Zunsheng

2011-01-01

Many geological, geochemical, geomechanical and hydrogeological factors control CO{sub 2} storage in subsurface. Among them heterogeneity in saline aquifer can seriously influence design of injection wells, CO{sub 2} injection rate, CO{sub 2} plume migration, storage capacity, and potential leakage and risk assessment. This study applies indicator geostatistics, transition probability and Markov chain model at the Rock Springs Uplift, Wyoming generating facies-based heterogeneous fields for porosity and permeability in target saline aquifer (Pennsylvanian Weber sandstone) and surrounding rocks (Phosphoria, Madison and cap-rock Chugwater). A multiphase flow simulator FEHM is then used to model injection of CO{sub 2} into the target salinemore » aquifer involving field-scale heterogeneity. The results reveal that (1) CO{sub 2} injection rates in different injection wells significantly change with local permeability distributions; (2) brine production rates in different pumping wells are also significantly impacted by the spatial heterogeneity in permeability; (3) liquid pressure evolution during and after CO{sub 2} injection in saline aquifer varies greatly for different realizations of random permeability fields, and this has potential important effects on hydraulic fracturing of the reservoir rock, reactivation of pre-existing faults and the integrity of the cap-rock; (4) CO{sub 2} storage capacity estimate for Rock Springs Uplift is 6614 {+-} 256 Mt at 95% confidence interval, which is about 36% of previous estimate based on homogeneous and isotropic storage formation; (5) density profiles show that the density of injected CO{sub 2} below 3 km is close to that of the ambient brine with given geothermal gradient and brine concentration, which indicates CO{sub 2} plume can sink to the deep before reaching thermal equilibrium with brine. Finally, we present uncertainty analysis of CO{sub 2} leakage into overlying formations due to heterogeneity in both the target saline aquifer and surrounding formations. This uncertainty in leakage will be used to feed into risk assessment modeling.« less

Analytical solutions of one-dimensional multispecies reactive transport in a permeable reactive barrier-aquifer system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mieles, John; Zhan, Hongbin

2012-06-01

The permeable reactive barrier (PRB) remediation technology has proven to be more cost-effective than conventional pump-and-treat systems, and has demonstrated the ability to rapidly reduce the concentrations of specific chemicals of concern (COCs) by up to several orders of magnitude in some scenarios. This study derives new steady-state analytical solutions to multispecies reactive transport in a PRB-aquifer (dual domain) system. The advantage of the dual domain model is that it can account for the potential existence of natural degradation in the aquifer, when designing the required PRB thickness. The study focuses primarily on the steady-state analytical solutions of the tetrachloroethene (PCE) serial degradation pathway and secondly on the analytical solutions of the parallel degradation pathway. The solutions in this study can also be applied to other types of dual domain systems with distinct flow and transport properties. The steady-state analytical solutions are shown to be accurate and the numerical program RT3D is selected for comparison. The results of this study are novel in that the solutions provide improved modeling flexibility including: 1) every species can have unique first-order reaction rates and unique retardation factors, and 2) daughter species can be modeled with their individual input concentrations or solely as byproducts of the parent species. The steady-state analytical solutions exhibit a limitation that occurs when interspecies reaction rate factors equal each other, which result in undefined solutions. Excel spreadsheet programs were created to facilitate prompt application of the steady-state analytical solutions, for both the serial and parallel degradation pathways.

Effects of low temperature plasmas and plasma activated waters on Arabidopsis thaliana germination and growth

PubMed Central

Martinez, Yves; Merbahi, Nofel; Eichwald, Olivier; Dunand, Christophe

2018-01-01

Two plasma devices at atmospheric pressure (air dielectric barrier discharge and helium plasma jet) have been used to study the early germination of Arabidopsis thaliana seeds during the first days. Then, plasma activated waters are used during the later stage of plant development and growth until 42 days. The effects on both testa and endospserm ruptures during the germination stage are significant in the case of air plasma due to its higher energy and efficiency of producing reactive oxygen species than the case of helium plasma. The latter has shown distinct effects only for testa rupture. Analysis of germination stimulations are based on specific stainings for reactive oxygen species production, peroxidase activity and also membrane permeability tests. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has shown a smoother seed surface for air plasma treated seeds that can explain the plasma induced-germination. During the growth stage, plants were watered using 4 kinds of water (tap and deionized waters activated or not by the low temperature plasma jet). With regards to other water kinds, the characterization of the tap water has shown a larger conductivity, acidity and concentration of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species. Only the tap water activated by the plasma jet has shown a significant effect on the plant growth. This effect could be correlated to reactive nitrogen species such as nitrite/nitrate species present in plasma activated tap water. PMID:29630641

PROTON GENERATION BY DISSOLUTION OF INTRINSIC OR AUGMENTED ALUMINOSILICATE MINERALS FOR IN SITU CONTAMINANT REMEDIATION BY ZERO-VALENCE-STATE IRON

EPA Science Inventory

Metallic, or zero-valence-state, iron is being incorporated into permeable reactive subsurface barriers for remediating a variety of contaminant plume types. The remediation occurs via reductive processes that are associated with surface corrosion of the iron metal. Reaction rate...

SIX YEARS OF INTENSIVE MONITORING OF THE 1ST PRB TO TREAT A MIXED WASTE PLUME: USCG SITE IN ELIZABETH CITY, NC

EPA Science Inventory

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) for the restoration of contaminated ground water are no longer innovative. PRBs have evolved from innovative to accepted, standard practice, for the containment and treatment of a variety of contaminants in ground water. Like any remedial tech...

REMOVAL OF ADDED NITRATE IN COTTON BURR COMPOST, MULCH COMPOST, AND PEAT: MECHANISMS AND POTENTIAL USE FOR GROUNDWATER NITRATE REMEDIATION

EPA Science Inventory

We conducted batch tests on the nature and kinetics of removal of added nitrate in cotton burr compost, mulch compost, and sphagnum peat that may be potentially used in a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) for groundwater nitrate remediation. A rigorous steam autoclaving protocol (...

Remediation of TNT and RDX in Groundwater Using Zero-Valent Iron Permeable Reactive Barriers

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-04-01

3 3.0 TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................... 5 3.1... hydroxide NAVFAC-ESC Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center O&M operation and maintenance OHSU Oregon Health and Science University OD...remediation costs that may jeopardize major DoD programs and initiatives. 3 This page left blank intentionally. 3.0 TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION

Degradation Kinetics of Carbon Tetrachloride by Sulfate Green Rust as Influenced by pH and Copper Ions

EPA Science Inventory

Chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethene (TCE, C2HCl3) and carbon tetrachloride (CT, CCl4) are priority groundwater contaminants at many EPA field sites. Green rust (GR) minerals are important corrosion products of zerovalent iron (Fe0) that has been used in permeable reactiv...

Oxygen transport through soft contact lens and cornea: Lens characterization and metabolic modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chhabra, Mahendra

The human cornea requires oxygen to sustain metabolic processes critical for its normal functioning. Any restriction to corneal oxygen supply from the external environment (e.g., by wearing a low oxygen-permeability contact lens) can lead to hypoxia, which may cause corneal edema (swelling), limbal hyperemia, neovascularization, and corneal acidosis. The need for adequate oxygen to the cornea is a major driving force for research and development of hypertransmissible soft contact lenses (SCLs). Currently, there is no standard technique for measuring oxygen permeability (Dk) of hypertransmissible silicone-hydrogel SCLs. In this work, an electrochemistry-based polarographic apparatus was designed, built, and operated to measure oxygen permeability in hypertransmissible SCLs. Unlike conventional methods where a range of lens thickness is needed for determining oxygen permeabilities of SCLs, this apparatus requires only a single lens thickness. The single-lens permeameter provides a reliable, efficient, and economic tool for measuring oxygen permeabilities of commercial hypertransmissible SCLs. The single-lens permeameter measures not only the product Dk, but, following modification, it measures separately diffusivity, D, and solubility, k, of oxygen in hypertransmissible SCLs. These properties are critical for designing better lens materials that ensure sufficient oxygen supply to the cornea. Metabolism of oxygen in the cornea is influenced by contact-lens-induced hypoxia, diseases such as diabetes, surgery, and drug treatment, Thus, estimation of the in-vivo corneal oxygen consumption rate is essential for gauging adequate oxygen supply to the cornea. Therefore, we have developed an unsteady-state reactive-diffusion model for the cornea-contact-lens system to determine in-vivo human corneal oxygen-consumption rate. Finally, a metabolic model was developed to determine the relation between contact-lens oxygen transmissibility (Dk/L) and corneal oxygen deficiency. A new parameter "Oxygen Deficiency Factor" (ODF) is defined to quantify oxygen deficiency in local regions of the cornea. We use this concept to determine the minimum required contact-lens oxygen transmissibility, Dk/L = 150 Barrer/cm, to avoid hypoxia-induced corneal physiologic complications.

An upscaled rate law for magnesite dissolution in heterogeneous porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wen, Hang; Li, Li

2017-08-01

Spatial heterogeneity in natural subsurface systems governs water fluxes and residence time in reactive zones and therefore determines effective rates of mineral dissolution. Extensive studies have documented mineral dissolution rates in natural systems, although a general rate law has remain elusive. Here we fill this gap by answering two questions: (1) how and to what extent does spatial heterogeneity affect water residence time and effectively-dissolving surface area? (2) what is the upscaled rate law that quantifies effective dissolution rates in natural, heterogeneous media? With data constraints from experimental work, 240 Monte-Carlo numerical experiments of magnesite dissolution within quartz matrix were run with spatial distributions characterized by a range of permeability variance σ2lnκ (0.5-6.0) and correlation length (2-50 cm). Although the total surface area and global residence time (τa) are the same in all experiments, the water fluxes through reactive magnesite zones varies between 0.7 and 72.8% of the total water fluxes. Highly heterogeneous media with large σ2lnκ and long λ divert water mostly into non-reactive preferential flow paths, therefore bypassing and minimizing flow in low permeability magnesite zones. As a result, the water residence time in magnesite zones (i.e., reactive residence time τa,r) is long and magnesite dissolution quickly reaches local equilibrium, which leads to small effective surface area and low dissolution rates. Magnesite dissolution rates in heterogeneous media vary from 2.7 to 100% of the rates in the equivalent homogeneous media, with effectively-dissolving surface area varying from 0.18 to 6.83 m2 (out of 51.71 m2 total magnesite surface area). Based on 240 numerical experiments and 45 column experiments, a general upscaled rate law in heterogeneous media, RMgCO3,ht =kAe,hm(1 - exp(-τa/τa,r))α, was derived to quantify effective dissolution rates. The dissolution rates in heterogeneous media are a function of the rate constants k being those measured under well-mixed conditions, effective surface area in equivalent homogeneous media Ae,hm, and the heterogeneity factor (1 - exp(-τa/τa,r))α. The heterogeneity factor quantify heterogeneity effects and depends on the relative magnitude of global residence time (τa) and reactive residence time (τa,r), as well as the shape factor α(= 5 σlnκ2) of the gamma distribution for reactive residence times. Exponential forms of rate laws have been used at the micro-scale describing direct interactions among water and mineral surface, and at the catchment scale describing weathering rates and concentration-discharge relationships. These observations highlight the key role of mineral-water contact time in determining dissolution rates at different scales. This work also emphasizes the importance of critical interfaces between reactive and non-reactive zones as determined by the details of spatial patterns and effective surface area as a scaling factor that quantifies dissolution rates in heterogeneous media across scales.

Remediation of arsenic-contaminated groundwater using media-injected permeable reactive barriers with a modified montmorillonite: sand tank studies.

PubMed

Luo, Ximing; Liu, Haifei; Huang, Guoxin; Li, Ye; Zhao, Yan; Li, Xu

2016-01-01

A modified montmorillonite (MMT) was prepared using an acid activation-sodium activation-iron oxide coating method to improve the adsorption capacities of natural MMTs. For MMT, its interlamellar distance increased from 12.29 to 13.36 Å, and goethite (α-FeOOH) was intercalated into its clay layers. Two novel media-injected permeable reactive barrier (MI-PRB) configurations were proposed for removing arsenic from groundwater. Sand tank experiments were conducted to investigate the performance of the two MI-PRBs: Tank A was filled with quartz sand. Tank B was packed with quartz sand and zero-valent iron (ZVI) in series, and the MMT slurry was respectively injected into them to form reactive zones. The results showed that for tank A, total arsenic (TA) removal of 98.57% was attained within the first 60 mm and subsequently descended slowly to 88.84% at the outlet. For tank B, a similar spatial variation trend was observed in the quartz sand layer, and subsequently, TA removal increased to ≥99.80% in the ZVI layer. TA removal by MMT mainly depended on both surface adsorption and electrostatic adhesion. TA removal by ZVI mainly relied on coagulation/precipitation and adsorption during the iron corrosion. The two MI-PRBs are feasible alternatives for in situ remediation of groundwater with elevated As levels.

Studies on the optimum conditions using acid-washed zero-valent iron/aluminum mixtures in permeable reactive barriers for the removal of different heavy metal ions from wastewater.

PubMed

Han, Weijiang; Fu, Fenglian; Cheng, Zihang; Tang, Bing; Wu, Shijiao

2016-01-25

The method of permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) is considered as one of the most practicable approaches in treating heavy metals contaminated surface and groundwater. The mixture of acid-washed zero-valent iron (ZVI) and zero-valent aluminum (ZVAl) as reactive medium in PRBs to treat heavy metal wastewater containing Cr(VI), Cd(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), and Zn(2+) was investigated. The performance of column filled with the mixture of acid-washed ZVI and ZVAl was much better than the column filled with ZVI or ZVAl alone. At initial pH 5.4 and flow rates of 1.0 mL/min, the time that the removal efficiencies of Cr(VI), Cd(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), and Zn(2+) were all above 99.5% can keep about 300 h using 80 g/40 g acid-washed ZVI/ZVAl when treating wastewater containing each heavy metal ions (Cr(VI), Cd(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), and Zn(2+)) concentration of 20.0 mg/L. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize ZVI/ZVAl before and after reaction and the reaction mechanism of the heavy metal ions with ZVI/ZVAl was discussed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fifteen-year assessment of a permeable reactive barrier for treatment of chromate and trichloroethylene in groundwater.

PubMed

Wilkin, Richard T; Acree, Steven D; Ross, Randall R; Puls, Robert W; Lee, Tony R; Woods, Leilani L

2014-01-15

The fifteen-year performance of a granular iron, permeable reactive barrier (PRB; Elizabeth City, North Carolina) is reviewed with respect to contaminant treatment (hexavalent chromium and trichloroethylene) and hydraulic performance. Due to in-situ treatment of the chromium source zone, reactive and hydraulic longevity of the PRB has outlived the mobile chromate plume. Chromium concentrations exceeding 3 μg/L have not been detected in regions located hydraulically down-gradient of the PRB. Trichloroethylene treatment has also been effective, although non-constant influent concentrations of trichloroethylene have at times resulted in incomplete dechlorination. Daughter products: cis-1,2-dichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, ethene, and ethane have been observed within and down-gradient of the PRB at levels <10% of the influent trichloroethylene. Analysis of potentiometric surfaces up-gradient and across the PRB suggests that the PRB may currently represent a zone of reduced hydraulic conductivity; however, measurements of the in-situ hydraulic conductivity provide values in excess of 200 m/d in some intervals and indicate no discernible loss of bulk hydraulic conductivity within the PRB. The results presented here are particularly significant because they provide the longest available record of performance of a PRB. The longevity of the Elizabeth City PRB is principally the result of favorable groundwater geochemistry and hydrologic properties of the site. © 2013.

Monitoring trichloroethene remediation at an iron permeable reactive barrier using stable carbon isotopic analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

VanStone, Nancy; Przepiora, Andrzej; Vogan, John; Lacrampe-Couloume, Georges; Powers, Brian; Perez, Ernesto; Mabury, Scott; Sherwood Lollar, Barbara

2005-08-01

Stable carbon isotopic analysis, in combination with compositional analysis, was used to evaluate the performance of an iron permeable reactive barrier (PRB) for the remediation of ground water contaminated with trichloroethene (TCE) at Spill Site 7 (SS7), F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. Compositional data indicated that although the PRB appeared to be reducing TCE to concentrations below treatment goals within and immediately downgradient of the PRB, concentrations remained higher than expected at wells further downgradient (i.e. > 9 m) of the PRB. At two wells downgradient of the PRB, TCE concentrations were comparable to upgradient values, and δ13C values of TCE at these wells were not significantly different than upgradient values. Since the process of sorption/desorption does not significantly fractionate carbon isotope values, this suggests that the TCE observed at these wells is desorbing from local aquifer materials and was present before the PRB was installed. In contrast, three other downgradient wells show significantly more enriched δ13C values compared to the upgradient mean. In addition, δ13C values for the degradation products of TCE, cis-dichloroethene and vinyl chloride, show fractionation patterns expected for the products of the reductive dechlorination of TCE. Since concentrations of both TCE and degradation products drop to below detection limit in wells within the PRB and directly below it, these downgradient chlorinated hydrocarbon concentrations are attributed to desorption from local aquifer material. The carbon isotope values indicate that this dissolved contaminant is subject to local degradation, likely due to in situ microbial activity.

Monitoring trichloroethene remediation at an iron permeable reactive barrier using stable carbon isotopic analysis.

PubMed

VanStone, Nancy; Przepiora, Andrzej; Vogan, John; Lacrampe-Couloume, Georges; Powers, Brian; Perez, Ernesto; Mabury, Scott; Sherwood Lollar, Barbara

2005-08-01

Stable carbon isotopic analysis, in combination with compositional analysis, was used to evaluate the performance of an iron permeable reactive barrier (PRB) for the remediation of ground water contaminated with trichloroethene (TCE) at Spill Site 7 (SS7), F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. Compositional data indicated that although the PRB appeared to be reducing TCE to concentrations below treatment goals within and immediately downgradient of the PRB, concentrations remained higher than expected at wells further downgradient (i.e. >9 m) of the PRB. At two wells downgradient of the PRB, TCE concentrations were comparable to upgradient values, and delta13C values of TCE at these wells were not significantly different than upgradient values. Since the process of sorption/desorption does not significantly fractionate carbon isotope values, this suggests that the TCE observed at these wells is desorbing from local aquifer materials and was present before the PRB was installed. In contrast, three other downgradient wells show significantly more enriched delta13C values compared to the upgradient mean. In addition, delta13C values for the degradation products of TCE, cis-dichloroethene and vinyl chloride, show fractionation patterns expected for the products of the reductive dechlorination of TCE. Since concentrations of both TCE and degradation products drop to below detection limit in wells within the PRB and directly below it, these downgradient chlorinated hydrocarbon concentrations are attributed to desorption from local aquifer material. The carbon isotope values indicate that this dissolved contaminant is subject to local degradation, likely due to in situ microbial activity.

Short Time Exposure (STE) test in conjunction with Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) assay including histopathology to evaluate correspondence with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) eye irritation classification of textile dyes.

PubMed

Oliveira, Gisele Augusto Rodrigues; Ducas, Rafael do Nascimento; Teixeira, Gabriel Campos; Batista, Aline Carvalho; Oliveira, Danielle Palma; Valadares, Marize Campos

2015-09-01

Eye irritation evaluation is mandatory for predicting health risks in consumers exposed to textile dyes. The two dyes, Reactive Orange 16 (RO16) and Reactive Green 19 (RG19) are classified as Category 2A (irritating to eyes) based on the UN Globally Harmonized System for classification (UN GHS), according to the Draize test. On the other hand, animal welfare considerations and the enforcement of a new regulation in the EU are drawing much attention in reducing or replacing animal experiments with alternative methods. This study evaluated the eye irritation of the two dyes RO16 and RG19 by combining the Short Time Exposure (STE) and the Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) assays and then comparing them with in vivo data from the GHS classification. The STE test (first level screening) categorized both dyes as GHS Category 1 (severe irritant). In the BCOP, dye RG19 was also classified as GHS Category 1 while dye RO16 was classified as GHS no prediction can be made. Both dyes caused damage to the corneal tissue as confirmed by histopathological analysis. Our findings demonstrated that the STE test did not contribute to arriving at a better conclusion about the eye irritation potential of the dyes when used in conjunction with the BCOP test. Adding the histopathology to the BCOP test could be an appropriate tool for a more meaningful prediction of the eye irritation potential of dyes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pore-Scale Geochemical Reactivity Associated with CO2 Storage: New Frontiers at the Fluid-Solid Interface.

PubMed

Noiriel, Catherine; Daval, Damien

2017-04-18

The reactivity of carbonate and silicate minerals is at the heart of porosity and pore geometry changes in rocks injected with CO 2 , which ultimately control the evolution of flow and transport properties of fluids in porous and/or fractured geological reservoirs. Modeling the dynamics of CO 2 -water-rock interactions is challenging because of the resulting large geochemical disequilibrium, the reservoir heterogeneities, and the large space and time scales involved in the processes. In particular, there is a lack of information about how the macroscopic properties of a reservoir, e.g., the permeability, will evolve as a result of geochemical reactions at the molecular scale. Addressing this point requires a fundamental understanding of how the microstructures influence the macroscopic properties of rocks. The pore scale, which ranges from a few nanometers to centimeters, has stood out as an essential scale of observation of geochemical processes in rocks. Transport or surface reactivity limitations due to the pore space architecture, for instance, are best described at the pore scale itself. It can be also considered as a mesoscale for aggregating and increasing the gain of fundamental understanding of microscopic interfacial processes. Here we focus on the potential application of a combination of physicochemical measurements coupled with nanoscale and microscale imaging techniques during laboratory experiments to improve our understanding of the physicochemical mechanisms that occur at the fluid-solid interface and the dynamics of the coupling between the geochemical reactions and flow and transport modifications at the pore scale. Imaging techniques such as atomic force microscopy, vertical scanning interferometry, focused ion beam transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray microtomography, are ideal for investigating the reactivity dynamics of these complex materials. Minerals and mineral assemblages, i.e., rocks, exhibit heterogeneous and anisotropic reactivity, which challenges the continuum description of porous media and assumptions required for reactive transport modeling at larger scales. The conventional approach, which consists of developing dissolution rate laws normalized to the surface area, should be revisited to account for both the anisotropic crystallographic structure of minerals and the transport of chemical species near the interface, which are responsible for the intrinsic evolution of the mineral dissolution rate as the reaction progresses. In addition, the crystal morphology and the mineral assemblage composition, texture, and structural heterogeneities are crucial in determining whether the permeability and transport properties of the reservoir will be altered drastically or maintain the sealing properties required to ensure the safe sequestration of CO 2 for hundreds of years. Investigating the transport properties in nanometer- to micrometer-thick amorphous Si-rich surface layers (ASSLs), which develop at the fluid-mineral interface in silicates, provides future direction, as ASSLs may prevent contact between the dissolving solids and the pore fluid, potentially inhibiting the dissolution/carbonation process. Equally, at a larger scale, the growth of micrometer- to millimeter-thick alteration layers, which result from the difference in reactivity between silicates and carbonates, slows the transport in the vicinity of the fluid-solid interface in polymineralic rocks, thus limiting the global reactivity of the carbonate matrix. In contrast, in pure limestone, the global reactivity of the monomineralic rock decreases because the flow localization promotes the local reactivity within the forming channels, thus enhancing permeability changes compared with more homogeneous dissolution of the rock matrix. These results indicate that the transformation of the rock matrix should control the evolution of the transport properties in reservoirs injected with CO 2 to the same extent as the intrinsic chemical reactivity of the minerals and the reservoir hydrodynamics. This process, which is currently not captured by large-scale modeling of reactive transport, should benefit from the increasing capabilities of noninvasive and nondestructive characterization tools for pore-scale processes, ultimately constraining reactive transport modeling and improving the reliability of predictions.

Arsenic removal using steel manufacturing byproducts as permeable reactive materials in mine tailing containment systems.

PubMed

Ahn, Joo Sung; Chon, Chul-Min; Moon, Hi-Soo; Kim, Kyoung-Woong

2003-05-01

Steel manufacturing byproducts were tested as a means of treating mine tailing leachate with a high As concentration. Byproduct materials can be placed in situ as permeable reactive barriers to control the subsurface release of leachate from tailing containment systems. The tested materials had various compositions of elemental Fe, Fe oxides, Ca-Fe oxides and Ca hydroxides typical of different steel manufacturing processes. Among these materials, evaporation cooler dust (ECD), oxygen gas sludge (OGS), basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS) and to a lesser degree, electrostatic precipitator dust (EPD) effectively removed both As(V) and As(III) during batch experiments. ECD, OGS and BOFS reduced As concentrations to <0.5mg/l from 25mg/l As(V) or As(III) solution in 72 h, exhibiting higher removal capacities than zero-valent iron. High Ca concentrations and alkaline conditions (pH ca. 12) provided by the dissolution of Ca hydroxides may promote the formation of stable, sparingly soluble Ca-As compounds. When initial pH conditions were adjusted to 4, As reduction was enhanced, probably by adsorption onto iron oxides. The elution rate of retained As from OGS and ECD decreased with treatment time, and increasing the residence time in a permeable barrier strategy would be beneficial for the immobilization of As. When applied to real tailing leachate, ECD was found to be the most efficient barrier material to increase pH and to remove As and dissolved metals.

Lattice Boltzmann simulation of dissolution-induced changes in permeability and porosity in 3D CO2 reactive transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Zhiwei; Wang, Junye

2018-02-01

Dissolution and precipitation of rock matrix are one of the most important processes of geological CO2 sequestration in reservoirs. They change connections of pore channels and properties of matrix, such as bulk density, microporosity and hydraulic conductivity. This study builds on a recently developed multi-layer model to account for dynamic changes of microporous matrix that can accurately predict variations in hydraulic properties and reaction rates due to dynamic changes in matrix porosity and pore connectivity. We apply the model to simulate the dissolution and precipitation processes of rock matrix in heterogeneous porous media to quantify (1) the effect of the reaction rate on dissolution and matrix porosity, (2) the effect of microporous matrix diffusion on the overall effective diffusion and (3) the effect of heterogeneity on hydraulic conductivity. The results show the CO2 storage influenced by factors including the matrix porosity change, reaction front movement, velocity and initial properties. We also simulated dissolution-induced permeability enhancement as well as effects of initial porosity heterogeneity. The matrix with very low permeability, which can be unresolved on X-ray CT, do contribute to flow patterns and dispersion. The concentration of reactant H+ increases along the main fracture paths where the flow velocity increases. The product Ca++ shows the inversed distribution pattern against the H+ concentration. This demonstrates the capability of this model to investigate the complex CO2 reactive transport in real 3D heterogeneous porous media.

Modeling and sensitivity analysis of mass transfer in active multilayer polymeric film for food applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bedane, T.; Di Maio, L.; Scarfato, P.; Incarnato, L.; Marra, F.

2015-12-01

The barrier performance of multilayer polymeric films for food applications has been significantly improved by incorporating oxygen scavenging materials. The scavenging activity depends on parameters such as diffusion coefficient, solubility, concentration of scavenger loaded and the number of available reactive sites. These parameters influence the barrier performance of the film in different ways. Virtualization of the process is useful to characterize, design and optimize the barrier performance based on physical configuration of the films. Also, the knowledge of values of parameters is important to predict the performances. Inverse modeling and sensitivity analysis are sole way to find reasonable values of poorly defined, unmeasured parameters and to analyze the most influencing parameters. Thus, the objective of this work was to develop a model to predict barrier properties of multilayer film incorporated with reactive layers and to analyze and characterize their performances. Polymeric film based on three layers of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with a core reactive layer, at different thickness configurations was considered in the model. A one dimensional diffusion equation with reaction was solved numerically to predict the concentration of oxygen diffused into the polymer taking into account the reactive ability of the core layer. The model was solved using commercial software for different film layer configurations and sensitivity analysis based on inverse modeling was carried out to understand the effect of physical parameters. The results have shown that the use of sensitivity analysis can provide physical understanding of the parameters which highly affect the gas permeation into the film. Solubility and the number of available reactive sites were the factors mainly influencing the barrier performance of three layered polymeric film. Multilayer films slightly modified the steady transport properties in comparison to net PET, giving a small reduction in the permeability and oxygen transfer rate values. Scavenging capacity of the multilayer film increased linearly with the increase of the reactive layer thickness and the oxygen absorption reaction at short times decreased proportionally with the thickness of the external PET layer.

Modeling and sensitivity analysis of mass transfer in active multilayer polymeric film for food applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bedane, T.; Di Maio, L.; Scarfato, P.

The barrier performance of multilayer polymeric films for food applications has been significantly improved by incorporating oxygen scavenging materials. The scavenging activity depends on parameters such as diffusion coefficient, solubility, concentration of scavenger loaded and the number of available reactive sites. These parameters influence the barrier performance of the film in different ways. Virtualization of the process is useful to characterize, design and optimize the barrier performance based on physical configuration of the films. Also, the knowledge of values of parameters is important to predict the performances. Inverse modeling and sensitivity analysis are sole way to find reasonable values ofmore » poorly defined, unmeasured parameters and to analyze the most influencing parameters. Thus, the objective of this work was to develop a model to predict barrier properties of multilayer film incorporated with reactive layers and to analyze and characterize their performances. Polymeric film based on three layers of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with a core reactive layer, at different thickness configurations was considered in the model. A one dimensional diffusion equation with reaction was solved numerically to predict the concentration of oxygen diffused into the polymer taking into account the reactive ability of the core layer. The model was solved using commercial software for different film layer configurations and sensitivity analysis based on inverse modeling was carried out to understand the effect of physical parameters. The results have shown that the use of sensitivity analysis can provide physical understanding of the parameters which highly affect the gas permeation into the film. Solubility and the number of available reactive sites were the factors mainly influencing the barrier performance of three layered polymeric film. Multilayer films slightly modified the steady transport properties in comparison to net PET, giving a small reduction in the permeability and oxygen transfer rate values. Scavenging capacity of the multilayer film increased linearly with the increase of the reactive layer thickness and the oxygen absorption reaction at short times decreased proportionally with the thickness of the external PET layer.« less

Reactive Transport Modeling of Induced Calcite Precipitation Reaction Fronts in Porous Media Using A Parallel, Fully Coupled, Fully Implicit Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, L.; Huang, H.; Gaston, D.; Redden, G. D.; Fox, D. T.; Fujita, Y.

2010-12-01

Inducing mineral precipitation in the subsurface is one potential strategy for immobilizing trace metal and radionuclide contaminants. Generating mineral precipitates in situ can be achieved by manipulating chemical conditions, typically through injection or in situ generation of reactants. How these reactants transport, mix and react within the medium controls the spatial distribution and composition of the resulting mineral phases. Multiple processes, including fluid flow, dispersive/diffusive transport of reactants, biogeochemical reactions and changes in porosity-permeability, are tightly coupled over a number of scales. Numerical modeling can be used to investigate the nonlinear coupling effects of these processes which are quite challenging to explore experimentally. Many subsurface reactive transport simulators employ a de-coupled or operator-splitting approach where transport equations and batch chemistry reactions are solved sequentially. However, such an approach has limited applicability for biogeochemical systems with fast kinetics and strong coupling between chemical reactions and medium properties. A massively parallel, fully coupled, fully implicit Reactive Transport simulator (referred to as “RAT”) based on a parallel multi-physics object-oriented simulation framework (MOOSE) has been developed at the Idaho National Laboratory. Within this simulator, systems of transport and reaction equations can be solved simultaneously in a fully coupled, fully implicit manner using the Jacobian Free Newton-Krylov (JFNK) method with additional advanced computing capabilities such as (1) physics-based preconditioning for solution convergence acceleration, (2) massively parallel computing and scalability, and (3) adaptive mesh refinements for 2D and 3D structured and unstructured mesh. The simulator was first tested against analytical solutions, then applied to simulating induced calcium carbonate mineral precipitation in 1D columns and 2D flow cells as analogs to homogeneous and heterogeneous porous media, respectively. In 1D columns, calcium carbonate mineral precipitation was driven by urea hydrolysis catalyzed by urease enzyme, and in 2D flow cells, calcium carbonate mineral forming reactants were injected sequentially, forming migrating reaction fronts that are typically highly nonuniform. The RAT simulation results for the spatial and temporal distributions of precipitates, reaction rates and major species in the system, and also for changes in porosity and permeability, were compared to both laboratory experimental data and computational results obtained using other reactive transport simulators. The comparisons demonstrate the ability of RAT to simulate complex nonlinear systems and the advantages of fully coupled approaches, over de-coupled methods, for accurate simulation of complex, dynamic processes such as engineered mineral precipitation in subsurface environments.

Compartmentalization and Transport in Synthetic Vesicles

PubMed Central

Schmitt, Christine; Lippert, Anna H.; Bonakdar, Navid; Sandoghdar, Vahid; Voll, Lars M.

2016-01-01

Nanoscale vesicles have become a popular tool in life sciences. Besides liposomes that are generated from phospholipids of natural origin, polymersomes fabricated of synthetic block copolymers enjoy increasing popularity, as they represent more versatile membrane building blocks that can be selected based on their specific physicochemical properties, such as permeability, stability, or chemical reactivity. In this review, we focus on the application of simple and nested artificial vesicles in synthetic biology. First, we provide an introduction into the utilization of multicompartmented vesosomes as compartmentalized nanoscale bioreactors. In the bottom-up development of protocells from vesicular nanoreactors, the specific exchange of pathway intermediates across compartment boundaries represents a bottleneck for future studies. To date, most compartmented bioreactors rely on unspecific exchange of substrates and products. This is either based on changes in permeability of the coblock polymer shell by physicochemical triggers or by the incorporation of unspecific porin proteins into the vesicle membrane. Since the incorporation of membrane transport proteins into simple and nested artificial vesicles offers the potential for specific exchange of substances between subcompartments, it opens new vistas in the design of protocells. Therefore, we devote the main part of the review to summarize the technical advances in the use of phospholipids and block copolymers for the reconstitution of membrane proteins. PMID:26973834

Boronic acid recognition of non-interacting carbohydrates for biomedical applications: increasing fluorescence signals of minimally interacting aldoses and sucralose†

PubMed Central

Resendez, Angel; Halim, Md Abdul; Singh, Jasmeet; Webb, Dominic-Luc

2017-01-01

To address carbohydrates that are commonly used in biomedical applications with low binding affinities for boronic acid based detection systems, two chemical modification methods were utilized to increase sensitivity. Modified carbohydrates were analyzed using a two component fluorescent probe based on boronic acid-appended viologen–HPTS (4,4′-o-BBV). Carbohydrates normally giving poor signals (fucose, l-rhamnose, xylose) were subjected to sodium borohydride (NaBH4) reduction in ambient conditions for 1 h yielding the corresponding sugar alcohols from fucose, l-rhamnose and xylose in essentially quantitative yields. Compared to original aldoses, apparent binding affinities were increased 4–25-fold. The chlorinated sweetener and colon permeability marker sucralose (Splenda), otherwise undetectable by boronic acids, was dechlorinated to a detectable derivative by reactive oxygen and hydroxide intermediates by the Fenton reaction or by H2O2 and UV light. This method is specific to sucralose as other common sugars, such as sucrose, do not contain any carbon-chlorine bonds. Significant fluorescence response was obtained for chemically modified sucralose with the 4,4′-o-BBV–HPTS probe system. This proof of principle can be applied to biomedical applications, such as gut permeability, malabsorption, etc. PMID:29130464

Experiments and modeling of variably permeable carbonate reservoir samples in contact with CO₂-acidified brines

DOE PAGES

Smith, Megan M.; Hao, Yue; Mason, Harris E.; ...

2014-12-31

Reactive experiments were performed to expose sample cores from the Arbuckle carbonate reservoir to CO₂-acidified brine under reservoir temperature and pressure conditions. The samples consisted of dolomite with varying quantities of calcite and silica/chert. The timescales of monitored pressure decline across each sample in response to CO₂ exposure, as well as the amount of and nature of dissolution features, varied widely among these three experiments. For all samples cores, the experimentally measured initial permeability was at least one order of magnitude or more lower than the values estimated from downhole methods. Nondestructive X-ray computed tomography (XRCT) imaging revealed dissolution featuresmore » including “wormholes,” removal of fracture-filling crystals, and widening of pre-existing pore spaces. In the injection zone sample, multiple fractures may have contributed to the high initial permeability of this core and restricted the distribution of CO₂-induced mineral dissolution. In contrast, the pre-existing porosity of the baffle zone sample was much lower and less connected, leading to a lower initial permeability and contributing to the development of a single dissolution channel. While calcite may make up only a small percentage of the overall sample composition, its location and the effects of its dissolution have an outsized effect on permeability responses to CO₂ exposure. The XRCT data presented here are informative for building the model domain for numerical simulations of these experiments but require calibration by higher resolution means to confidently evaluate different porosity-permeability relationships.« less

Performance of a Zerovalent Iron Reactive Barrier for the Treatment of Arsenic in Groundwater: Part 1. Hydrogeochemical Studies

EPA Science Inventory

Developments and improvements of remedial technologies are needed to effectively manage arsenic contamination in groundwater at hazardous waste sites. In June 2005, a 9.1 m long, 14 m deep, and 1.8 to 2.4 m wide (in the direction of groundwater flow) pilot-scale permeable reacti...

LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE MONITORING FOR A PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER AT THE U.S. COAST GUARD SUPPORT CENTER, ELIZABETH CITY, NORTH CAROLINA

EPA Science Inventory

A continuous hanging iron wall was installed in June, 1996, at the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Support Center near Elizabeth City, NC, United States, to treat overlapping plumes of chromate and chlorinated solvent compounds. The wall was emplaced using a continuous trenching machine...

LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE OF IN-SITU PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS FOR REMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED GROUND WATER

EPA Science Inventory

During this period one sampling trip was performed at the Denver federal site involving EPA and EPA-contractor ManTech) personnel. This occurred in May 1999. During that trip cells 1 and 2 were sampled. Cell 3, although planned to be sampled. was not due to access restrictions. I...

Geomechanical Response of Jointed Caprock During CO2 Geological Sequestration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newell, P.; Martinez, M. J.; Bishop, J. E.

2014-12-01

Geological sequestration of CO2 refers to the injection of supercritical CO2 into deep reservoirs trapped beneath a low-permeability caprock formation. Maintaining caprock integrity during the injection process is the most important factor for a successful injection. In this work we evaluate the potential for jointed caprock during injection scenarios using coupled three-dimensional multiphase flow and geomechanics modeling. Evaluation of jointed/fractured caprock systems is of particular concern to CO2 sequestration because creation or reactivation of joints (mechanical damage) can lead to enhanced pathways for leakage. In this work, we use an equivalent continuum approach to account for the joints within the caprock. Joint's aperture and non-linear stiffness of the caprock will be updated dynamically based on the effective normal stress. Effective permeability field will be updated based on the joints' aperture creating an anisotropic permeability field throughout the caprock. This feature would add another coupling between the solid and fluid in addition to basic Terzaghi's effective stress concept. In this study, we evaluate the impact of the joint's orientation and geometry of caprock and reservoir layers on geomechanical response of the CO2 geological systems. This work is supported as part of the Center for Frontiers of Subsurface Energy Security, an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences under Award Number DE-SC0001114. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

A THC Simulator for Modeling Fluid-Rock Interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamidi, Sahar; Galvan, Boris; Heinze, Thomas; Miller, Stephen

2014-05-01

Fluid-rock interactions play an essential role in many earth processes, from a likely influence on earthquake nucleation and aftershocks, to enhanced geothermal system, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and underground nuclear waste repositories. In THC models, two-way interactions between different processes (thermal, hydraulic and chemical) are present. Fluid flow influences the permeability of the rock especially if chemical reactions are taken into account. On one hand solute concentration influences fluid properties while, on the other hand, heat can affect further chemical reactions. Estimating heat production from a naturally fractured geothermal systems remains a complex problem. Previous works are typically based on a local thermal equilibrium assumption and rarely consider the salinity. The dissolved salt in fluid affects the hydro- and thermodynamical behavior of the system by changing the hydraulic properties of the circulating fluid. Coupled thermal-hydraulic-chemical models (THC) are important for investigating these processes, but what is needed is a coupling to mechanics to result in THMC models. Although similar models currently exist (e.g. PFLOTRAN), our objective here is to develop algorithms for implementation using the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) computer architecture to be run on GPU clusters. To that aim, we present a two-dimensional numerical simulation of a fully coupled non-isothermal non-reactive solute flow. The thermal part of the simulation models heat transfer processes for either local thermal equilibrium or nonequilibrium cases, and coupled to a non-reactive mass transfer described by a non-linear diffusion/dispersion model. The flow process of the model includes a non-linear Darcian flow for either saturated or unsaturated scenarios. For the unsaturated case, we use the Richards' approximation for a mixture of liquid and gas phases. Relative permeability and capillary pressure are determined by the van Genuchten relations. Permeability of rock is controlled by porosity, which is itself related to effective stress. The theoretical model is solved using explicit finite differences, and runs in parallel mode with OpenMP. The code is fully modular so that any combination of current THC processes, one- and two-phase, can be chosen. Future developments will include dissolution and precipitation of chemical components in addition to chemical erosion.

Flow Through Cement Fracture Under Geological Carbon Sequestration Conditions: Critical Residence Time as a Unifying Parameter for Fracture Opening or Self-Sealing Behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, L.; Brunet, J. P. L.; Karpyn, Z.; Huerta, N. J.

2016-12-01

During geological carbon sequestration (GCS) large quantities of CO2 are injected in underground formations. Cement fractures represent preferential leakage pathways in abandoned wells upon exposure to CO2-rich fluid. Contrasting self- healing and fracture opening behavior have been observed while a unifying framework is still missing. The modelling of this process is challenging as it involves complex chemical, mechanical and transport interactions. We developed a process-based reactive transport model that explicitly simulates flow and multi-component reactive transport in fractured cement by reproducing experimental observations of sharp flow rate reduction during exposure to carbonated water. Mechanical interactions have not been included. The simulation shows a similar reaction network as in diffusion-controlled systems without flow. That is, CO2-rich water induced portlandite dissolution, releasing calcium that further reacted with carbonate to form calcite. This created localized changes in porosity and permeability inducing large differences in the long term response of the system through a complex positive feedback loop (e.g., a decrease in local permeability induces a decrease in flow that in turn amplifies the precipitation of calcite through a reduced acidic brine flow). The calibrated model was used to generate 250 numerical experiments of CO2-flooding in cement fractures with varying initial hydraulic apertures (b) and residence times (τ) defined as the ratio of fracture volume over flow rate. A long τ leads to slow replenishment of carbonated water, calcite precipitation, and self-sealing. The opposite occurs when τ is small with short fractures and fast flow rates. Simulation results indicate that a critical residence time τc - the minimum τ required for self-sealing -divides the conditions that trigger the diverging opening and self-sealing behavior. The τc value depends on the initial aperture size (see figure). Among the 250 simulated fracture cases, significant changes in effective permeability - self-healing or opening - typically occurs within hours to a day, thus providing a supporting argument for the extrapolation of short-term laboratory observations (hours to months) to long-term predictions at relevant GCS time scales (years to hundreds of years).

An innovative computationally efficient hydromechanical coupling approach for fault reactivation in geological subsurface utilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adams, M.; Kempka, T.; Chabab, E.; Ziegler, M.

2018-02-01

Estimating the efficiency and sustainability of geological subsurface utilization, i.e., Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) requires an integrated risk assessment approach, considering the occurring coupled processes, beside others, the potential reactivation of existing faults. In this context, hydraulic and mechanical parameter uncertainties as well as different injection rates have to be considered and quantified to elaborate reliable environmental impact assessments. Consequently, the required sensitivity analyses consume significant computational time due to the high number of realizations that have to be carried out. Due to the high computational costs of two-way coupled simulations in large-scale 3D multiphase fluid flow systems, these are not applicable for the purpose of uncertainty and risk assessments. Hence, an innovative semi-analytical hydromechanical coupling approach for hydraulic fault reactivation will be introduced. This approach determines the void ratio evolution in representative fault elements using one preliminary base simulation, considering one model geometry and one set of hydromechanical parameters. The void ratio development is then approximated and related to one reference pressure at the base of the fault. The parametrization of the resulting functions is then directly implemented into a multiphase fluid flow simulator to carry out the semi-analytical coupling for the simulation of hydromechanical processes. Hereby, the iterative parameter exchange between the multiphase and mechanical simulators is omitted, since the update of porosity and permeability is controlled by one reference pore pressure at the fault base. The suggested procedure is capable to reduce the computational time required by coupled hydromechanical simulations of a multitude of injection rates by a factor of up to 15.

Research notes : free draining base materials properties.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1992-04-01

In the past few years, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has started designing and constructing permeable bases in both flexible and rigid pavements. Two types of permeable bases have been used: one is asphalt treated permeable base and ...

Reactive Oxygen Species/Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α/Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB Autocrine Loop Contributes to Cocaine-Mediated Alveolar Epithelial Barrier Damage

PubMed Central

Yang, Lu; Chen, Xufeng; Simet, Samantha M.; Hu, Guoku; Cai, Yu; Niu, Fang; Kook, Yeonhee

2016-01-01

Abuse of psychostimulants, such as cocaine, has been shown to be closely associated with complications of the lung, such as pulmonary hypertension, edema, increased inflammation, and infection. However, the mechanism by which cocaine mediates impairment of alveolar epithelial barrier integrity that underlies various pulmonary complications has not been well determined. Herein, we investigate the role of cocaine in disrupting the alveolar epithelial barrier function and the associated signaling cascade. Using the combinatorial electric cell–substrate impedance sensing and FITC-dextran permeability assays, we demonstrated cocaine-mediated disruption of the alveolar epithelial barrier, as evidenced by increased epithelial monolayer permeability with a concomitant loss of the tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 (Zo-1) in both mouse primary alveolar epithelial cells and the alveolar epithelial cell line, L2 cells. To dissect the signaling pathways involved in this process, we demonstrated that cocaine-mediated induction of permeability factors, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) and vascular endothelial growth factor, involved reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent induction of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α. Interestingly, we demonstrated that ROS-dependent induction of another transcription factor, nuclear factor erythroid-2–related factor-2, that did not play a role in cocaine-mediated barrier dysfunction. Importantly, this study identifies, for the first time, that ROS/HIF-1α/PDGF-BB autocrine loop contributes to cocaine-mediated barrier disruption via amplification of oxidative stress and downstream signaling. Corroboration of these cell culture findings in vivo demonstrated increased permeability of the alveolar epithelial barrier, loss of expression of Zo-1, and a concomitantly increased expression of both HIF-1α and PDGF-BB. Pharmacological blocking of HIF-1α significantly abrogated cocaine-mediated loss of Zo-1. Understanding the mechanism(s) by which cocaine mediates barrier dysfunction could provide insights into the development of potential therapeutic targets for cocaine-mediated pulmonary hypertension. PMID:27391108

Zea mays Annexins Modulate Cytosolic Free Ca2+ and Generate a Ca2+-Permeable Conductance[W

PubMed Central

Laohavisit, Anuphon; Mortimer, Jennifer C.; Demidchik, Vadim; Coxon, Katy M.; Stancombe, Matthew A.; Macpherson, Neil; Brownlee, Colin; Hofmann, Andreas; Webb, Alex A.R.; Miedema, Henk; Battey, Nicholas H.; Davies, Julia M.

2009-01-01

Regulation of reactive oxygen species and cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]cyt) is central to plant function. Annexins are small proteins capable of Ca2+-dependent membrane binding or membrane insertion. They possess structural motifs that could support both peroxidase activity and calcium transport. Here, a Zea mays annexin preparation caused increases in [Ca2+]cyt when added to protoplasts of Arabidopsis thaliana roots expressing aequorin. The pharmacological profile was consistent with annexin activation (at the extracellular plasma membrane face) of Arabidopsis Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channels. Secreted annexins could therefore modulate Ca2+ influx. As maize annexins occur in the cytosol and plasma membrane, they were incorporated at the intracellular face of lipid bilayers designed to mimic the plasma membrane. Here, they generated an instantaneously activating Ca2+-permeable conductance at mildly acidic pH that was sensitive to verapamil and Gd3+ and had a Ca2+-to-K+ permeability ratio of 0.36. These results suggest that cytosolic annexins create a Ca2+ influx pathway directly, particularly during stress responses involving acidosis. A maize annexin preparation also demonstrated in vitro peroxidase activity that appeared independent of heme association. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that plant annexins create Ca2+-permeable transport pathways, regulate [Ca2+]cyt, and may function as peroxidases in vitro. PMID:19234085

The dopamine-D2-receptor agonist ropinirole dose-dependently blocks the Ca2+-triggered permeability transition of mitochondria.

PubMed

Parvez, Suhel; Winkler-Stuck, Kirstin; Hertel, Silvia; Schönfeld, Peter; Siemen, Detlef

2010-01-01

Ropinirole, an agonist of the post-synaptic dopamine D2-receptor, exerts neuroprotective activity. The mechanism is still under discussion. Assuming that this neuroprotection might be associated with inhibition of the apoptotic cascade underlying cell death, we examined a possible effect of ropinirole on the permeability transition pore (mtPTP) in the mitochondrial inner membrane. Using isolated rat liver mitochondria, the effect of ropinirole was studied on Ca2+-triggered large amplitude swelling, membrane depolarization and cytochrome c release. In addition, the effect of ropinirole on oxidation of added, membrane-impermeable NADH was investigated. The results revealed doubtlessly, that ropinirole can inhibit permeability transition. In patch-clamp experiments on mitoplasts, we show directly that ropinirole interacts with the mtPTP. Thus, ropinirole reversibly inhibits the opening of mtPTP with an IC50 of 3.4 microM and a Hill coefficient of 1.3. In both systems (i.e. energized mitochondria and mitoplasts) the inhibitory effect on permeability transition was attenuated by increasing concentrations of inorganic phosphate. In addition, we showed with antimycin A-treated mitochondria that ropinirole failed to suppress respiratory chain-linked reactive oxygen species release. In conclusion, our data suggest that the neuroprotective activity of ropinirole is due to the blockade of the Ca2+-triggered permeability transition. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

NAD(P)H oxidase mediates the endothelial barrier dysfunction induced by TNF-alpha.

PubMed

Gertzberg, Nancy; Neumann, Paul; Rizzo, Victor; Johnson, Arnold

2004-01-01

We tested the hypothesis that the NAD(P)H oxidase-dependent generation of superoxide anion (O2-*) mediates tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF)-induced alterations in the permeability of pulmonary microvessel endothelial monolayers (PMEM). The permeability of PMEM was assessed by the clearance rate of Evans blue-labeled albumin. The NAD(P)H oxidase subcomponents p47phox and p22phox were assessed by immunofluorescent microscopy and Western blot. The reactive oxygen species O2-* was measured by the fluorescence of 6-carboxy-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetatedi(acetoxymethyl ester), 5 (and 6)-chloromethyl-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate-acetyl ester, and dihydroethidium. TNF treatment (50 ng/ml for 4.0 h) induced 1) p47phox translocation, 2) an increase in p22phox protein, 3) increased localization of p47phox with p22phox, 4) O2-* generation, and 5) increased permeability to albumin. p22phox antisense oligonucleotide prevented the TNF-induced effect on p22phox, p47phox, O2-*, and permeability. The scrambled nonsense oligonucleotide had no effect. The TNF-induced increase in O2-* and permeability to albumin was also prevented by the O2-* scavenger Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (100 U/ml). The results indicate that the activation of NAD(P)H oxidase, via the generation of O2-*, mediates TNF-induced barrier dysfunction in PMEM.

Reactive transport modeling of CO2 mineral sequestration in basaltic rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aradottir, E. S.; Sonnenthal, E. L.; Bjornsson, G.; Jonsson, H.

2011-12-01

CO2 mineral sequestration in basalt may provide a long lasting, thermodynamically stable, and environmentally benign solution to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Multi-dimensional, field scale, reactive transport models of this process have been developed with a focus on the CarbFix pilot CO2 injection in Iceland. An extensive natural analog literature review was conducted in order to identify the primary and secondary minerals associated with water-basalt interaction at low and elevated CO2 conditions. Based on these findings, an internally consistent thermodynamic database describing the mineral reactions of interest was developed and validated. Hydrological properties of field scale mass transport models were properly defined by calibration to field data using iTOUGH2. Reactive chemistry was coupled to the models and TOUGHREACT used for running predictive simulations carried out with the objective of optimizing long-term management of injection sites, to quantify the amount of CO2 that can be mineralized, and to identify secondary minerals that compete with carbonates for cations leached from the primary rock. Calibration of field data from the CarbFix reservoir resulted in a horizontal permeability for lava flows of 300 mD and a vertical permeability of 1700 mD. Active matrix porosity was estimated to be 8.5%. The CarbFix numerical models were a valuable engineering tool for designing optimal injection and production schemes aimed at increasing groundwater flow. Reactive transport simulations confirm dissolution of primary basaltic minerals as well as carbonate formation, and thus indicate in situ CO2 mineral sequestration in basalts to be a viable option. Furthermore, the simulations imply that clay minerals are most likely to compete with magnesite-siderite solid solutions for Mg and Fe leached from primary minerals, whereas zeolites compete with calcite for dissolved Ca. In the case of the CarbFix pilot injection, which involves a continuous injection of 1,100 tons CO2 in total for 6 months, the basalt hosted reservoir was estimated to have a 100% sequestering efficiency after 10 years. In the case of an upscaled 10 year long injection of 40,000 tons per year, sequestering efficiency of the same reservoir was estimated to be about 10% after 100 years. However, sequestering efficiency in the latter case has every potential of increasing substantially with time due to the vast amount of primary basaltic minerals in the reservoir.

Analytical model for the design of in situ horizontal permeable reactive barriers (HPRBs) for the mitigation of chlorinated solvent vapors in the unsaturated zone.

PubMed

Verginelli, Iason; Capobianco, Oriana; Hartog, Niels; Baciocchi, Renato

2017-02-01

In this work we introduce a 1-D analytical solution that can be used for the design of horizontal permeable reactive barriers (HPRBs) as a vapor mitigation system at sites contaminated by chlorinated solvents. The developed model incorporates a transient diffusion-dominated transport with a second-order reaction rate constant. Furthermore, the model accounts for the HPRB lifetime as a function of the oxidant consumption by reaction with upward vapors and its progressive dissolution and leaching by infiltrating water. Simulation results by this new model closely replicate previous lab-scale tests carried out on trichloroethylene (TCE) using a HPRB containing a mixture of potassium permanganate, water and sand. In view of field applications, design criteria, in terms of the minimum HPRB thickness required to attenuate vapors at acceptable risk-based levels and the expected HPRB lifetime, are determined from site-specific conditions such as vapor source concentration, water infiltration rate and HPRB mixture. The results clearly show the field-scale feasibility of this alternative vapor mitigation system for the treatment of chlorinated solvents. Depending on the oxidation kinetic of the target contaminant, a 1m thick HPRB can ensure an attenuation of vapor concentrations of orders of magnitude up to 20years, even for vapor source concentrations up to 10g/m 3 . A demonstrative application for representative contaminated site conditions also shows the feasibility of this mitigation system from an economical point of view with capital costs potentially somewhat lower than those of other remediation options, such as soil vapor extraction systems. Overall, based on the experimental and theoretical evaluation thus far, field-scale tests are warranted to verify the potential and cost-effectiveness of HPRBs for vapor mitigation control under various conditions of application. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Using Multiscale Modeling to Study Coupled Flow, Transport, Reaction and Biofilm Growth Processes in Porous Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valocchi, A. J.; Laleian, A.; Werth, C. J.

2017-12-01

Perturbation of natural subsurface systems by fluid inputs may induce geochemical or microbiological reactions that change porosity and permeability, leading to complex coupled feedbacks between reaction and transport processes. Some examples are precipitation/dissolution processes associated with carbon capture and storage and biofilm growth associated with contaminant transport and remediation. We study biofilm growth due to mixing controlled reaction of multiple substrates. As biofilms grow, pore clogging occurs which alters pore-scale flow paths thus changing the mixing and reaction. These interactions are challenging to quantify using conventional continuum-scale porosity-permeability relations. Pore-scale models can accurately resolve coupled reaction, biofilm growth and transport processes, but modeling at this scale is not feasible for practical applications. There are two approaches to address this challenge. Results from pore-scale models in generic pore structures can be used to develop empirical relations between porosity and continuum-scale parameters, such as permeability and dispersion coefficients. The other approach is to develop a multiscale model of biofilm growth in which non-overlapping regions at pore and continuum spatial scales are coupled by a suitable method that ensures continuity of flux across the interface. Thus, regions of high reactivity where flow alteration occurs are resolved at the pore scale for accuracy while regions of low reactivity are resolved at the continuum scale for efficiency. This approach thus avoids the need for empirical upscaling relations in regions with strong feedbacks between reaction and porosity change. We explore and compare these approaches for several two-dimensional cases.

Fluid involvement in normal faulting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sibson, Richard H.

2000-04-01

Evidence of fluid interaction with normal faults comes from their varied role as flow barriers or conduits in hydrocarbon basins and as hosting structures for hydrothermal mineralisation, and from fault-rock assemblages in exhumed footwalls of steep active normal faults and metamorphic core complexes. These last suggest involvement of predominantly aqueous fluids over a broad depth range, with implications for fault shear resistance and the mechanics of normal fault reactivation. A general downwards progression in fault rock assemblages (high-level breccia-gouge (often clay-rich) → cataclasites → phyllonites → mylonite → mylonitic gneiss with the onset of greenschist phyllonites occurring near the base of the seismogenic crust) is inferred for normal fault zones developed in quartzo-feldspathic continental crust. Fluid inclusion studies in hydrothermal veining from some footwall assemblages suggest a transition from hydrostatic to suprahydrostatic fluid pressures over the depth range 3-5 km, with some evidence for near-lithostatic to hydrostatic pressure cycling towards the base of the seismogenic zone in the phyllonitic assemblages. Development of fault-fracture meshes through mixed-mode brittle failure in rock-masses with strong competence layering is promoted by low effective stress in the absence of thoroughgoing cohesionless faults that are favourably oriented for reactivation. Meshes may develop around normal faults in the near-surface under hydrostatic fluid pressures to depths determined by rock tensile strength, and at greater depths in overpressured portions of normal fault zones and at stress heterogeneities, especially dilational jogs. Overpressures localised within developing normal fault zones also determine the extent to which they may reutilise existing discontinuities (for example, low-angle thrust faults). Brittle failure mode plots demonstrate that reactivation of existing low-angle faults under vertical σ1 trajectories is only likely if fluid overpressures are localised within the fault zone and the surrounding rock retains significant tensile strength. Migrating pore fluids interact both statically and dynamically with normal faults. Static effects include consideration of the relative permeability of the faults with respect to the country rock, and juxtaposition effects which determine whether a fault is transmissive to flow or acts as an impermeable barrier. Strong directional permeability is expected in the subhorizontal σ2 direction parallel to intersections between minor faults, extension fractures, and stylolites. Three dynamic mechanisms tied to the seismic stress cycle may contribute to fluid redistribution: (i) cycling of mean stress coupled to shear stress, sometimes leading to postfailure expulsion of fluid from vertical fractures; (ii) suction pump action at dilational fault jogs; and, (iii) fault-valve action when a normal fault transects a seal capping either uniformly overpressured crust or overpressures localised to the immediate vicinity of the fault zone at depth. The combination of σ2 directional permeability with fluid redistribution from mean stress cycling may lead to hydraulic communication along strike, contributing to the protracted earthquake sequences that characterise normal fault systems.

Long-term Performance of Permeable Reactive Barriers Using Zero-valent Iron: An Evaluation at Two Sites

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-01-01

samples were placed in a glass reaction vessel and purged with CO2- scrubbed air. The samples were then acidified with hot, 5% perchloric acid and...extractable carbon. Total sulfur measurements were made with a UIC sulfur coulometer system. Iron samples were covered with V2O5 and combusted in the

IN-SITU REMEDIATION OF ARSENIC IN SIMULATED GROUNDWATER USING ZEROVALENT IRON: LABORATORY COLUMN TESTS ON COMBINED EFFECTS OF PHOSPHATE AND SILICATE

EPA Science Inventory

We performed three column tests to study the behavior of permeable reactive barrier (PRB) materials to remove arsenic under dynamic flow conditions in the absence, as well as in the presence, of added phosphate and silicate. The column consisted of a 10.3-cm depth of 50 : 50 (w :...

Headspace Gas Chromatography Method for Studies of Reaction and Permeation of Volatile Agents with Solid Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

HEADSPACE GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY METHOD FOR STUDIES OF REACTION AND PERMEATION OF...TITLE AND SUBTITLE Headspace Gas Chromatography Method for Studies of Reaction and Permeation of Volatile Agents with Solid Materials 5a...method is described for measuring the reactivity and permeability of fabrics, films, and other solid materials. Headspace gas chromatography (GC)

Enhanced Attenuation: Chlorinated Organics

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-04-01

attenuation capacity of the aquifer downgradient from the source (e.g., permeable reactive barriers or phytoremediation ) Selection of EA remedies should be...ranging from very aggressive source destruction and removal methods to less energy-intensive methods, such as phytoremediation . In many cases, it...plumes that include chlorinated organics. The flux of organic-rich leachate to underlying aquifers can create favorable conditions for the natural

Mineral Precipitation Upgradient from a Zero-Valent Iron Permeable Reactive Barrier

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnson, R. L.; Thoms, R. B.; Johnson, R. O.

2008-07-01

Core samples taken from a zero-valent iron permeable reactive barrier (ZVI PRB) at Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant, Nebraska, were analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics. Precipitates containing iron and sulfide were present at much higher concentrations in native aquifer materials just upgradient of the PRB than in the PRB itself. Sulfur mass balance on core solids coupled with trends in ground water sulfate concentrations indicates that the average ground water flow after 20 months of PRB operation was approximately twenty fold less than the regional ground water velocity. Transport and reaction modeling of the aquifer PRB interface suggests that, atmore » the calculated velocity, both iron and hydrogen could diffuse upgradient against ground water flow and thereby contribute to precipitation in the native aquifer materials. The initial hydraulic conductivity (K) of the native materials is less than that of the PRB and, given the observed precipitation in the upgradient native materials, it is likely that K reduction occurred upgradient to rather than within the PRB. Although not directly implicated, guar gum used during installation of the PRB is believed to have played a role in the precipitation and flow reduction processes by enhancing microbial activity.« less

Horseradish Peroxidase-Encapsulated Hollow Silica Nanospheres for Intracellular Sensing of Reactive Oxygen Species

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hsin-Yi; Wu, Si-Han; Chen, Chien-Tsu; Chen, Yi-Ping; Chang, Feng-Peng; Chien, Fan-Ching; Mou, Chung-Yuan

2018-04-01

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have crucial roles in cell signaling and homeostasis. Overproduction of ROS can induce oxidative damage to various biomolecules and cellular structures. Therefore, developing an approach capable of monitoring and quantifying ROS in living cells is significant for physiology and clinical diagnoses. Some cell-permeable fluorogenic probes developed are useful for the detection of ROS while in conjunction with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Their intracellular scenario is however hindered by the membrane-impermeable property of enzymes. Herein, a new approach for intracellular sensing of ROS by using horseradish peroxidase-encapsulated hollow silica nanospheres (designated HRP@HSNs), with satisfactory catalytic activity, cell membrane permeability, and biocompatibility, was prepared via a microemulsion method. These HRP@HSNs, combined with selective probes or targeting ligands, could be foreseen as ROS-detecting tools in specific organelles or cell types. As such, dihydrorhodamine 123-coupled HRP@HSNs were used for the qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of physiological H2O2 levels in activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. We envision that this HSNs encapsulating active enzymes can be conjugated with selective probes and targeting ligands to detect ROS in specific organelles or cell types of interest.

Biological permeable reactive barriers coupled with electrokinetic soil flushing for the treatment of diesel-polluted clay soil.

PubMed

Mena, Esperanza; Ruiz, Clara; Villaseñor, José; Rodrigo, Manuel A; Cañizares, Pablo

2015-01-01

Removal of diesel from spiked kaolin has been studied in the laboratory using coupled electrokinetic soil flushing (EKSF) and bioremediation through an innovative biological permeable reactive barriers (Bio-PRBs) positioned between electrode wells. The results show that this technology is efficient in the removal of pollutants and allows the soil to maintain the appropriate conditions for microorganism growth in terms of pH, temperature, and nutrients. At the same time, EKSF was demonstrated to be a very interesting technology for transporting pollutants, microorganisms and nutrients, although results indicate that careful management is necessary to avoid the depletion of nutrients, which are effectively transported by electro-migration. After two weeks of operation, 30% of pollutants are removed and energy consumption is under 70 kWh m(-3). Main fluxes (electroosmosis and evaporation) and changes in the most relevant parameters (nutrients, diesel, microorganisms, surfactants, moisture conductivity and pH) during treatment and in a complete post-study analysis are studied to give a comprehensive description of the most relevant processes occurring in the soil (pollutant transport and biodegradation). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Heavy metal removal from MSWI fly ash by electrokinetic remediation coupled with a permeable activated charcoal reactive barrier

PubMed Central

Huang, Tao; Li, Dongwei; Kexiang, Liu; Zhang, Yuewei

2015-01-01

This paper presents the investigations into the feasibility of the application of a remediation system that couples electrokinetic remediation (EKR) with the permeable reactive barrier (PRB) concept for municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash with activated charcoal as the PRB material. The experimental results of this study showed that the proposed combined method can effectively improve the remediation efficiency and that the addition of the oxalic acid to the PRB media before the coupled system can further enhance the remediation process. In the optimization tests, the maximum removals of Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd were achieved under different experimental conditions. The voltage gradient and processing time were shown to have significant effects on the removal of Cu and Cd, whereas the addition of the oxalic acid had a more significant influence on the removal of Pb. Generally, the processing time is the most significant factor in changing the removal rates of HMs in the enhanced coupled system. In terms of the leaching toxicity, the specimen remediated by ENEKR + PRB showed the lowest leaching value for each HM in the S2 and S3 regions. PMID:26486449

Calcium carbonate-based permeable reactive barriers for iron and manganese groundwater remediation at landfills.

PubMed

Wang, Yu; Pleasant, Saraya; Jain, Pradeep; Powell, Jon; Townsend, Timothy

2016-07-01

High concentrations of iron (Fe(II)) and manganese (Mn(II)) reductively dissolved from soil minerals have been detected in groundwater monitoring wells near many municipal solid waste landfills. Two in situ permeable reactive barriers (PRBs), comprised of limestone and crushed concrete, were installed downgradient of a closed, unlined landfill in Florida, USA, to remediate groundwater containing high concentrations of these metals. Influent groundwater to the PRBs contained mean Fe and Mn concentrations of approximately 30mg/L and 1.62mg/L, respectively. PRBs were constructed in the shallow aquifer (maximum depth 4.6m below land surface) and groundwater was sampled from a network of nearby monitoring wells to evaluate barrier performance in removing these metals. PRBs significantly (p<0.05) removed dissolved Fe and Mn from influent groundwater; Fe was removed from influent water at average rates of 91% and 95% (by mass) for the limestone and crushed concrete PRBs, respectively, during the first year of the study. The performance of the PRBs declined after 3years of operation, with Fe removal efficiency decreasing to 64% and 61% for limestone and concrete PRBs, respectively. A comparison of water quality in shallow and deep monitoring wells showed a more dramatic performance reduction in the deeper section of the concrete PRB, which was attributed to an influx of sediment into the barrier and settling of particulates from the upper portions of the PRBs. Although removal of Fe and Mn from redox impacts was achieved with the PRBs, the short time frame of effectiveness relative to the duration of a full-scale remediation effort may limit the applicability of these systems at some landfills because of the construction costs required. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ascorbic Acid Prevents VEGF-induced Increases in Endothelial Barrier Permeability

PubMed Central

Ulker, Esad; Parker, William H.; Raj, Amita; Qu, Zhi-chao; May, James M.

2015-01-01

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increases endothelial barrier permeability, an effect that may contribute to macular edema in diabetic retinopathy. Since vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, can tighten the endothelial permeability barrier, we examined whether it could prevent the increase in permeability due to VEGF in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). As previously observed, VEGF increased HUVEC permeability to radiolabeled inulin within 60 min in a concentration-dependent manner. Loading the cells with increasing concentrations of ascorbate progressively prevented the leakage caused by 100 ng/ml VEGF, with a significant inhibition at 13 μM and complete inhibition at 50 μM. Loading cells with 100 μM ascorbate also decreased basal generation of reactive oxygen species and prevented the increase caused by both 100 ng/ml VEGF. VEGF treatment decreased intracellular ascorbate by 25%, thus linking ascorbate oxidation to its prevention of VEGF-induced barrier leakage. The latter was blocked by treating the cells with 60 μM L-NAME (but not D-NAME) as well as by 30 μM sepiapterin, a precursor of tetrahydrobiopterin that is required for proper function of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). These findings suggest that VEGF-induced barrier leakage uncouples eNOS. Ascorbate inhibition of the VEGF effect could thus be due either to scavenging superoxide or to peroxynitrite generated by the uncoupled eNOS, or more likely to its ability to recycle tetrahydrobiopterin, thus avoiding enzyme uncoupling in the first place. Ascorbate prevention of VEGF-induced increases in endothelial permeability opens the possibility that its repletion could benefit diabetic macular edema. PMID:26590088

Experimental and numerical analysis of parallel reactant flow and transverse mixing with mineral precipitation in homogeneous and heterogeneous porous media

DOE PAGES

Fox, Don T.; Guo, Luanjing; Fujita, Yoshiko; ...

2015-12-17

Formation of mineral precipitates in the mixing interface between two reactant solutions flowing in parallel in porous media is governed by reactant mixing by diffusion and dispersion and is coupled to changes in porosity/permeability due to precipitation. The spatial and temporal distribution of mixing-dependent precipitation of barium sulfate in porous media was investigated with side-by-side injection of barium chloride and sodium sulfate solutions in thin rectangular flow cells packed with quartz sand. The results for homogeneous sand beds were compared to beds with higher or lower permeability inclusions positioned in the path of the mixing zone. In the homogeneous andmore » high permeability inclusion experiments, BaSO 4 precipitate (barite) formed in a narrow deposit along the length and in the center of the solution–solution mixing zone even though dispersion was enhanced within, and downstream of, the high permeability inclusion. In the low permeability inclusion experiment, the deflected BaSO 4 precipitation zone broadened around one side and downstream of the inclusion and was observed to migrate laterally toward the sulfate solution. A continuum-scale fully coupled reactive transport model that simultaneously solves the nonlinear governing equations for fluid flow, transport of reactants and geochemical reactions was used to simulate the experiments and provide insight into mechanisms underlying the experimental observations. Lastly, migration of the precipitation zone in the low permeability inclusion experiment could be explained by the coupling effects among fluid flow, reactant transport and localized mineral precipitation reaction.« less

Stable room temperature magnetocurrent in electrodeposited permeable n-type metal base transistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silva, G. V. O.; Teixeira, H. A.; Mello, S. L. A.; de Araujo, C. I. L.

2018-02-01

We investigated a permeable metal base transistor consisting of a ZnO/NiFe/Si heterostructure. Both ZnO and NiFe layers were grown by electrodeposition techniques, using only adhesive tape masks to define deposition regions. The base permeability can thus be controlled by varying the NiFe deposition time. We report here our best results obtained for the permeable NiFe base close to the electrical percolation threshold, which gives reasonable sensitivity to the device. Magnetocurrent measurements carried out at room temperature show that this permeable metal base transistor is stable and sensitive under applied magnetic fields of low intensities, ˜100 Oe, required for electronics integration.

BEARKIMPE-2: A VBA Excel program for characterizing granular iron in treatability studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Firdous, R.; Devlin, J. F.

2014-02-01

The selection of a suitable kinetic model to investigate the reaction rate of a contaminant with granular iron (GI) is essential to optimize the permeable reactive barrier (PRB) performance in terms of its reactivity. The newly developed Kinetic Iron Model (KIM) determines the surface rate constant (k) and sorption parameters (Cmax &J) which were not possible to uniquely identify previously. The code was written in Visual Basic (VBA), within Microsoft Excel, was adapted from earlier command line FORTRAN codes, BEARPE and KIMPE. The program is organized with several user interface screens (UserForms) that guide the user step by step through the analysis. BEARKIMPE-2 uses a non-linear optimization algorithm to calculate transport and chemical kinetic parameters. Both reactive and non-reactive sites are considered. A demonstration of the functionality of BEARKIMPE-2, with three nitroaromatic compounds showed that the differences in reaction rates for these compounds could be attributed to differences in their sorption behavior rather than their propensities to accept electrons in the reduction process.

Influence of reactive fillers on concrete corrosion resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakhimbayev, Sh M.; Tolypina, N. M.; Khakhaleva, E. N.

2018-03-01

Contact surfaces represent the weakest link in a conglomerate structure of materials. They ensure the diffusion of aggressive agents inside the material. To reduce the conductivity of contact surfaces it is advisable to use reactive fillers, which interact with cement matrix via certain mechanisms, which in turn, reduces the permeability of the contact layer and fosters durability of products. The interaction of reactive fillers with calcium hydroxide of a concrete liquid phase in a contact area leads to the formation of hydrated calcium silicates of a tobermorite group. Such compounds, being settled in pores and capillaries of a product, colmatage and clog them to some extent thus leading to diffusion delay (inhibition) with regard to aggressive components of external media inside porous material, which in turn inhibits the corrosion rate. The authors studied and compared the corrosion of cement concrete with a standard filler (quartz sand) and a reactive filler (perlite and urtit). The experiments confirmed the positive influence of active fillers on concrete corrosion resistance.

Capturing poromechanical coupling effects of the reactive fracturing process in porous rock via a DEM-network model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulven, Ole Ivar; Sun, WaiChing

2016-04-01

Fluid transport in a porous medium has important implications for understanding natural geological processes. At a sufficiently large scale, a fluid-saturated porous medium can be regarded as a two-phase continuum, with the fluid constituent flowing in the Darcian regime. Nevertheless, a fluid mediated chemical reaction can in some cases change the permeability of the rock locally: Mineral dissolution can cause increased permeability, whereas mineral precipitation can reduce the permeability. This might trigger a complicated hydro-chemo-mechanical coupling effect that causes channeling of fluids or clogging of the system. If the fluid is injected or produced at a sufficiently high rate, the pressure might increase enough to cause the onset and propagation of fractures. Fractures in return create preferential flow paths that enhance permeability, localize fluid flow and chemical reaction, prevent build-up of pore pressure and cause anisotropy of the hydro-mechanical responses of the effective medium. This leads to a complex coupled process of solid deformation, chemical reaction and fluid transport enhanced by the fracture formation. In this work, we develop a new coupled numerical model to study the complexities of feedback among fluid pressure evolution, fracture formation and permeability changes due to a chemical process in a 2D system. We combine a discrete element model (DEM) previously used to study a volume expanding process[1, 2] with a new fluid transport model based on poroelasticity[3] and a fluid-mediated chemical reaction that changes the permeability of the medium. This provides new insights into the hydro-chemo-mechanical process of a transforming porous medium. References [1] Ulven, O. I., Storheim, H., Austrheim, H., and Malthe-Sørenssen, A. "Fracture Initiation During Volume Increasing Reactions in Rocks and Applications for CO2 Sequestration", Earth Planet. Sc. Lett. 389C, 2014a, pp. 132 - 142, doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2013.12.039. [2] Ulven, O. I., Jamtveit, B., and Malthe-Sørenssen, A., "Reaction-driven fracturing of porous rock", J. Geophys. Res. Solid Earth 119, 2014b, doi:10.1002/2014JB011102. [3] Ulven, O. I., and Sun, W.C., "A locally mass-conserving dual-graph lattice model for fluid-driven fracture", in prep.

Basin-Scale Leakage Risks from Geologic Carbon Sequestration: Impact on Carbon Capture and Storage Energy Market Competitiveness

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Peters, Catherine; Fitts, Jeffrey; Wilson, Elizabeth

This three-year project, performed by Princeton University in partnership with the University of Minnesota and Brookhaven National Laboratory, examined geologic carbon sequestration in regard to CO{sub 2} leakage and potential subsurface liabilities. The research resulted in basin-scale analyses of CO{sub 2} and brine leakage in light of uncertainties in the characteristics of leakage processes, and generated frameworks to monetize the risks of leakage interference with competing subsurface resources. The geographic focus was the Michigan sedimentary basin, for which a 3D topographical model was constructed to represent the hydrostratigraphy. Specifically for Ottawa County, a statistical analysis of the hydraulic properties ofmore » underlying sedimentary formations was conducted. For plausible scenarios of injection into the Mt. Simon sandstone, leakage rates were estimated and fluxes into shallow drinking-water aquifers were found to be less than natural analogs of CO{sub 2} fluxes. We developed the Leakage Impact Valuation (LIV) model in which we identified stakeholders and estimated costs associated with leakage events. It was found that costs could be incurred even in the absence of legal action or other subsurface interference because there are substantial costs of finding and fixing the leak and from injection interruption. We developed a model framework called RISCS, which can be used to predict monetized risk of interference with subsurface resources by combining basin-scale leakage predictions with the LIV method. The project has also developed a cost calculator called the Economic and Policy Drivers Module (EPDM), which comprehensively calculates the costs of carbon sequestration and leakage, and can be used to examine major drivers for subsurface leakage liabilities in relation to specific injection scenarios and leakage events. Finally, we examined the competiveness of CCS in the energy market. This analysis, though qualitative, shows that financial incentives, such as a carbon tax, are needed for coal combustion with CCS to gain market share. In another part of the project we studied the role of geochemical reactions in affecting the probability of CO{sub 2} leakage. A basin-scale simulation tool was modified to account for changes in leakage rates due to permeability alterations, based on simplified mathematical rules for the important geochemical reactions between acidified brines and caprock minerals. In studies of reactive flows in fractured caprocks, we examined the potential for permeability increases, and the extent to which existing reactive transport models would or would not be able to predict it. Using caprock specimens from the Eau Claire and Amherstburg, we found that substantial increases in permeability are possible for caprocks that have significant carbonate content, but minimal alteration is expected otherwise. We also found that while the permeability increase may be substantial, it is much less than what would be predicted from hydrodynamic models based on mechanical aperture alone because the roughness that is generated tends to inhibit flow.« less

Development of Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRB) Using Edible Oils

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-01

developed for the in-situ treatment of hazardous constituents including chlorinated solvents, perchlorate (ClO4-), chromate (CrO4-2) and oxidized... beef tallow, melted corn oil margarine, coconut oil and molasses supported the complete reductive dehalogenation of PCE to ethene in microcosms using...anaerobic bioremediation processes are being developed for the in-situ treatment of hazardous constituents including chlorinated solvents, perchlorate

Permeable Reactive Barriers: Lessons Learned/New Directions

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-02-01

set up to treat simulated mine drainage indicates that the sulfide minerals form in close proximity to the organic solids (Waybrant, Ptacek, and...both vertically and horizontally along the PRB installation area. Groundwater and solute transport modeling can be used to simulate representative...2001; Elder, Benson, and Eykholt 2002). The numerical simulations show that the spatial variations in the hydraulic conductivity of both the aquifer

Evaluation of native microbial soil populations at a trichloroethylene contaminated Superfund site in the presence of a permeable reactive barrier (biowall) using a metagenomics approach

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Beaverdam Road Landfill occupies 3.5 acres and was an active disposal site for miscellaneous non-hazardous waste from 1943 to 1990, before being capped. In 1994, this site was included on the Nation Priorities List (NPL) for periodic inspection and remediation in accordance with the program regu...

Roles of URLs in Probing Controls on Induced Seismicity and Permeability Evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elsworth, D.

2014-12-01

The generation and extension of new fractures and the development of controlled slip and opening are an implicit component in both forming and in enhancing flow pathways to unlock hydrocarbons and geothermal energy in otherwise very low permeability formations. The opposite is true for containment structures and caprocks. The complex stress state coupled with pre-existing fracture networks means that new flow pathways may develop in complex ways including varied modes of dilatation and slip, deformation that may be seismic or aseismic and permeability that may net increase of decrease. Where this deformation relies on either the reactivation, extension or development of fractures, this evolution is intrinsically scale dependent requiring that an improved understanding of this dynamic response must interrogate its evolution at representative scales - scales of decimeters to a few meters. We explore the controls on instability through frictional slip and instability including changes related to environmental conditions and physical properties. The former relate to changes in effective stress driven by fluid pressures, thermal and chemical stresses and the latter to changes in strength and stability conditioned on initial or evolving mineralogy. We identify important contemporary questions that are intrinsically scale dependent and may be effectively probed by field experimentation linking deformation and permeability.

Remediation of the Highland Drive South Ravine, Port Hope, Ontario: Contaminated Groundwater Discharge Management Using Permeable Reactive Barriers and Contaminated Sediment Removal - 13447

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smyth, David; Roos, Gillian; Ferguson Jones, Andrea

2013-07-01

The Highland Drive South Ravine (HDSR) is the discharge area for groundwater originating from the Highland Drive Landfill, the Pine Street North Extension (PSNE) roadbed parts of the Highland Drive roadbed and the PSNE Consolidation Site that contain historical low-level radioactive waste (LLRW). The contaminant plume from these LLRW sites contains elevated concentrations of uranium and arsenic and discharges with groundwater to shallow soils in a wet discharge area within the ravine, and directly to Hunt's Pond and Highland Drive South Creek, which are immediately to the south of the wet discharge area. Remediation and environmental management plans for HDSRmore » have been developed within the framework of the Port Hope Project and the Port Hope Area Initiative. The LLRW sites will be fully remediated by excavation and relocation to a new Long-Term Waste Management Facility (LTWMF) as part of the Port Hope Project. It is projected, however, that the groundwater contaminant plume between the remediated LLRW sites and HDSR will persist for several hundreds of years. At the HDSR, sediment remediation within Hunt's Ponds and Highland Drive South Creek, excavation of the existing and placement of clean fill will be undertaken to remove current accumulations of solid-phase uranium and arsenic associated with the upper 0.75 m of soil in the wet discharge area, and permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) will be used for in situ treatment of contaminated groundwater to prevent the ongoing discharge of uranium and arsenic to the area in HDSR where shallow soil excavation and replacement has been undertaken. Bench-scale testing using groundwater from HDSR has confirmed excellent treatment characteristics for both uranium and arsenic using permeable reactive mixtures containing granular zero-valent iron (ZVI). A sequence of three PRBs containing ZVI and sand in backfilled trenches has been designed to intercept the groundwater flow system prior to its discharge to the ground surface and the creek and ponds in the HDSR. The first of the PRBs will be installed immediately up-gradient of the wet discharge area approximately 50 m from the creek, the other two will be installed across the area of shallow soil replacement, and all will extend from ground surface to the base of the water table aquifer through which the impacted groundwater flows. The PRBs have been designed to provide the removal of uranium and arsenic for decades, although the capacity of the treatment mixture for contaminant removal suggests that a longer period of treatment may be feasible. The environmental management plan includes an allowance for on-going monitoring, and replacement of a PRB(s) as might be required. (authors)« less

Interprétation hydrogéologique de l'aquifère des bassins sud-rifains (Maroc) : apport de la sismique réflexionHydrogeological interpretation of the southern Rifean basins aquifer (Morocco): seismic reflexion contribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zouhri, Lahcen; Gorini, Christian; Lamouroux, Christian; Vachard, Daniel; Dakki, Mohammed

2003-03-01

The aquifer of the Rharb Basin is constituted by heterogeneous material. The seismic reflexion interpretation carried out in this area, highlighted a permeable device compartmentalized in raised and subsided blocks. Depressions identified in the northern and southernmost zones are characterized by Plio-Quaternary fillings that are favourable to the hydrogeological exploitation. Two mechanisms contribute to structure the Plio-Quaternary aquifer: the Hercynian reactivation in the southernmost part, and the gravitational mechanism of the Pre-Rifean nappe. The groundwater flow and the aquifer thickening are controlled by this reactivation.

Radionuclide removal by apatite

DOE PAGES

Rigali, Mark J.; Brady, Patrick V.; Moore, Robert C.

2016-12-01

In this study, a growing body of research supports widespread future reliance on apatite for radioactive waste cleanup. Apatite is a multi-functional radionuclide sorbent that lowers dissolved radionuclide concentrations by surface sorption, ion exchange, surface precipitation, and by providing phosphate to precipitate low-solubility radionuclide-containing minerals. Natural apatites are rich in trace elements, and apatite’s stability in the geologic record suggest that radionuclides incorporated into apatite, whether in a permeable reactive barrier or a waste form, are likely to remain isolated from the biosphere for long periods of time. Here we outline the mineralogic and surface origins of apatite-radionuclide reactivity andmore » show how apatites might be used to environmental advantage in the future.« less

Cardiovascular and intestinal responses to oxidative and nitrosative stress during prolonged magnesium deficiency.

PubMed

Weglicki, William B; Chmielinska, Joanna J; Kramer, Jay H; Mak, I Tong

2011-08-01

In rodents with dietary magnesium deficiency (Mg deficiency), hypomagnesemia, occurs leading to a rise in circulating substance P from neuronal tissues to trigger systemic inflammatory stress in cardiac and intestinal tissues. Sustained elevations of substance P may result from impaired neutral endopeptidase (NEP) activity due to reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species. Associated increase in intestinal permeability includes infiltration of WBC and endotoxemia, which can further amplify the systemic inflammatory response that leads to impaired contractile function associated with up-regulation of the cardiac CD14 endotoxin receptor. The neurogenic signal transduction pathways that we have identified in the pro-oxidant/pro-inflammatory processes found with prolonged hypomagnesemia are described in this report.

Circulating Biomarkers of Gut Barrier Function: Correlates and Nonresponse to Calcium Supplementation among Colon Adenoma Patients.

PubMed

Yang, Baiyu; Bostick, Roberd M; Tran, Hao Quang; Gewirtz, Andrew T; Campbell, Peter T; Fedirko, Veronika

2016-02-01

Gut barrier dysfunction contributes to several gastrointestinal disorders, including colorectal cancer, but factors associated with intestinal hyperpermeability have been minimally studied in humans. We tested the effects of two doses of calcium (1.0 or 2.0 g/d) on circulating biomarkers of gut permeability [anti-flagellin and anti-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Ig, measured via ELISA] over a 4-month treatment period among colorectal adenoma patients in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial (n = 193), and evaluated the factors associated with baseline levels of these biomarkers. Baseline concentrations of anti-flagellin IgA and anti-LPS IgA were, respectively, statistically significantly proportionately higher by 11.8% and 14.1% among men, 31.3% and 39.8% among those with a body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m(2), and 19.9% and 22.0% among those in the upper relative to the lowest sex-specific tertile of waist circumference. A combined permeability score (the summed optical densities of all four biomarkers) was 24.3% higher among women in the upper tertile of plasma C-reactive protein (Ptrend < 0.01). We found no appreciable effects of supplemental calcium on anti-flagellin or anti-LPS Igs. Our results suggest that (i) men and those with higher adiposity may have greater gut permeability, (ii) gut permeability and systemic inflammation may be directly associated with one another, and (iii) supplemental calcium may not modify circulating levels of gut permeability biomarkers within 4 months. Our findings may improve the understanding of the factors that influence gut permeability to inform development of treatable biomarkers of risk for colorectal cancer and other health outcomes. ©2015 American Association for Cancer Research.

Cytotoxicity, permeability, and inflammation of metal oxide nanoparticles in human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells: cytotoxicity, permeability, and inflammation of metal oxide nanoparticles.

PubMed

Sun, Jing; Wang, Shaochuang; Zhao, Dong; Hun, Fei Han; Weng, Lei; Liu, Hui

2011-10-01

Wide applications and extreme potential of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) increase occupational and public exposure and may yield extraordinary hazards for human health. Exposure to NPs has a risk for dysfunction of the vascular endothelial cells. The objective of this study was to assess the cytotoxicity of six metal oxide NPs to human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) in vitro. Metal oxide NPs used in this study included zinc oxide (ZnO), iron(III) oxide (Fe(2)O(3)), iron(II,III) oxide (Fe(3)O(4)), magnesium oxide (MgO), aluminum oxide (Al(2)O(3)), and copper(II) oxide (CuO). The cell viability, membrane leakage of lactate dehydrogenase, intracellular reactive oxygen species, permeability of plasma membrane, and expression of inflammatory markers vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, macrophage cationic peptide-1, and interleukin-8 in HCMECs were assessed under controlled and exposed conditions (12-24 h and 0.001-100 μg/ml of exposure). The results indicated that Fe(2)O(3), Fe(3)O(4), and Al(2)O(3) NPs did not have significant effects on cytotoxicity, permeability, and inflammation response in HCMECs at any of the concentrations tested. ZnO, CuO, and MgO NPs produced the cytotoxicity at the concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner, and elicited the permeability and inflammation response in HCMECs. These results demonstrated that cytotoxicity, permeability, and inflammation in vascular endothelial cells following exposure to metal oxide nanoparticles depended on particle composition, concentration, and exposure time. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011

Clay minerals related to the circulation of geothermal fluids in boreholes at Rittershoffen (Alsace, France)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vidal, Jeanne; Patrier, Patricia; Genter, Albert; Beaufort, Daniel; Dezayes, Chrystel; Glaas, Carole; Lerouge, Catherine; Sanjuan, Bernard

2018-01-01

Two geothermal wells, GRT-1 and GRT-2, were drilled into the granite at Rittershoffen (Alsace, France) in the Upper Rhine Graben to exploit geothermal resources at the sediment-basement interface. Brine circulation occurs in a permeable fracture network and leads to hydrothermal alteration of the host rocks. The goal of the study was to characterize the petrography and mineralogy of the altered rocks with respect to the permeable fracture zones in the granitic basement. As clay minerals are highly reactive to hydrothermal alteration, they can be used as indicators of present-day and paleo-circulation systems. Special attention has been paid to the textural, structural and chemical properties of these minerals. The fine-grained clay fraction (< 5 μm) was analyzed around the originally permeable fracture zones to observe the crystal structure of clay minerals using X-ray diffraction. Chemical microanalysis of the clay minerals was performed using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The occurrences of mixed layers illite-smectite ( 10% smectite) provide a promising guide for identifying the fracture zones that control the present-day circulation of geothermal fluids in the Rittershoffen wells. However, multistage paleo-circulation systems could lead to an abundance of heterogeneous and fine-grained illitic minerals that could plug the fracture system. The permeability of fracture zones in the GRT-1 well was likely reduced because of an intense illitization, and the well was stimulated. The occurrence of chlorite in the permeable fracture zones of GRT-2 is indicative of less intense illitization, and the natural permeability is much higher in GRT-2 than in GRT-1.

Influence of the spatial distribution of cementation on the permeability and mechanical attributes of sedimentary and fault rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mozley, P.; Yoon, H.; Williams, R. T.; Goodwin, L. B.

2015-12-01

The spatial distribution of pore-filling authigenic minerals (cements) is highly variable and controlled in large part by the mineralogy of the cements and host sediment grains. Two end-member distributions of cements that commonly occur in sedimentary material are: (1) concretionary, in which precipitation occurred in specific zones throughout the sediment, with intervening areas largely uncemented; and (2) grain-rimming, in which precipitation occurred on grain-surfaces relatively uniformly throughout the rock. Concretions form in rocks in which sediment grains have a different composition from the cement, whereas rim cements form in those that have the same composition. Both the mechanical attributes and permeability of a given volume of rock are affected to a much greater extent by grain rimming cements, which have a significant impact on properties at even low abundances. Concretionary cements have little impact on bulk properties until relatively large volumes have precipitated (~80% cemented) and concretions begin to link up. Precipitation of cement in fault zones also impacts both mechanical and hydrologic properties. Cementation will stiffen and strengthen unlithified sediment, thereby controlling the locus of fracturing in protolith or damage zones. Where fracture networks form in fault damage zones, they are initially high permeability elements. However, progressive cementation greatly diminishes fracture permeability, resulting in cyclical permeability variation linked to fault slip. To quantitatively describe the interactions of groundwater flow, permeability, and patterns and abundance of cements, we use pore-scale modeling of coupled fluid flow, reactive transport, and heterogeneous mineral-surface reactions. By exploring the effects of varying distributions of porosity and mineralogy, which impact patterns of cementation, we provide mechanistic explanations of the interactions of coupled processes under various flow and chemistry conditions.

Multifunctional porous solids derived from tannins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Celzard, Alain; Fierro, Vanessa; Pizzi, Antonio; Zhao, Weigang

2013-03-01

Tannins are extremely valuable, non toxic, wood extractives combining reactivity towards aldehydes, low cost, natural origin and easy handling. When polymerized in the presence of suitable chemicals including blowing agent, ultra lightweight rigid tannin-based foams are obtained. If pyrolyzed under inert gas, reticulated carbon foams having the same pore structure and the same density are obtained. The most remarkable features of tannin-based foams are the following: mechanical resistance similar to, or higher than, that of commercial phenolic foams, tuneable pore size and permeability, infusibility, very low thermal conductivity, cheapness, ecological character, high resistance to flame and to chemicals. Carbon foams have even better properties and are also electrically conducting. Consequently, various applications are suggested for organic foams: cores of sandwich composite panels, sound and shock absorbers and thermal insulators, whereas carbon foams can be used as porous electrodes, filters for molten metals and corrosive chemicals, catalyst supports and adsorbents.

Predicting Large-scale Effects During Cookoff of Plastic-Bonded Explosives (PBX 9501 PBX 9502 and LX-14)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hobbs, Michael L.; Kaneshige, Michael J.; Erikson, William W.

In this study, we have made reasonable cookoff predictions of large-scale explosive systems by using pressure-dependent kinetics determined from small-scale experiments. Scale-up is determined by properly accounting for pressure generated from gaseous decomposition products and the volume that these reactive gases occupy, e.g. trapped within the explosive, the system, or vented. The pressure effect on the decomposition rates has been determined for different explosives by using both vented and sealed experiments at low densities. Low-density explosives are usually permeable to decomposition gases and can be used in both vented and sealed configurations to determine pressure-dependent reaction rates. In contrast, explosivesmore » that are near the theoretical maximum density (TMD) are not as permeable to decomposition gases, and pressure-dependent kinetics are difficult to determine. Ignition in explosives at high densities can be predicted by using pressure-dependent rates determined from the low-density experiments as long as gas volume changes associated with bulk thermal expansion are also considered. In the current work, cookoff of the plastic-bonded explosives PBX 9501 and PBX 9502 is reviewed and new experimental work on LX-14 is presented. Reactive gases are formed inside these heated explosives causing large internal pressures. The pressure is released differently for each of these explosives. For PBX 9501, permeability is increased and internal pressure is relieved as the nitroplasticizer melts and decomposes. Internal pressure in PBX 9502 is relieved as the material is damaged by cracks and spalling. For LX-14, internal pressure is not relieved until the explosive thermally ignites. The current paper is an extension of work presented at the 26th ICDERS symposium [1].« less

Long-term performance monitoring for a permeable reactive barrier at the U.S. Coast Guard Support Center, Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

PubMed

Puls, R W; Blowes, D W; Gillham, R W

1999-08-12

A continuous hanging iron wall was installed in June, 1996, at the U. S. Coast Guard (USCG) Support Center near Elizabeth City, NC, United States, to treat overlapping plumes of chromate and chlorinated solvent compounds. The wall was emplaced using a continuous trenching machine whereby native soil and aquifer sediment was removed and the iron simultaneously emplaced in one continuous excavation and fill operation. To date, there have been seven rounds (November 1996, March 1997, June 1997, September 1997, December 1997, March 1998, and June 1998) of performance monitoring of the wall. At this time, this is the only full-scale continuous 'hanging' wall installed as a permeable reactive barrier to remediate both chlorinated solvent compounds and chromate in groundwater. Performance monitoring entails the following: sampling of 10-5 cm PVC compliance wells and 15 multi-level samplers for the following constituents: TCE, cis-dichloroethylene (c-DCE), vinyl chloride, ethane, ethene, acetylene, methane, major anions, metals, Cr(VI), Fe(II), total sulfides, dissolved H(2), Eh, pH, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, alkalinity, and turbidity. Electrical conductivity profiles have been conducted using a Geoprobe to verify emplacement of the continuous wall as designed and to locate upgradient and downgradient wall interfaces for coring purposes. Coring has been conducted in November, 1996, in June and September, 1997, and March, 1998, to evaluate the rate of corrosion on the iron surfaces, precipitate buildup (particularly at the upgradient interface), and permeability changes due to wall emplacement. In addition to several continuous vertical cores, angled cores through the 0.6-m thick wall have been collected to capture upgradient and downgradient wall interfaces along approximate horizontal flow paths for mineralogic analyses.

Nonstationary porosity evolution in mixing zone in coastal carbonate aquifer using an alternative modeling approach.

PubMed

Laabidi, Ezzeddine; Bouhlila, Rachida

2015-07-01

In the last few decades, hydrogeochemical problems have benefited from the strong interest in numerical modeling. One of the most recognized hydrogeochemical problems is the dissolution of the calcite in the mixing zone below limestone coastal aquifer. In many works, this problem has been modeled using a coupling algorithm between a density-dependent flow model and a geochemical model. A related difficulty is that, because of the high nonlinearity of the coupled set of equations, high computational effort is needed. During calcite dissolution, an increase in permeability can be identified, which can induce an increase in the penetration of the seawater into the aquifer. The majority of the previous studies used a fully coupled reactive transport model in order to model such problem. Romanov and Dreybrodt (J Hydrol 329:661-673, 2006) have used an alternative approach to quantify the porosity evolution in mixing zone below coastal carbonate aquifer at steady state. This approach is based on the analytic solution presented by Phillips (1991) in his book Flow and Reactions in Permeable Rock, which shows that it is possible to decouple the complex set of equation. This equation is proportional to the square of the salinity gradient, which can be calculated using a density driven flow code and to the reaction rate that can be calculated using a geochemical code. In this work, this equation is used in nonstationary step-by-step regime. At each time step, the quantity of the dissolved calcite is quantified, the change of porosity is calculated, and the permeability is updated. The reaction rate, which is the second derivate of the calcium equilibrium concentration in the equation, is calculated using the PHREEQC code (Parkhurst and Apello 1999). This result is used in GEODENS (Bouhlila 1999; Bouhlila and Laabidi 2008) to calculate change of the porosity after calculating the salinity gradient. For the next time step, the same protocol is used but using the updated porosity and permeability distributions.

Mechanisms of oxygen permeation through plastic films and barrier coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilski, Stefan; Wipperfürth, Jens; Jaritz, Montgomery; Kirchheim, Dennis; Mitschker, Felix; Awakowicz, Peter; Dahlmann, Rainer; Hopmann, Christian

2017-10-01

Oxygen and water vapour permeation through plastic films in food packaging or other applications with high demands on permeation are prevented by inorganic barrier films. Most of the permeation occurs through small defects (<3 µm) in the barrier coating. The defects were visualized by etching with reactive oxygen in a capacitively coupled plasma and subsequent SEM imaging. In this work, defects in SiO x -coatings deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are investigated and the mass transport through the polymer is simulated in a 3D approach. Calculations of single defects showed that there is no linear correlation between the defect area and the resulting permeability. The influence of adjacent defects in different distances was observed and led to flow reduction functions depending on the defect spacing and defect area. A critical defect spacing where no interaction between defects occurs was found and compared to other findings. According to the superposition principle, the permeability of single defects was added up and compared to experimentally determined oxygen permeation. The results showed the same trend of decreasing permeability with decreasing defect densities.

Sub-Seafloor Carbon Dioxide Storage Potential on the Juan de Fuca Plate, Western North America

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jerry Fairley; Robert Podgorney

2012-11-01

The Juan de Fuca plate, off the western coast of North America, has been suggested as a site for geological sequestration of waste carbon dioxide because of its many attractive characteristics (high permeability, large storage capacity, reactive rock types). Here we model CO2 injection into fractured basalts comprising the upper several hundred meters of the sub-seafloor basalt reservoir, overlain with low-permeability sediments and a large saline water column, to examine the feasibility of this reservoir for CO2 storage. Our simulations indicate that the sub-seafloor basalts of the Juan de Fuca plate may be an excellent CO2 storage candidate, as multiplemore » trapping mechanisms (hydrodynamic, density inversions, and mineralization) act to keep the CO2 isolated from terrestrial environments. Questions remain about the lateral extent and connectivity of the high permeability basalts; however, the lack of wells or boreholes and thick sediment cover maximize storage potential while minimizing potential leakage pathways. Although promising, more study is needed to determine the economic viability of this option.« less

Inhibition of c-Src protects paraquat induced microvascular endothelial injury by modulating caveolin-1 phosphorylation and caveolae mediated transcellular permeability.

PubMed

Huang, Yu; He, Qing

2017-06-01

The mechanisms underlying paraquat induced acute lung injury (ALI) is still not clear. C-Src plays an important role in the regulation of microvascular endothelial barrier function and the pathogenesis of ALI. In the present study, we found that paraquat induced cell toxicity and an increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in endothelium. Paraquat exposure also induced significant increase of caveolin-1 phosphorylation, caveolae trafficking and albumin permeability in endothelial monolayers. C-Src depletion by siRNA significantly attenuate paraquat induced cell toxicity, caveolin-1 phosphorylation, caveolae formation and endothelial hyperpermeability. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) failed to protect endothelial monolayers against paraquat induced toxicity. Thus, our findings suggest that paraquat exposure increases paracellular endothelial permeability by increasing caveolin-1 phosphorylation in a c-Src dependant manner. The depletion of c-Src might protect microvascular endothelial function by regulating caveolin-1 phosphorylation and caveolae trafficking during paraquat exposure, and might have potential therapeutic effects on paraquat induced ALI. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Coupled THM Modeling of Hydroshearing Stimulation in Tight Fractured Volcanic Rock

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rinaldi, A. P.; Rutqvist, J.; Sonnenthal, E. L.

Here, we use the TOUGH-FLAC simulator for coupled thermo–hydro-mechanical modeling of well stimulation for an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) project. We also analyze the potential for injection-induced fracturing and reactivation of natural fractures in a porous medium with associated permeability enhancement. Our analysis aims to understand how far the EGS reservoir may grow and how the hydroshearing process relates to system conditions. We analyze the enhanced reservoir, or hydrosheared zone, by studying the extent of the failure zone using an elasto-plastic model, and accounting for permeability changes as a function of the induced stresses. For both fully saturated and unsaturatedmore » medium cases, the results demonstrate how EGS reservoir growth depends on the initial fluid phase, and how the reservoir extent changes as a function of two critical parameters: (1) the coefficient of friction, and (2) the permeability-enhancement factor. Furthermore, while well stimulation is driven by pressure exceeding the hydroshearing threshold, the modeling also demonstrates how injection-induced cooling further extends the effects of stimulation.« less

Coupled THM Modeling of Hydroshearing Stimulation in Tight Fractured Volcanic Rock

DOE PAGES

Rinaldi, A. P.; Rutqvist, J.; Sonnenthal, E. L.; ...

2014-03-18

Here, we use the TOUGH-FLAC simulator for coupled thermo–hydro-mechanical modeling of well stimulation for an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) project. We also analyze the potential for injection-induced fracturing and reactivation of natural fractures in a porous medium with associated permeability enhancement. Our analysis aims to understand how far the EGS reservoir may grow and how the hydroshearing process relates to system conditions. We analyze the enhanced reservoir, or hydrosheared zone, by studying the extent of the failure zone using an elasto-plastic model, and accounting for permeability changes as a function of the induced stresses. For both fully saturated and unsaturatedmore » medium cases, the results demonstrate how EGS reservoir growth depends on the initial fluid phase, and how the reservoir extent changes as a function of two critical parameters: (1) the coefficient of friction, and (2) the permeability-enhancement factor. Furthermore, while well stimulation is driven by pressure exceeding the hydroshearing threshold, the modeling also demonstrates how injection-induced cooling further extends the effects of stimulation.« less

Reactive transport modelling to infer changes in soil hydraulic properties induced by non-conventional water irrigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valdes-Abellan, Javier; Jiménez-Martínez, Joaquín; Candela, Lucila; Jacques, Diederik; Kohfahl, Claus; Tamoh, Karim

2017-06-01

The use of non-conventional water (e.g., treated wastewater, desalinated water) for different purposes is increasing in many water scarce regions of the world. Its use for irrigation may have potential drawbacks, because of mineral dissolution/precipitation processes, such as changes in soil physical and hydraulic properties (e.g., porosity, permeability), modifying infiltration and aquifer recharge processes or blocking root growth. Prediction of soil and groundwater impacts is essential for achieving sustainable agricultural practices. A numerical model to solve unsaturated water flow and non-isothermal multicomponent reactive transport has been modified implementing the spatio-temporal evolution of soil physical and hydraulic properties. A long-term process simulation (30 years) of agricultural irrigation with desalinated water, based on a calibrated/validated 1D numerical model in a semi-arid region, is presented. Different scenarios conditioning reactive transport (i.e., rainwater irrigation, lack of gypsum in the soil profile, and lower partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2)) have also been considered. Results show that although boundary conditions and mineral soil composition highly influence the reactive processes, dissolution/precipitation of carbonate species is triggered mainly by pCO2, closely related to plant roots. Calcite dissolution occurs in the root zone, precipitation takes place under it and at the soil surface, which will lead a root growth blockage and a direct soil evaporation decrease, respectively. For the studied soil, a gypsum dissolution up to 40 cm depth is expected at long-term, with a general increase of porosity and hydraulic conductivity.

Investigating Uranium Mobility Using Stable Isotope Partitioning of 238U/235U and a Reactive Transport Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bizjack, M.; Johnson, T. M.; Druhan, J. L.; Shiel, A. E.

2015-12-01

We report a numerical reactive transport model which explicitly incorporates the effectively stable isotopes of uranium (U) and the factors that influence their partitioning in bioactive systems. The model reproduces trends observed in U isotope ratios and concentration measurements from a field experiment, thereby improving interpretations of U isotope ratios as a tracer for U reactive transport. A major factor contributing to U storage and transport is its redox state, which is commonly influenced by the availability of organic carbon to support metal-reducing microbial communities. Both laboratory and field experiments have demonstrated that biogenic reduction of U(VI) fractionates the stable isotope ratio 238U/235U, producing an isotopically heavy solid U(IV) product. It has also been shown that other common reactive transport processes involving U do not fractionate isotopes to a consistently measurable level, which suggests the capacity to quantify the extent of bioreduction occurring in groundwater containing U using 238U/235U ratios. A recent study of a U bioremediation experiment at the Rifle IFRC site (Colorado, USA) applied Rayleigh distillation models to quantify U stable isotope fractionation observed during acetate amendment. The application of these simplified models were fit to the observations only by invoking a "memory-effect," or a constant source of low-concentration, unfractionated U(VI). In order to more accurately interpret the measured U isotope ratios, we present a multi-component reactive transport model using the CrunchTope software. This approach is capable of quantifying the cycling and partitioning of individual U isotopes through a realistic network of transport and reaction pathways including reduction, oxidation, and microbial growth. The model incorporates physical heterogeneity of the aquifer sediments through zones of decreased permeability, which replicate the observed bromide tracer, major ion chemistry, U concentration, and U isotope ratios. These results suggest that the rate-limited transport properties of U in the Rifle aquifer are governed by the presence of low-permeability regions in the modeling domain and that these zones are responsible for the suggested "memory" effect observed in previous U isotope studies at this site.

Characterizing redox conditions and monitoring attenuation of selected pharmaceuticals during artificial recharge through a reactive layer.

PubMed

Valhondo, Cristina; Carrera, Jesús; Ayora, Carlos; Tubau, Isabel; Martinez-Landa, Lurdes; Nödler, Karsten; Licha, Tobias

2015-04-15

A permeable reactive layer was installed at the floor of an infiltration basin. The reactive layer comprised 1) vegetable compost to provide a sorption surface for neutral organic compounds and to release easily degradable organic matter, thus generating a sequence of redox states, and 2) minor amounts of clay and iron oxide to increase sorption of cationic and anionic species, respectively. Field application of this design was successful in generating denitrification, and manganese-, and iron-reducing conditions beneath the basin. This, together with the increase in types of sorption sites, may explain the improved removal of three of the four selected pharmaceuticals compared with their behavior prior to installation of the layer. After installation of the reactive layer, atenolol concentrations were below the detection limits in the vadose zone. Moreover, concentrations of gemfibrozil and cetirizine were reduced to 20% and 40% of their initial concentrations, respectively, after 200 h of residence time. In contrast, prior to installation of the reactive layer, the concentrations of these three pharmaceuticals in both the vadose zone and the aquifer were more than 60% of the initial concentration. Carbamazepine exhibited recalcitrant behavior both prior to and after the reactive barrier installation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reactive Capping Mat Development and Evaluation for Sequestering Contaminants in Sediments

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-08-01

semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs) and solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) fibers . Peepers are expression samplers constructed of...in fish organs. The SPME fibers are coated with a liquid polymer that allows organic contaminants to establish equilibria between the fiber and the...between 10 and 20 cm of 300/200 µm polydimethylsiloxan (PMDS) fiber (Fiberguide) per replicate sample. Fibers were deployed at 10 cm lengths in a

PREMChlor: Probabilistic Remediation Evaluation Model for Chlorinated Solvents

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

Council O&M Operation & Management PAT pump-and-treat PCE tetrachloroethylene PDFs Probability density functions PRBs Permeable reactive barriers...includes a one-time capital cost and a total operation & management (O&M) cost in present net value (NPV) for a certain remediation period. The...Generally, the costs of plume treatment include the capital cost (treatment volume multiply by the unit cost) and the annual operation & Management (O&M

Advances in Permeable Reactive Barrier Technologies

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-08-01

technical methods, such as jetting and hydraulic fracturing , has improved the ability to access deeper aquifers. Table 1 describes the established and...34, Cape Canaveral Air Station, FL. Hydraulic Fracturing 120 A series of wells are installed along the length of the PRB. A vertical fracture is...especially helpful with deep instal- lation methods, such as hydraulic fracturing , where the barrier installed is just a few inches thick. A second, new type

Permeable Reactive Barrier: Technology Update

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

while also looking at how and when to rejuvenate PRBs already in use. Section 9 discusses the green and sustainable concept as related to PRBs. While...collected during operation of the PRB. A number of site-specific factors may influence the decision to remove an aged PRB, including the following...specific PRB system. Aging of the PRB system—that is, geochemical changes that may occur over time—also should be considered. Using the CSM

Formation of ferrihydrite and associated iron corrosion products in permeable reactive barriers of zero-valent iron.

PubMed

Furukawa, Yoko; Kim, Jin-Wook; Watkins, Janet; Wilkin, Richard T

2002-12-15

Ferrihydrite, which is known to form in the presence of oxygen and to be stabilized by the adsorption of Si, PO4 and SO4, is ubiquitous in the fine-grained fractions of permeable reactive barrier (PRB) samples from the U.S. Coast Guard Support Center (Elizabeth City, NC) and the Denver Federal Center (Lakewood, CO) studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction. The concurrent energy-dispersive X-ray data indicate a strong association between ferrihydrite and metals such as Si, Ca, and Cr. Magnetite, green rust 1, aragonite, calcite, mackinawite, greigite and lepidocrocite were also present, indicative of a geochemical environment that is temporally and spatially heterogeneous. Whereas magnetite, which is known to form due to anaerobic Fe0 corrosion, passivates the Fe0 surface, ferrihydrite precipitation occurs away from the immediate Fe0 surface, forming small (<0.1 microm) discrete clusters. Consequently, Fe0-PRBs may remain effective for a longer period of time in slightly oxidized groundwater systems where ferrihydrite formation occurs compared to oxygen-depleted systems where magnetite passivation occurs. The ubiquitous presence of ferrihydrite suggests that the use of Fe0-PRBs may be extended to applications that require contaminant adsorption rather than, or in addition to, redox-promoted contaminant degradation.

Boldine Prevents Renal Alterations in Diabetic Rats

PubMed Central

Hernández-Salinas, Romina; Vielma, Alejandra Z.; Arismendi, Marlene N.; Boric, Mauricio P.; Sáez, Juan C.; Velarde, Victoria

2013-01-01

Diabetic nephropathy alters both structure and function of the kidney. These alterations are associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species, matrix proteins, and proinflammatory molecules. Inflammation decreases gap junctional communication and increases hemichannel activity leading to increased membrane permeability and altering tissue homeostasis. Since current treatments for diabetic nephropathy do not prevent renal damage, we postulated an alternative treatment with boldine, an alkaloid obtained from boldo with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic effects. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic and control rats were treated or not treated with boldine (50 mg/Kg/day) for ten weeks. In addition, mesangial cells were cultured under control conditions or in high glucose concentration plus proinflammatory cytokines, with or without boldine (100 µmol/L). Boldine treatment in diabetic animals prevented the increase in glycemia, blood pressure, renal thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and the urinary protein/creatinine ratio. Boldine also reduced alterations in matrix proteins and markers of renal damage. In mesangial cells, boldine prevented the increase in oxidative stress, the decrease in gap junctional communication, and the increase in cell permeability due to connexin hemichannel activity induced by high glucose and proinflammatory cytokines but did not block gap junction channels. Thus boldine prevented both renal and cellular alterations and could be useful for preventing tissue damage in diabetic subjects. PMID:24416726

Boldine prevents renal alterations in diabetic rats.

PubMed

Hernández-Salinas, Romina; Vielma, Alejandra Z; Arismendi, Marlene N; Boric, Mauricio P; Sáez, Juan C; Velarde, Victoria

2013-01-01

Diabetic nephropathy alters both structure and function of the kidney. These alterations are associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species, matrix proteins, and proinflammatory molecules. Inflammation decreases gap junctional communication and increases hemichannel activity leading to increased membrane permeability and altering tissue homeostasis. Since current treatments for diabetic nephropathy do not prevent renal damage, we postulated an alternative treatment with boldine, an alkaloid obtained from boldo with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic effects. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic and control rats were treated or not treated with boldine (50 mg/Kg/day) for ten weeks. In addition, mesangial cells were cultured under control conditions or in high glucose concentration plus proinflammatory cytokines, with or without boldine (100 µmol/L). Boldine treatment in diabetic animals prevented the increase in glycemia, blood pressure, renal thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and the urinary protein/creatinine ratio. Boldine also reduced alterations in matrix proteins and markers of renal damage. In mesangial cells, boldine prevented the increase in oxidative stress, the decrease in gap junctional communication, and the increase in cell permeability due to connexin hemichannel activity induced by high glucose and proinflammatory cytokines but did not block gap junction channels. Thus boldine prevented both renal and cellular alterations and could be useful for preventing tissue damage in diabetic subjects.

Out-of-plane permeability of multilayer 0°/90° non-crimp fabrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Liangchao; Wu, Wenyu; Xu, Chunting; Zhang, Hui

2018-03-01

Layer shift is the main source of the variations in permeability values for multilayer fabrics. This phenomenon could change the flow path and cause inadequate infiltration. In this paper, the out-of-plane permeability of multilayer 0°/90° non-crimp fabrics was analyzed statistically. Based on the prediction models of 2-layer fabrics, every two adjacent layers were regarded as porous media with different permeabilities. The out-of-plane permeability of multilayer fabrics was then modeled with the electrical resistance analogy. Analytical results were compared with experiment data. And the effect of number of layer on permeability was thoroughly researched based on the statistical point of view.

Application of a pore-scale reactive transport model to a natural analog for reaction-induced pore alterations

DOE PAGES

Yoon, Hongkyu; Major, Jonathan; Dewers, Thomas; ...

2017-01-05

Dissolved CO 2 in the subsurface resulting from geological CO 2 storage may react with minerals in fractured rocks, confined aquifers, or faults, resulting in mineral precipitation and dissolution. The overall rate of reaction can be affected by coupled processes including hydrodynamics, transport, and reactions at the (sub) pore-scale. In this work pore-scale modeling of coupled fluid flow, reactive transport, and heterogeneous reactions at the mineral surface is applied to account for permeability alterations caused by precipitation-induced pore-blocking. This paper is motivated by observations of CO 2 seeps from a natural CO 2 sequestration analog, Crystal Geyser, Utah. Observations alongmore » the surface exposure of the Little Grand Wash fault indicate the lateral migration of CO 2 seep sites (i.e., alteration zones) of 10–50 m width with spacing on the order of ~100 m over time. Sandstone permeability in alteration zones is reduced by 3–4 orders of magnitude by carbonate cementation compared to unaltered zones. One granular porous medium and one fracture network systems are used to conceptually represent permeable porous media and locations of conduits controlled by fault-segment intersections and/or topography, respectively. Simulation cases accounted for a range of reaction regimes characterized by the Damköhler (Da) and Peclet (Pe) numbers. Pore-scale simulation results demonstrate that combinations of transport (Pe), geochemical conditions (Da), solution chemistry, and pore and fracture configurations contributed to match key patterns observed in the field of how calcite precipitation alters flow paths by pore plugging. This comparison of simulation results with field observations reveals mechanistic explanations of the lateral migration and enhances our understanding of subsurface processes associated with the CO 2 injection. In addition, permeability and porosity relations are constructed from pore-scale simulations which account for a range of reaction regimes characterized by the Da and Pe numbers. Finally, the functional relationships obtained from pore-scale simulations can be used in a continuum scale model that may account for large-scale phenomena mimicking lateral migration of surface CO 2 seeps.« less

Conducting a 3D Converted Shear Wave Project to Reduce Exploration Risk at Wister, CA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Matlick, Skip; Walsh, Patrick; Rhodes, Greg

2015-06-30

Ormat sited 2 full-size exploration wells based on 3D seismic interpretation of fractures, prior drilling results, and temperature anomaly. The wells indicated commercial temperatures (>300 F), but almost no permeability, despite one of the wells being drilled within 820 ft of an older exploration well with reported indications of permeability. Following completion of the second well in 2012, Ormat undertook a lengthy program to 1) evaluate the lack of observed permeability, 2) estimate the likelihood of finding permeability with additional drilling, and 3) estimate resource size based on an anticipated extent of permeability.

Intracellular ascorbate tightens the endothelial permeability barrier through Epac1 and the tubulin cytoskeleton

PubMed Central

Parker, William H.; Rhea, Elizabeth Meredith; Qu, Zhi-Chao; Hecker, Morgan R.

2016-01-01

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, both tightens the endothelial permeability barrier in basal cells and also prevents barrier leak induced by inflammatory agents. Barrier tightening by ascorbate in basal endothelial cells requires nitric oxide derived from activation of nitric oxide synthase. Although ascorbate did not affect cyclic AMP levels in our previous study, there remains a question of whether it might activate downstream cyclic AMP-dependent pathways. In this work, we found in both primary and immortalized cultured endothelial cells that ascorbate tightened the endothelial permeability barrier by ∼30%. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells, this occurred at what are likely physiologic intracellular ascorbate concentrations. In so doing, ascorbate decreased measures of oxidative stress and also flattened the cells to increase cell-to-cell contact. Inhibition of downstream cyclic AMP-dependent proteins via protein kinase A did not prevent ascorbate from tightening the endothelial permeability barrier, whereas inhibition of Epac1 did block the ascorbate effect. Although Epac1 was required, its mediator Rap1 was not activated. Furthermore, ascorbate acutely stabilized microtubules during depolymerization induced by colchicine and nocodazole. Over several days in culture, ascorbate also increased the amount of stable acetylated α-tubulin. Microtubule stabilization was further suggested by the finding that ascorbate increased the amount of Epac1 bound to α-tubulin. These results suggest that physiologic ascorbate concentrations tighten the endothelial permeability barrier in unstimulated cells by stabilizing microtubules in a manner downstream of cyclic AMP that might be due both to increasing nitric oxide availability and to scavenging of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species. PMID:27605450

Synergistic effects of hydrogen peroxide and ethanol on cell viability loss in PC12 cells by increase in mitochondrial permeability transition.

PubMed

Lee, Chung Soo; Kim, Yun Jeong; Ko, Hyun Hee; Han, Eun Sook

2005-07-15

The promoting effect of ethanol against the cytotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in differentiated PC12 cells was assessed by measuring the effect on the mitochondrial membrane permeability. Treatment of PC12 cells with H2O2 resulted in the nuclear damage, decrease in the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, cytosolic accumulation of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-3, increase in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depletion of GSH. In PC12 cells and dopaminergic neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, the promoting effect of ethanol on the H2O2-induced cell death was increased with exposure time. Ethanol promoted the nuclear damage, change in the mitochondrial membrane permeability, ROS formation and decrease in GSH contents due to H2O2 in PC12 cells. Catalase, carboxy-PTIO, Mn-TBAP, N-acetylcysteine, cyclosporin A and trifluoperazine inhibited the H2O2 and ethanol-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cell injury. The results show that the ethanol treatment promotes the cytotoxicity of H2O2 against PC12 cells. Ethanol may enhance the H2O2-induced viability loss in PC12 cells by promoting the mitochondrial membrane permeability change, release of cytochrome c and subsequent activation of caspase-3, which is associated with the increased formation of ROS and depletion of GSH. The findings suggest that ethanol as a promoting agent for the formation of mitochondrial permeability transition may enhance the neuronal cell injury caused by oxidants.

Interplay of biopharmaceutics, biopharmaceutics drug disposition and salivary excretion classification systems

PubMed Central

Idkaidek, Nasir M.

2013-01-01

The aim of this commentary is to investigate the interplay of Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS), Biopharmaceutics Drug Disposition Classification System (BDDCS) and Salivary Excretion Classification System (SECS). BCS first classified drugs based on permeability and solubility for the purpose of predicting oral drug absorption. Then BDDCS linked permeability with hepatic metabolism and classified drugs based on metabolism and solubility for the purpose of predicting oral drug disposition. On the other hand, SECS classified drugs based on permeability and protein binding for the purpose of predicting the salivary excretion of drugs. The role of metabolism, rather than permeability, on salivary excretion is investigated and the results are not in agreement with BDDCS. Conclusion The proposed Salivary Excretion Classification System (SECS) can be used as a guide for drug salivary excretion based on permeability (not metabolism) and protein binding. PMID:24493977

Photochemical predictive analysis of photodynamic therapy with non-homogeneous topical photosensitizer distribution in dermatological applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salas-García, I.; Fanjul-Vélez, F.; Ortega-Quijano, N.; López-Escobar, M.; Arce-Diego, J. L.

2010-04-01

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a therapeutic technique widely used in dermatology to treat several skin pathologies. It is based in topical or systemic delivery of photosensitizing drugs followed by irradiation with visible light. The subsequent photochemical reactions generate reactive oxygen species which are considered the principal cytotoxic agents to induce cell necrosis. In this work we present a PDT model that tries to predict the photodynamic effect on the skin with a topically administered photosensitizer. The time dependent inhomogeneous distribution of the photoactive compound protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) is calculated after obtaining its precursor distribution (Methyl aminolevulinate, MAL) which depends on the drug permeability, diffusion properties of the skin, incubation time and conversion efficiency of MAL to PpIX. Once the optical energy is obtained by means of the Beer Lambert law, a photochemical model is employed to estimate the concentration of the different molecular compounds taking into account the electronic transitions between molecular levels and particles concentrations. The results obtained allow us to know the evolution of the cytotoxic agent in order to estimate the necrotic area adjusting parameters such as the optical power, the photosensitizer concentration, the incubation and exposition time or the diffusivity and permeability of the tissue.

Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody in Behçet’s Disease

PubMed Central

Duzgun, Nursen; Sahin, Mehmet; Ayaslioglu, Ergin

2006-01-01

Anti neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) is strongly associated with some vasculitic disorders. Behçet’s disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology. In this study, ANCA was found to be positive in 8 out of 66 patients (10.2%) with BD by combination testing consisting of immunofluorescence and ELISA [one patient showed an atypical pattern by indirect immunofloresence techique, 6 patients were reactive to bacterial-permeability increasing protein (BPI) and one patient was reactive to Cathepsin G in ELISA]. There were no vascular manifestations such as veneous or arterial thrombosis and arterial aneurysms in ANCA-positive patients with BD. The results suggest that ANCA may be found in a minority of BD as those in previous published studies. PMID:23674967

Experimental observation and numerical simulation of permeability changes in dolomite at CO2 sequestration conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tutolo, B. M.; Luhmann, A. J.; Kong, X.; Saar, M. O.; Seyfried, W. E.

2013-12-01

Injecting surface temperature CO2 into geothermally warm reservoirs for geologic storage or energy production may result in depressed temperature near the injection well and thermal gradients and mass transfer along flow paths leading away from the well. Thermal gradients are particularly important to consider in reservoirs containing carbonate minerals, which are more soluble at lower temperatures, as well as in CO2-based geothermal energy reservoirs where lowering heat exchanger rejection temperatures increases efficiency. Additionally, equilibrating a fluid with cation-donating silicates near a low-temperature injection well and transporting the fluid to higher temperature may enhance the kinetics of mineral precipitation in such a way as to overcome the activation energy required for mineral trapping of CO2. We have investigated this process by subjecting a dolomite core to a 650-hour temperature series experiment in which the fluid was saturated with CO2 at high pressure (110-126 bars) and 21°C. This fluid was recirculated through the dolomite core, increasing permeability from 10-16 to 10-15.2 m2. Subsequently, the core temperature was raised to 50° C, and permeability decreased to 10-16.2 m2 after 289 hours, due to thermally-driven CO2 exsolution. Increasing core temperature to 100°C for the final 145 hours of the experiment caused dolomite to precipitate, which, together with further CO2 exsolution, decreased permeability to 10-16.4 m2. Post-experiment x-ray computed tomography and scanning electron microscope imagery of the dolomite core reveals abundant matrix dissolution and enlargement of flow paths at low temperatures, and subsequent filling-in of the passages at elevated temperature by dolomite. To place this experiment within the broader context of geologic CO2 sequestration, we designed and utilized a reactive transport simulator that enables dynamic calculation of CO2 equilibrium constants and fugacity and activity coefficients by incorporating mineral, fluid, and aqueous species equations of state into its structure. Phase equilibria calculations indicate that fluids traveling away from the depressed temperature zone near the injection well may exsolve and precipitate up to 200 cc CO2, 1.45 cc dolomite, and 2.3 cc calcite, per kg, but we use the reactive transport simulator to place more realistic limits on these calculations. The simulations show that thermally-induced CO2 exsolution creates velocity gradients within the modeled domain, leading to increased velocities at lower pressure due to the increasingly gas-like density of CO2. Because dolomite precipitation kinetics strongly depend on temperature, modeled dolomite precipitation effectively concentrates within high temperature regions, while calcite precipitation is predicted to occur over a broader range. Additionally, because the molar volume of dolomite is almost double that of calcite, transporting a low temperature, dolomite-saturated fluid across a thermal gradient can lead to more substantial pore space clogging. We conclude that injecting cool CO2 into geothermally warm reservoirs may substantially alter formation porosity, permeability, and injectivity, and can result in favorable conditions for permanent storage of CO2 as a solid carbonate phase.

Electrokinetic Enhanced Delivery and Electrical Resistance Heating Activation of Persulfate for Low Permeability Soil Remediation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chowdhury, A. I.; Gerhard, J.; Reynolds, D. A.; OCarroll, D.

2016-12-01

Remediation of low permeability soils is challenging because delivering remediants into these formations is difficult. Electrokinetics (EK) has been proposed as a new approach to overcome this difficulty, for example, to deliver oxidants such as persulfate into silts and clays. However, activation of the persulfate in such scenarios remains a challenge. The current study proposes a novel approach of combining (i) EK-assisted persulfate delivery with (ii) low temperature electrical resistance heating (ERH) to activate the persulfate. The advantage of this new approach that a single set of electrodes can be used for both oxidant delivery and oxidant activation in low permeability, contaminated soil. Proof-of-concept experiments were conducted in a two-dimensional sandbox packed with silt exhibiting high concentrations of aqueous phase tetrachloroethene (PCE). Results showed that (1) EK delivered the non-activated persulfate throughout the silt, (2) ERH was able to achieve and sustain the targeted temperatures to activate the persulfate, and (3) these resulted in complete PCE degradation at all locations. Activating persulfate at a temperature around 36 °C was better than at 42 °C (or higher), because the former more slowly generated the reactive SO4ˉ● radical which ensured more complete reaction with the contaminant. This study proved the concept of this novel, coupled approach for delivering and activating persulfate for remediating chlorinated solvents in low permeability soils.

The Permeability Transition Pore Controls Cardiac Mitochondrial Maturation and Myocyte Differentiation

PubMed Central

Hom, Jennifer R.; Quintanilla, Rodrigo A.; Hoffman, David L.; Karen L., de Mesy Bentley; Molkentin, Jeffery D.; Sheu, Shey-Shing; Porter, George A.

2011-01-01

SUMMARY Although mature myocytes rely on mitochondria as the primary source of energy, the role of mitochondria in the developing heart is not well known. Here, we find closure of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) drives maturation of mitochondrial structure and function and myocyte differentiation. Cardiomyocytes at embryonic day (E) 9.5, when compared to E13.5, displayed fragmented mitochondria with few cristae, a less polarized mitochondrial membrane potential, higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and an open mPTP. Pharmacologic and genetic closing of the mPTP yielded maturation of mitochondrial structure and function, lowered ROS, and increased myocyte differentiation (measured by counting Z-bands). Furthermore, myocyte differentiation was inhibited and enhanced with oxidant and antioxidant treatment, respectively, suggesting that redox signaling pathways lie downstream of mitochondria to regulate cardiac myocyte differentiation. PMID:21920313

Transepithelial transport of biperiden hydrochloride in Caco-2 cell monolayers.

PubMed

Abalos, Ivana S; Rodríguez, Yanina I; Lozano, Verónica; Cereseto, Marina; Mussini, Maria V; Spinetto, Marta E; Chiale, Carlos; Pesce, Guido

2012-09-01

The aim of this research has been to determine the biperiden hydrochloride permeability in Caco-2 model, in order to classify it based on the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS). The World Health Organization (WHO) as well as many other authors have provisionally assigned the drug as BCS class I (high solubility-high permeability) or III (high solubility-low permeability), based on different methods. We determined biperiden BCS class by comparing its permeability to 5 pre-defined compounds: atenolol and ranitidine hydrochloride (low permeability group) and metoprolol tartrate, sodium naproxen and theophylline (high permeability group). Since biperiden permeability was higher than those obtained for high permeability drugs, we classified it as a BCS class I compound. On the other hand, as no differences were obtained for permeability values when apical to basolateral and basolateral to apical fluxes were studied, this drug cannot act as a substrate of efflux transporters. As a consequence of our results, we suggest that the widely used antiparkinsonian drug, biperiden, should be candidate for a waiver of in vivo bioequivalence studies. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Performance enhancement of zero valent iron based systems using depassivators: Optimization and kinetic mechanisms.

PubMed

Ansaf, Karim Vayalunkal Karottu; Ambika, Selvaraj; Nambi, Indumathi Manivannan

2016-10-01

The long-term ability of Zero-Valent Iron (ZVI) in contaminant removal relies on the effectiveness of iron to serve as electron donor, which makes it a versatile remediation material. However, the formation of oxide and hydroxide layers results in passive layer on ZVI surface during contaminant removal hinders its reactivity. The focus of this research was to evaluate the performance of corrosive agents such as acetic acid (HAc), aluminium sulphate (Alum) and potassium chloride (KCl) as depassivators to overcome passivation for sustainability and longevity. Batch experiments using seven combinations of the above chemicals were conducted to optimize the dosage of depassivators based on passive layer removal. The influence of depassivators in catalytic activity of ZVI in removing Cr(6+) was evaluated. The passive layer on ZVI particles was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and confirmed by Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) analysis. The major mechanisms in passive layer removal was found to be H(+) ion embrittlement followed by uniform depassivation when [HAc] was used and pitting corrosion when [Alum] and [KCl]were used. All the seven sets of chemicals enabled depassivation, but considering the criteria of maximum depassivation, catalytic activity and long term reactivity the depassivation treatments were effective in order as [HAc-Alum] > [HAc-Alum-KCl] >[HAc] > [Alum] > [HAc-KCl] > [KCl] > [Alum-KCl]. The kinetic rate of ZVI using [HAc-Alum] and [Alum] was relatively unchanged over the pH range of 4-10, made it suitable for ex-situ remediation. This insignificant influence of initial pH in catalytic activity of ZVI along with the improvement in longevity and sustainability makes it suitable for effective water treatment applications. The present work has successfully demonstrated that chemical depassivation can restore considerable reactivity of ZVI in the existing permeable reactive barriers. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rapid decision support tool based on novel ecosystem service variables for retrofitting of permeable pavement systems in the presence of trees.

PubMed

Scholz, Miklas; Uzomah, Vincent C

2013-08-01

The retrofitting of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) such as permeable pavements is currently undertaken ad hoc using expert experience supported by minimal guidance based predominantly on hard engineering variables. There is a lack of practical decision support tools useful for a rapid assessment of the potential of ecosystem services when retrofitting permeable pavements in urban areas that either feature existing trees or should be planted with trees in the near future. Thus the aim of this paper is to develop an innovative rapid decision support tool based on novel ecosystem service variables for retrofitting of permeable pavement systems close to trees. This unique tool proposes the retrofitting of permeable pavements that obtained the highest ecosystem service score for a specific urban site enhanced by the presence of trees. This approach is based on a novel ecosystem service philosophy adapted to permeable pavements rather than on traditional engineering judgement associated with variables based on quick community and environment assessments. For an example case study area such as Greater Manchester, which was dominated by Sycamore and Common Lime, a comparison with the traditional approach of determining community and environment variables indicates that permeable pavements are generally a preferred SuDS option. Permeable pavements combined with urban trees received relatively high scores, because of their great potential impact in terms of water and air quality improvement, and flood control, respectively. The outcomes of this paper are likely to lead to more combined permeable pavement and tree systems in the urban landscape, which are beneficial for humans and the environment. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CADRE-SS, an in Silico Tool for Predicting Skin Sensitization Potential Based on Modeling of Molecular Interactions.

PubMed

Kostal, Jakub; Voutchkova-Kostal, Adelina

2016-01-19

Using computer models to accurately predict toxicity outcomes is considered to be a major challenge. However, state-of-the-art computational chemistry techniques can now be incorporated in predictive models, supported by advances in mechanistic toxicology and the exponential growth of computing resources witnessed over the past decade. The CADRE (Computer-Aided Discovery and REdesign) platform relies on quantum-mechanical modeling of molecular interactions that represent key biochemical triggers in toxicity pathways. Here, we present an external validation exercise for CADRE-SS, a variant developed to predict the skin sensitization potential of commercial chemicals. CADRE-SS is a hybrid model that evaluates skin permeability using Monte Carlo simulations, assigns reactive centers in a molecule and possible biotransformations via expert rules, and determines reactivity with skin proteins via quantum-mechanical modeling. The results were promising with an overall very good concordance of 93% between experimental and predicted values. Comparison to performance metrics yielded by other tools available for this endpoint suggests that CADRE-SS offers distinct advantages for first-round screenings of chemicals and could be used as an in silico alternative to animal tests where permissible by legislative programs.

Field Applications of In Situ Remediation Technologies: Permeable Reactive Barriers

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-01-01

dweymann@ emconinc.com Caldwell Trucking Northern NJ 1998 TCE Hydraulic Fracturing , $1.12 M Fe0 Only 60% John Vidumsky Permeation Infilling...Oriented $1.15 M Granular No problems except Stephen H. Shoemaker Chloroform, Freon 11, Hydraulic Fracturing cast iron at recovering an Tel: 704-362...VC Massachusetts Falmouth, MA 1998 PCE, TCE Hydraulic Fracturing $160 K Fe0 Robert W. Gillham Military Reservation Tel: 519-888-4658 CS-10 Plume Fax

Integration of Multi-Tension Permeametry and Photogrammetric Textural Segmentation for Estimating Directional Permeability

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

this heterogeneity, for the purpose of predicting water flow and reactive transport behavior at the field scale, has proven quite difficult. This...potential (soil water pressure) at the outlet and at offset points in response injections at different inlet pressure heads. 13 Task 2: Development...preferential pathways (Wu et al., 1993). A viable solution to this problem is to supply water under tension using an inflatable borehole

Remediation of PCB contaminated soils in the Canadian Arctic: excavation and surface PRB technology.

PubMed

Kalinovich, Indra; Rutter, Allison; Poland, John S; Cairns, Graham; Rowe, R Kerry

2008-12-15

The site BAF-5 is located on the summit of Resolution Island, Nunavut, just southeast of Baffin Island at 61 degrees 35'N and 60 degrees 40'W. The site was part of a North American military defense system established in the 1950s that became heavily contaminated with PCBs during and subsequent, its operational years. Remediation through excavation of the PCB contaminated soil at Resolution Island began in 1999 and at its completion in 2006 approximately 5 tonnes of pure PCBs in approximately 20,000 m3 of soil were remediated. Remediation strategies were based on both quantity of soil and level of contamination in the soil. Excavation removed 96% of the PCB contaminated soil on site. In 2003, a surface funnel-and-gate permeable reactive barrier was design and constructed to treat the remaining contamination left in rock crevices and inaccessible areas of the site. Excavation had destabilized contaminated soil in the area, enabling contaminant migration through erosion and runoff pathways. The barrier was designed to maximize sedimentation through settling ponds. This bulk removal enabled the treatment of highly contaminated fines and water through a permeable gate. The increased sediment loading during excavation required both modifications to the funnel and a shift to a more permeable, granular system. Granulated activated charcoal was chosen for its ability to both act as a particle retention filter and adsorptive filter. The reduction in mass of PCB and volume of soils trapped by the funnel of the barrier indicate that soils are re-stabilizing. In 2007, nonwoven geotextiles were re-introduced back into the filtration system as fine filtering could be achieved without clogging. Monitoring sites downstream indicate that the barrier system is effective. This paper describes the field progress of PCB remediation at Resolution Island.

Vacuum-driven power-free microfluidics utilizing the gas solubility or permeability of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

PubMed

Xu, Linfeng; Lee, Hun; Jetta, Deekshitha; Oh, Kwang W

2015-10-21

Suitable pumping methods for flow control remain a major technical hurdle in the path of biomedical microfluidic systems for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. A vacuum-driven power-free micropumping method provides a promising solution to such a challenge. In this review, we focus on vacuum-driven power-free microfluidics based on the gas solubility or permeability of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS); degassed PDMS can restore air inside itself due to its high gas solubility or gas permeable nature. PDMS allows the transfer of air into a vacuum through it due to its high gas permeability. Therefore, it is possible to store or transfer air into or through the gas soluble or permeable PDMS in order to withdraw liquids into the embedded dead-end microfluidic channels. This article provides a comprehensive look at the physics of the gas solubility and permeability of PDMS, a systematic review of different types of vacuum-driven power-free microfluidics, and guidelines for designing solubility-based or permeability-based PDMS devices, alongside existing applications. Advanced topics and the outlook in using micropumping that utilizes the gas solubility or permeability of PDMS will be also discussed. We strongly recommend that microfluidics and lab-on-chip (LOC) communities harness vacuum energy to develop smart vacuum-driven microfluidic systems.

CARBON-BASED REACTIVE BARRIER FOR NITRATE ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Nitrate (NO3-) is a common ground water contaminant related to agricultural activity, waste water disposal, leachate from landfills, septic systems, and industrial processes. This study reports on the performance of a carbon-based permeable reactive barrier (PRB) that was constructed for in-situ bioremediation of a ground water nitrate plume caused by leakage from a swine CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operation) lagoon. The swine CAFO, located in Logan County, Oklahoma, was in operation from 1992-1999. The overall site remediation strategy includes an ammonia recovery trench to intercept ammonia-contaminated ground water and a hay straw PRB which is used to intercept a nitrate plume caused by nitrification of sorbed ammonia. The PRB extends approximately 260 m to intercept the nitrate plume. The depth of the trench averages 6 m and corresponds to the thickness of the surficial saturated zone; the width of the trench is 1.2 m. Detailed quarterly monitoring of the PRB began in March, 2004, about 1 year after construction activities ended. Nitrate concentrations hydraulically upgradient of the PRB have ranged from 23 to 77 mg/L N, from 0 to 3.2 mg/L N in the PRB, and from 0 to 65 mg/L N hydraulically downgradient of the PRB. Nitrate concentrations have generally decreased in downgradient locations with successive monitoring events. Mass balance considerations indicate that nitrate attenuation is dominantly from denitrification but with some component of

Investigating the efficiency of microscale zero valent iron-based in situ reactive zone (mZVI-IRZ) for TCE removal in fresh and saline groundwater.

PubMed

Xin, Jia; Tang, Fenglin; Yan, Jing; La, Chenghong; Zheng, Xilai; Liu, Wei

2018-06-01

In this study, long-term column experiments were conducted in three media (Milli-Q water, fresh groundwater and saline groundwater) to evaluate the trichloroethylene (TCE) removal performance, electron efficiency (EE), and permeability loss of a microscale zero valent iron-based in situ reactive zone (mZVI-IRZ) under different field conditions. A potential scenario of in situ contamination plume remediation was simulated by adding a TCE-containing influent to columns filled with mixed mZVI particles and silica sand at a flow rate of 4 mL h -1 for 6 months. Results showed that, over the course of 100 pore volumes (PV) for 6 months, mZVI displayed the lowest TCE breakthrough rate (0.0026 PV -1 ) and highest TCE removal capacity (43.72 mg) but the poorest EE value (25-40%) in saline groundwater. Mineral characterization (SEM, XRD), ion concentration analysis, and geochemical modeling corroborated that different dominant solid precipitates (magnetite, siderite, dolomite/magnetite) were identified inside the three columns. The column containing saline groundwater experienced the greatest porosity loss, approximately 30.23 mL over the course of 100 PVs. This study illustrates that, to improve designs of mZVI-IRZs, EE as well as hydraulic conductivity should be taken into consideration for predictive evaluations. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CO2 injection into fractured peridotites: a reactive percolation experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Escario, S.; Godard, M.; Gouze, P.; Leprovost, R.; Luquot, L.; Garcia-Rios, M.

2017-12-01

Mantle peridotites have the potential to trap CO2 as carbonates. This process observed in ophiolites and in oceanic environments provides a long term and safe storage for CO2. It occurs as a part of a complex suite of fluid-rock reactions involving silicate dissolution and precipitation of hydrous phases, carbonates and minor phases that may in turn modify the hydrodynamic properties and the reactivity of the reacted rocks. The efficiency and lastingness of the process require the renewal of fluids at the mineral-fluid interface. Fractures are dominant flow paths in exhumed mantle sections. This study aims at better understanding the effect of CO2-enriched saline fluids on hydrodynamic and chemical processes through fractured peridotites. Experiments were performed using the reactive percolation bench ICARE Lab 3 - Géosciences Montpellier. It allows monitoring the permeability changes during experiments. Effluents are recurrently sampled for analysing cation concentration, pH and alkalinity. Reacted rock samples were characterized by high resolution X-ray microtomography (ESRF ID19, Grenoble, France) and SEM. Experiments consisted in injecting CO2-enriched brines (NaCl 0.5 M) at a rate of 6 mL.h-1 into artificially fractured cores (9 mm diameter × 20 mm length) of Oman harzburgites at T=170°C and Ptotal = 25 MPa for up to 2 weeks. Fractures are of few µm apertures with rough walls. Three sets of experiments were performed at increasing value of [CO2] (0, 0.1 and 1 mol/kg). All experiments showed a decrease in permeability followed by steady state regime that can be caused by a decrease in the roughness of fracture walls (dissolution dominated process), thus favouring fracture closing, or by the precipitation of secondary phases. Maximum enrichments in Mg, Fe and Ca of the effluent fluids occur during the first 2 hours of the experiments whereas Si displays a maximum enrichment at t = 20 h, suggesting extensive dissolution. Maximum enrichments are observed with the highest values of the [CO2]. After one day, effluent fluid concentrations decrease and become constant. By analysing both the permeability and the outlet fluid concentration one can investigate the coupling processes controlling the transport and the reaction mechanisms that in turn act at maintaining the circulation in the fractures.

Biosensors for spatiotemporal detection of reactive oxygen species in cells and tissues.

PubMed

Erard, Marie; Dupré-Crochet, Sophie; Nüße, Oliver

2018-05-01

Redox biology has become a major issue in numerous areas of physiology. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have a broad range of roles from signal transduction to growth control and cell death. To understand the nature of these roles, accurate measurement of the reactive compounds is required. An increasing number of tools for ROS detection is available; however, the specificity and sensitivity of these tools are often insufficient. Furthermore, their specificity has been rarely evaluated in complex physiological conditions. Many ROS probes are sensitive to environmental conditions in particular pH, which may interfere with ROS detection and cause misleading results. Accurate detection of ROS in physiology and pathophysiology faces additional challenges concerning the precise localization of the ROS and the timing of their production and disappearance. Certain ROS are membrane permeable, and certain ROS probes move across cells and organelles. Targetable ROS probes such as fluorescent protein-based biosensors are required for accurate localization. Here we analyze these challenges in more detail, provide indications on the strength and weakness of current tools for ROS detection, and point out developments that will provide improved ROS detection methods in the future. There is no universal method that fits all situations in physiology and cell biology. A detailed knowledge of the ROS probes is required to choose the appropriate method for a given biological problem. The knowledge of the shortcomings of these probes should also guide the development of new sensors.

A prospective randomised trial of probiotics in critically ill patients.

PubMed

McNaught, Clare E; Woodcock, Nicholas P; Anderson, Alexander D G; MacFie, John

2005-04-01

Probiotics exert a beneficial effect on the host through modulation of gastrointestinal microflora. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299v on gut barrier function and the systemic inflammatory response in critically ill patients. One hundred and three critically ill patients were randomised to receive an oral preparation containing L. plantarum 299v (ProViva) in addition to conventional therapy (treatment group, n = 52) or conventional therapy alone (control group, n = 51). Serial outcome measures included gastric colonisation, intestinal permeability (lactulose/rhamnose dual-sugar probe technique), endotoxin exposure (IgM EndoCAb), C-reactive protein and Interleukin 6 levels. L. plantarum had no identifiable effect on gastric colonisation, intestinal permeability, endotoxin exposure or serum CRP levels. There were no differences between the groups in terms of septic morbidity or mortality. On day 15 serum IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the treatment group compared to controls. The enteral administration of L. plantarum 299v to critically ill patients was associated with a late attenuation of the systemic inflammatory response. This was not accompanied by any significant changes in the intestinal microflora, intestinal permeability, endotoxin exposure, septic morbidity or mortality.

Effect of caloric restriction on gut permeability, inflammation markers, and fecal microbiota in obese women.

PubMed

Ott, Beate; Skurk, Thomas; Hastreiter, Ljiljana; Lagkouvardos, Ilias; Fischer, Sandra; Büttner, Janine; Kellerer, Teresa; Clavel, Thomas; Rychlik, Michael; Haller, Dirk; Hauner, Hans

2017-09-20

Recent findings suggest an association between obesity, loss of gut barrier function and changes in microbiota profiles. Our primary objective was to examine the effect of caloric restriction and subsequent weight reduction on gut permeability in obese women. The impact on inflammatory markers and fecal microbiota was also investigated. The 4-week very-low calorie diet (VLCD, 800 kcal/day) induced a mean weight loss of 6.9 ± 1.9 kg accompanied by a reduction in HOMA-IR (Homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance), fasting plasma glucose and insulin, plasma leptin, and leptin gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Plasma high-molecular weight adiponectin (HMW adiponectin) was significantly increased after VLCD. Plasma levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) were significantly decreased after 28 days of VLCD. Using three different methods, gut paracellular permeability was decreased after VLCD. These changes in clinical parameters were not associated with major consistent changes in dominant bacterial communities in feces. In summary, a 4-week caloric restriction resulted in significant weight loss, improved gut barrier integrity and reduced systemic inflammation in obese women.

Field Demonstration of Sequential Iron Reduction and Aerobic Biodegradation of Nitrobenzene and 2,4-Dinitrotoluene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robinson, T. L.; Gillham, R. W.; Gui, L.

2005-12-01

To demonstrate the in situ sequential degradation of nitrobenzene (NB) and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) using a granular iron permeable reactive barrier (PRB) and aerobic biodegradation zone, a field study is currently being conducted in a 24m long x 2m wide x 3m deep isolated section of the Borden aquifer (the ``gate''). This gate is closed on three sides by sealable-joint sheet piling keyed into the aquitard, and open to groundwater flow on the other, which, under natural conditions, is approximately parallel to the longest sides of the gate. The PRB was installed approximately 10 meters into the gate, and the oxygen injection system was installed approximately 18 meters into the gate. A hydraulic gradient was induced across the gate by pumping at the closed end via a fully-screened well, resulting in a groundwater velocity of 40-50 cm/day. Based on the results of laboratory tests, the first stage of the treatment system, involving the PRB, was expected to reduce nitrobenzene and 2,4-DNT to aniline and 2,4-diaminotoluene (2,4-DAT), respectively. Initial results show that portions of the nitrobenzene and 2,4-dinitrotoluene were transforming into their daughter products, aniline and 2,4-diaminotoluene, prior to the groundwater entering the permeable reactive barrier. Lab tests are ongoing to determine whether an indigenous bacterial population is capable of biotically transforming the nitro groups on the nitrobenzene and 2,4-DNT. In the second stage of the treatment system, oxygen was introduced via 4 10-inch diameter fully-screened wells spanning the width of the gate, each containing a Waterloo EmitterTM. The oxygen is expected to stimulate indigenous aerobic microbes in the aquifer to mineralize the aniline and 2,4-diaminotoluene, and the results from this are expected in the next few months.

Do the recommended standards for in vitro biopharmaceutic classification of drug permeability meet the "passive transport" criterion for biowaivers?

PubMed

Žakelj, Simon; Berginc, Katja; Roškar, Robert; Kraljič, Bor; Kristl, Albin

2013-01-01

BCS based biowaivers are recognized by major regulatory agencies. An application for a biowaiver can be supported by or even based on "in vitro" measurements of drug permeability. However, guidelines limit the application of biowaivers to drug substances that are transported only by passive mechanisms. Regarding published permeability data as well as measurements obtained in our institution, one can rarely observe drug substances that conform to this very strict criterion. Therefore, we measured the apparent permeability coefficients of 13 drugs recommended by FDA's Guidance to be used as standards for "in vitro" permeability classification. The asymmetry of permeability data determined for both directions (mucosal-to-serosal and serosalto- mucosal) through the rat small intestine revealed significant active transport for four out of the nine high-permeability standards and for all four low-permeability standard drugs. As could be expected, this asymmetry was abolished at 4°C on rat intestine. The permeability of all nine high-permeability, but none of the low permeability standards, was also much lower when measured with intestinal tissue, Caco-2 cell monolayers or artificial membranes at 4°C compared to standard conditions (37°C). Additionally, concurrent testing of several standard drugs revealed that membrane transport can be affected by the use of internal permeability standards. The implications of the results are discussed regarding the regulatory aspects of biopharmaceutical classification, good practice in drug permeability evaluation and regarding the general relevance of transport proteins with broad specificity in drug absorption.

Evaluating Non-potable Water Usage for Oil and Gas Purposes in the Permian Basin Using Reactive Transport Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marsac, K.; Navarre-Sitchler, A.

2017-12-01

Oil and gas company water usage is currently an area of concern in the water stressed western United States. 87% of recent wells in the Permian Basin are located in areas of high or extreme water stress. Using recycled produced water or groundwater that does not meet the USDW drinking water standards for oil and gas purposes could assist in relieving both water stress and tension between oil and gas companies and the public. However, non-USDW drinking water (TDS over 10,000 ppm) has the potential to react with formation water causing mineral precipitation, reducing the permeability of the producing formation. To evaluate the potential of non-potable water usage in the Permian Basin, available groundwater chemistry data was compiled into a database. Data was collected from the NETL-run NATCARB database, the USGS Produced Water and NWIS Databases, and the Texas Water Development Board. The created database went through a system of quality assurance and control for pH, TDS, depth and charge balance. Data was used to generate a set of waters representative of Permian Basin groundwater based on TDS, Ca/Mg ratio and Cl/SO4 ratio. Low, medium and high values of these three characteristics; representing the 25th, 50th and 75th percentile respectively; were used to create a matrix of 27 waters. Low TDS is 64,660 ppm, medium TDS is 98,486 ppm, and high TDS is 157,317 ppm. Ca/Mg ratios range from 1.98 to 7.26, and Cl/SO4 ratios range from 32.96 to 62.34. Results from mixing and titration models between these 27 waters and average Permian Basin water using Geochemist's Workbench show a maximum total precipitation of 1.815 cm3 in 1 L of water. In term of porosity, this represents a maximum porosity decrease due to mineral precipitation of 0.18%. This maximum precipitation scenario resulted from mixing average water with high TDS, high Ca/Mg ratio and low Cl/SO4 ratio water. We further investigate the impact of mineral precipitation on porosity and permeability using reactive transport modeling. A cylindrical, homogeneous PFLOTRAN reactive-transport model simulates the injection of high-TDS, high Ca/Mg, low Cl/SO4 water into the pay formation and the possible effects of precipitation over the lifetime of a well.

Reactive Transport Analysis of Fault 'Self-sealing' Associated with CO2 Storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patil, V.; McPherson, B. J. O. L.; Priewisch, A.; Franz, R. J.

2014-12-01

We present an extensive hydrologic and reactive transport analysis of the Little Grand Wash fault zone (LGWF), a natural analog of fault-associated leakage from an engineered CO2 repository. Injecting anthropogenic CO2 into the subsurface is suggested for climate change mitigation. However, leakage of CO2 from its target storage formation into unintended areas is considered as a major risk involved in CO2 sequestration. In the event of leakage, permeability in leakage pathways like faults may get sealed (reduced) due to precipitation or enhanced (increased) due to dissolution reactions induced by CO2-enriched water, thus influencing migration and fate of the CO2. We hypothesize that faults which act as leakage pathways can seal over time in presence of CO2-enriched waters. An example of such a fault 'self-sealing' is found in the LGWF near Green River, Utah in the Paradox basin, where fault outcrop shows surface and sub-surface fractures filled with calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The LGWF cuts through multiple reservoirs and seal layers piercing a reservoir of naturally occurring CO2, allowing it to leak into overlying aquifers. As the CO2-charged water from shallower aquifers migrates towards atmosphere, a decrease in pCO2 leads to supersaturation of water with respect to CaCO3, which precipitates in the fractures of the fault damage zone. In order to test the nature, extent and time-frame of the fault sealing, we developed reactive flow simulations of the LGWF. Model parameters were chosen based on hydrologic measurements from literature. Model geochemistry was constrained by water analysis of the adjacent Crystal Geyser and observations from a scientific drilling test conducted at the site. Precipitation of calcite in the top portion of the fault model led to a decrease in the porosity value of the damage zone, while clay precipitation led to a decrease in the porosity value of the fault core. We found that the results were sensitive to the fault architecture, relative permeability functions, kinetic parameters for mineral reactions and treatment of molecular diffusion. Major conclusions from this analysis are that a failed (leaking) engineered sequestration site may behave very similar to the LGWF and that under similar conditions some faults are likely to seal over time.

Role of Dissolved Organic Matter and Geochemical Controls on Arsenic Cycling from Sediments to Groundwater along the Meghna River, Bangladesh: Tracking possible links to permeable natural reactive barrier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Datta, S.; Berube, M.; Knappett, P.; Kulkarni, H. V.; Vega, M.; Jewell, K.; Myers, K.

2017-12-01

Elevated levels of dissolved arsenic (As), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) are seen in the shallow groundwaters of southeast Bangladesh on the Ganges Brahmaputra Meghna River delta. This study takes a multi disciplinary approach to understand the extent of the natural reactive barrier (NRB) along the Meghna River and evaluate the role of the NRB in As sequestration and release in groundwater aquifers. Shallow sediment cores, and groundwater and river water samples were collected from the east and west banks of the Meghna. Groundwater and river water samples were tested for FeT, MnT, and AsT concentrations. Fluorescence spectroscopic characterization of groundwater dissolved organic matter (DOM) provided insight into the hydro geochemical reactions active in the groundwater and the hyporheic zones. Eight sediment cores of 1.5 m depth were collected 10 m away from the edge of the river. Vertical solid phase concentration profiles of Fe, Mn and As were measured via 1.2 M HCl digestion which revealed solid phase As accumulation along the riverbanks up to concentrations of 1500 mg/kg As. Microbial interactions with DOM prompts the reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+, causing As to mobilize into groundwater and humic-like DOM present in the groundwater may catalyze this process. The extent to which microbially mediated release of As occurs is limited by labile dissolved organic carbon (DOC) availability. Aqueous geochemical results showed the highest dissolved As concentrations in shallow wells (<30 m depth), where organic matter was fresh, humic-like, and aromatic. Based on fluorescence characterization, shallow groundwater was found to contain microbial and terrestrial derived DOC, and decomposed, humified and aromatic DOM. Deeper aquifers had a significantly larger microbial OM signature than the shallower aquifers and was less aromatic, decomposed and humified. The results from this study illustrate the potential for humic substances to contribute to As cycling and quantify the extent of As accumulation in the sediments and groundwater along a 1 km stretch of the Meghna. These findings contribute to the overall understanding of geochemical processes involved in As release into groundwaters from sediments within a fluvial deltaic environment and close proximity to a possible permeable natural reactive barrier.

1D Thermal-Hydraulic-Chemical (THC) Reactive transport modeling for deep geothermal systems: A case study of Groß Schönebeck reservoir, Germany

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Driba, D. L.; De Lucia, M.; Peiffer, S.

2014-12-01

Fluid-rock interactions in geothermal reservoirs are driven by the state of disequilibrium that persists among solid and solutes due to changing temperature and pressure. During operation of enhanced geothermal systems, injection of cooled water back into the reservoir disturbs the initial thermodynamic equilibrium between the reservoir and its geothermal fluid, which may induce modifications in permeability through changes in porosity and pore space geometry, consequently bringing about several impairments to the overall system.Modeling of fluid-rock interactions induced by injection of cold brine into Groß Schönebeck geothermal reservoir system situated in the Rotliegend sandstone at 4200m depth have been done by coupling geochemical modeling Code Phreeqc with OpenGeoSys. Through batch modeling the re-evaluation of the measured hydrochemical composition of the brine has been done using Quintessa databases, the results from the calculation indicate that a mineral phases comprising of K-feldspar, hematite, Barite, Calcite and Dolomite was found to match the hypothesis of equilibrium with the formation fluid, Reducing conditions are presumed in the model (pe = -3.5) in order to match the amount of observed dissolved Fe and thus considered as initial state for the reactive transport modeling. based on a measured composition of formation fluids and the predominant mineralogical assemblage of the host rock, a preliminary 1D Reactive transport modeling (RTM) was run with total time set to 30 years; results obtained for the initial simulation revealed that during this period, no significant change is evident for K-feldspar. Furthermore, the precipitation of calcite along the flow path in the brine results in a drop of pH from 6.2 to a value of 5.2 noticed over the simulated period. The circulation of cooled fluid in the reservoir is predicted to affect the temperature of the reservoir within the first 100 -150m from the injection well. Examination of porosity change in this simulation reveals that, porosity and permeability near the wellbore are enhanced after injection. This is chiefly due to the dissolution of calcite near the injection well and less extent by dolomite The porosity is improved by more than 14% at the injection well, but then decreases away from the well.

Research on the performance of sand-based environmental-friendly water permeable bricks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Runze; Mandula; Chai, Jinyi

2018-02-01

This paper examines the effects of the amount of admixture, the water cement ratio, the aggregate grading, and the cement aggregate ratio on the mechanical service properties and of porous concrete pavement bricks including strength, water permeability, frost resistance, and wear resistance. The admixture can enhance the performance of water permeable brick, and optimize the design mix. Experiments are conducted to determine the optimal mixing ratios which are given as; (1) the admixture (self-developed) within the content of 5% of the cement quality; (2) water-cement ratio equal to 0.34; (3) cement-aggregate ratio equal to 0.25; (4) fine aggregate of 70% (particle size 0.6-2.36mm); and coarse aggregate of 30% (particle size: 2.36-4.75mm). The experimental results that the sand-based permeable concrete pavement brick has a strength of 35.6MPa and that the water permeability coefficient is equal to 3.5×10-2cm/s. In addition, it was found that the concrete water permeable brick has good frost resistance and surface wear resistance, and that the its production costs are much lower than the similar sand-based water permeable bricks in China.

On the relation between fluvio-deltaic flood basin geomorphology and the wide-spread occurrence of arsenic pollution in shallow aquifers.

PubMed

Donselaar, Marinus E; Bhatt, Ajay G; Ghosh, Ashok K

2017-01-01

Pollution of groundwater with natural (geogenic) arsenic occurs on an enormous, world-wide scale, and causes wide-spread, serious health risks for an estimated more than hundred million people who depend on the use of shallow aquifers for drinking and irrigation water. A literature review of key studies on arsenic concentration levels yields that Holocene fluvial and deltaic flood basins are the hotspots of arsenic pollution, and that the dominant geomorphological setting of the arsenic-polluted areas consists of shallow-depth meandering-river deposits with sand-prone fluvial point-bar deposits surrounded by clay-filled (clay plug) abandoned meander bends (oxbow lakes). Analysis of the lithofacies distribution and related permeability contrasts of the geomorphological elements in two cored wells in a point bar and adjacent clay plug along the Ganges River, in combination with data of arsenic concentrations and organic matter content reveals that the low-permeable clay-plug deposits have a high organic matter content and the adjacent permeable point-bar sands show high but spatially very variable arsenic concentrations. On the basis of the geomorphological juxtaposition, the analysis of fluvial depositional processes and lithofacies characteristics, inherent permeability distribution and the omnipresence of the two geomorphological elements in Holocene flood basins around the world, a generic model is presented for the wide-spread arsenic occurrence. The anoxic deeper part (hypolimnion) of the oxbow lake, and the clay plugs are identified as the loci of reactive organic carbon and microbial respiration in an anoxic environment that triggers the reductive dissolution of iron oxy-hydroxides and the release of arsenic on the scale of entire fluvial floodplains and deltaic basins. The adjacent permeable point-bar sands are identified as the effective trap for the dissolved arsenic, and the internal permeability heterogeneity is the cause for aquifer compartmentalization, with large arsenic concentration differences between neighboring compartments. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Contrasting Nitrogen Fate in Watersheds using Agricultural and Water Quality Information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Essaid, H.; Baker, N. T.; McCarthy, K.

2016-12-01

A study combining Surplus Nitrogen (N) estimation with Principal Component (PCA) and End-Member-Mixing Analysis (EMMA) successfully reproduced, explained, and contrasted the general features of N fate and transport in diverse agricultural watersheds in Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Maryland (MD), Nebraska (NE), Mississippi (MS) and Washington (WA) that ranged in size from 5 to 1254 km2. Watershed Surplus N was determined by subtracting estimates of crop uptake and volatilization from estimates of N input from atmospheric deposition, plant fixation, fertilizer application and manure. Surplus N was ≤ 20% of total N input in the lower permeability watersheds of MS, IA and IN and most Surplus N in these watersheds was exported downstream. In contrast, Surplus N was > 20% of total N input in the more permeable watersheds of WA, NE and MD and only a fraction of the Surplus N was exported downstream. PCA and EMMA were used to identify end-members contributing to streamflow and NO3 load. Discharge of oxic groundwater (GW) to the stream was the primary source of stream NO3 load in the more permeable watersheds. In the less permeable watersheds GW was predominantly anoxic and tile drainage and runoff were the primary sources of stream NO3 load. These results suggest that a larger fraction of N applied at the land surface was not used by the plants and leached into the subsurface in more permeable watersheds. Although NO3-bearing oxic GW was the main source of stream NO3 in these watersheds, subsurface NO3 removal appeared to be occurring by denitrification along GW flow paths that encountered anoxic conditions and/or reactive streambed sediments. Although plants were able to more efficiently use N applied at the land surface in less permeable watersheds, what wasn't taken up by plants flowed directly to the stream with little opportunity for denitrification. Instream benthic processing was not apparent in small watersheds but became more important as watershed size increased.

Monitoring engineered remediation with borehole radar

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lane, J.W.; Day-Lewis, F. D.; Joesten, P.K.

2007-01-01

The success of engineered remediation is predicated on correct emplacement of either amendments (e.g., vegetable-oil emulsion, lactate, molasses, etc.) or permeable reactive barriers (e.g., vegetable oil, zero-valent iron, etc.) to enhance microbial or geochemical breakdown of contaminants and treat contaminants. Currently, site managers have limited tools to provide information about the distribution of injected materials; the existence of gaps or holes in barriers; and breakdown or transformation of injected materials over time. ?? 2007 Society of Exploration Geophysicists.

Annual Report to Congress - Fiscal Year 1996. A Report by the Council of the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-03-01

volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs), and permeable reactive walls for chlorinated solvents The GRFL is the only... compounds , solvents, and heavy metals. SCAPS technology has been demonstrated to reduce the costs of traditional site screening by up to 90 percent; it...styphnate and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Hazardous wastes also are generated during demilitarization. Under partial sponsorship of SERDP, the US Army

Cost and Performance Report - Evaluating the Longevity and Hydraulic Performance of Permeable Reactive Barriers at Department of Defense Sites

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-12-01

methods, such as jetting, hydraulic fracturing , and vibratory beam, have been demonstrated at some sites, as they offer some cost advantages at deep sites...while still keeping the implementation cost relatively low. Beyond these depths, innovative methods (such as jetting and hydraulic fracturing ) can...type excavator and a trench-type barrier. For sites where the affected aquifer is deeper, innovative methods, such as jetting and hydraulic

Evaluating the Longevity and Hydraulic Performance of Permeable Reactive Barriers at Department of Defense Sites

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-01-01

Army Ammunitions Plant) PRBs have become feasible with trenching. Other construction 5 methods, such as jetting, hydraulic fracturing , and vibratory...where the affected aquifer is deeper, innovative methods, such as jetting and hydraulic fracturing , are available, but there is not as much widespread...such as jetting and hydraulic fracturing ) can be used at relatively higher cost. The cost comparison of a PRB versus an active remedy, such as a

In-situ method to remove iron and other metals from solution in groundwater down gradient from permeable reactive barrier

DOEpatents

Carpenter, Clay E.; Morrison, Stanley J.

2001-07-03

This invention is directed to a process for treating the flow of anaerobic groundwater through an aquifer with a primary treatment media, preferably iron, and then passing the treated groundwater through a second porous media though which an oxygenated gas is passed in order to oxygenate the dissolved primary treatment material and convert it into an insoluble material thereby removing the dissolved primary treatment material from the groundwater.

Activation of rho is involved in the mechanism of hydrogen-peroxide-induced lung edema in isolated perfused rabbit lung.

PubMed

Chiba, Y; Ishii, Y; Kitamura, S; Sugiyama, Y

2001-09-01

Acute lung injury is attributed primarily to increased vascular permeability caused by reactive oxygen species derived from neutrophils, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Increased permeability is accompanied by the contraction and cytoskeleton reorganization of endothelial cells, resulting in intercellular gap formation. The Rho family of Ras-like GTPases is implicated in the regulation of the cytoskeleton and cell contraction. We examined the role of Rho in H2O2-induced pulmonary edema with the use of isolated perfused rabbit lungs. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the role of Rho in increased vascular permeability induced by H2O2 in perfused lungs. Vascular permeability was evaluated on the basis of the capillary filtration coefficient (Kfc, ml/min/cm H2O/100 g). We found that H2O2 (300 microM) increased lung weight, Kfc, and pulmonary capillary pressure. These effects of H2O2 were abolished by treatment with Y-27632 (50 microM), an inhibitor of the Rho effector p160 ROCK. In contrast, the muscular relaxant papaverine inhibited the H2O2-induced rise in pulmonary capillary pressure, but did not suppress the increases in lung weight and Kfc. These findings indicate that H2O2 causes pulmonary edema by elevating hydrostatic pressure and increasing vascular permeability. Y-27632 inhibited the formation of pulmonary edema by blocking both of these H2O2-induced effects. Our results suggest that Rho-related pathways have a part in the mechanism of H2O2-induced pulmonary edema. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Bioaugmented remediation of high concentration BTEX-contaminated groundwater by permeable reactive barrier with immobilized bead.

PubMed

Xin, Bao-Ping; Wu, Chih-Hung; Wu, Cheng-Han; Lin, Chi-Wen

2013-01-15

Ineffective biostimulation requires immediate development of new technologies for remediation of high concentration BTEX-contaminated (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene) groundwater. In this study, bioaugmentation with Mycobacterium sp. CHXY119 and Pseudomonas sp. YATO411 immobilized bead was used to remediate BTEX-contaminated groundwater with about 100 mg l(-1) in total concentration. The batch test results showed that the CHXY119 and YATO411 immobilized bead completely biodegraded each BTEX compound, and the maximum biodegradation rates were 0.790 mg l(-1) h(-1) for benzene, 1.113 mg l(-1) h(-1) for toluene, 0.992 mg l(-1) h(-1) for ethylbenzene and 0.231 mg l(-1) h(-1) for p-xylene. The actual mineralization rates were 10.8% for benzene, 10.5% for toluene, 5.8% for ethylbenzene and 11.4% for p-xylene, which indicated that the bioremediation of BTEX by the immobilized bead requires a rather small oxygen supply. Degradation rates achieved by the bioaugmented permeable reactive barrier (Bio-PRB) system of the immobilized bead were 97.8% for benzene, 94.2% for toluene, 84.7% for ethylbenzene and 87.4% for p-xylene; and the toxicity of the groundwater fell by 91.2% after bioremediation by the bioaugmented PRB, which confirmed its great potential for remediating groundwater with high concentrations of contaminants. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microbially mediated clinoptilolite regeneration in a multifunctional permeable reactive barrier used to remove ammonium from landfill leachate contamination: laboratory column evaluation.

PubMed

Nooten, Thomas Van; Diels, Ludo; Bastiaens, Leen

2010-05-01

This study focuses on multifunctional permeable reactive barrier (multibarrier) technology, combining microbial degradation and abiotic ion exchange processes for removal of ammonium from landfill leachate contamination. The sequential multibarrier concept relies on the use of a clinoptilolite-filled buffer compartment to ensure a robust ammonium removal in case of temporary insufficient microbial activities. An innovative strategy was developed to allow in situ clinoptilolite regeneration. Laboratory-scale clinoptilolite-filled columns were first saturated with ammonium, using real landfill leachate as well as synthetic leachates as feed media. Other inorganic metal cations, typically present in landfill leachate, had a detrimental influence on the ammonium removal capacity by competing for clinoptilolite exchange sites. On the other hand, the metals had a highly favorable impact on regeneration of the saturated material. Feeding the columns with leachate deprived from ammonium (e.g., by microbial nitrification in an upgradient compartment), resulted in a complete release of the previously sorbed ammonium from the clinoptilolite, due to exchange with metal cations present in the leachate. The released ammonium is then available for microbial consumption in a downgradient compartment. The regeneration process resulted in a slightly increased ammonium exchange capacity afterward. The described strategy throws a new light on sustainable use of sorption materials for in situ groundwater remediation, by avoiding the need for material replacement and the use of external chemical regenerants.

Remediation of lead and cadmium from simulated groundwater in loess region in northwestern China using permeable reactive barrier filled with environmentally friendly mixed adsorbents.

PubMed

Fan, Chunhui; Gao, Yalin; Zhang, Yingchao; Dong, Wanqing; Lai, Miao

2018-01-01

Permeable reactive barrier (PRB) is potentially effective for groundwater remediation, especially using environmentally friendly mixed fillers in representative areas, such as semi-arid loess region in northwestern China. The mixed materials, including corn straw (agricultural wastes), fly ash (industrial wastes), zeolite synthesized from fly ash (reutilized products), and iron-manganese nodule derived from loess (materials with regional characteristics) in northwestern China, were chosen as PRB media to reduce the contents of lead and cadmium in simulated groundwater. A series of lab-scale column experiments were investigated, and the response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the working process; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were applied to further reveal the reaction mechanism. It shows that the purification efficiencies are more acceptable when the concentrations of lead and cadmium are approximately 7 and 0.7 mg/L, respectively, at 25 °C in weakly acidic solution, and functional groups of -OH and C=C play an important role for contaminants removal. The mixed adsorbents used are effective to remove lead and cadmium in groundwater. This is the first report on the removal of lead and cadmium from groundwater in loess region in northwestern China using PRB filled with environmentally friendly mixed adsorbents.

Removal of ammonia nitrogen from leachate of Muribeca municipal solid waste landfill, Pernambuco, Brazil, using natural zeolite as part of a biochemical system.

PubMed

Lins, Cecilia Maria M S; Alves, Maria Cristina M; Campos, Juacyara C; Silva, Fabrícia Maria S; Jucá, José Fernando T; Lins, Eduardo Antonio M

2015-01-01

The inadequate disposal of leachate is one of the key factors in the environmental impact of urban solid waste landfills in Brazil. Among the compounds present in the leachates from Brazilian landfills, ammonia nitrogen is notable for its high concentrations. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficiency of a permeable reactive barrier filled with a natural zeolite, which is part of a biochemical system for the tertiary treatment of the leachate from Muribeca Municipal Solid Waste Landfill in Pernambuco, Brazil, to reduce its ammonia nitrogen concentration. This investigation initially consisted of kinetic studies and batch equilibrium tests on the natural zeolite to construct the sorption isotherms, which showed a high sorption capacity, with an average of 12.4 mg NH4+.L(-1), a value close to the sorption rates found for the aqueous ammonium chloride solution. A permeable reactive barrier consisting of natural zeolite, as simulated by the column test, was efficient in removing the ammonia nitrogen present in the leachate pretreated with calcium hydroxide. Nevertheless, the regenerated zeolite did not satisfactorily maintain the sorption properties of the natural zeolite, and an analysis of their cation-exchange properties showed a reduced capacity of 54 meq per 100 g for the regenerated zeolite compared to 150 meq per 100 g for the natural zeolite.

Alda-1 Protects Against Acrolein-Induced Acute Lung Injury and Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction.

PubMed

Lu, Qing; Mundy, Miles; Chambers, Eboni; Lange, Thilo; Newton, Julie; Borgas, Diana; Yao, Hongwei; Choudhary, Gaurav; Basak, Rajshekhar; Oldham, Mahogany; Rounds, Sharon

2017-12-01

Inhalation of acrolein, a highly reactive aldehyde, causes lung edema. The underlying mechanism is poorly understood and there is no effective treatment. In this study, we demonstrated that acrolein not only dose-dependently induced lung edema but also promoted LPS-induced acute lung injury. Importantly, acrolein-induced lung injury was prevented and rescued by Alda-1, an activator of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2. Acrolein also dose-dependently increased monolayer permeability, disrupted adherens junctions and focal adhesion complexes, and caused intercellular gap formation in primary cultured lung microvascular endothelial cells (LMVECs). These effects were attenuated by Alda-1 and the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, but not by the NADPH inhibitor apocynin. Furthermore, acrolein inhibited AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels in LMVECs-effects that were associated with impaired mitochondrial respiration. AMPK total protein levels were also reduced in lung tissue of mice and LMVECs exposed to acrolein. Activation of AMPK with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-4-ribofuranoside blunted an acrolein-induced increase in endothelial monolayer permeability, but not mitochondrial oxidative stress or inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. Our results suggest that acrolein-induced mitochondrial dysfunction may not contribute to endothelial barrier dysfunction. We speculate that detoxification of acrolein by Alda-1 and activation of AMPK may be novel approaches to prevent and treat acrolein-associated acute lung injury, which may occur after smoke inhalation.

Enhanced reaction kinetics and reactive mixing scale dynamics in mixing fronts under shear flow for arbitrary Damköhler numbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bandopadhyay, Aditya; Le Borgne, Tanguy; Méheust, Yves; Dentz, Marco

2017-02-01

Mixing fronts, where fluids of different chemical compositions mix with each other, are known to represent hotspots of chemical reaction in hydrological systems. These fronts are typically subjected to velocity gradients, ranging from the pore scale due to no slip boundary conditions at fluid solid interfaces, to the catchment scale due to permeability variations and complex geometry of the Darcy velocity streamlines. A common trait of these processes is that the mixing interface is strained by shear. Depending on the Péclet number Pe , which represents the ratio of the characteristic diffusion time to the characteristic shear time, and the Damköhler number Da , which represents the ratio of the characteristic diffusion time to the characteristic reaction time, the local reaction rates can be strongly impacted by the dynamics of the mixing interface. So far, this impact has been characterized mostly either in kinetics-limited or in mixing-limited conditions, that is, for either low or high Da. Here the coupling of shear flow and chemical reactivity is investigated for arbitrary Damköhler numbers, for a bimolecular reaction and an initial interface with separated reactants. Approximate analytical expressions for the global production rate and reactive mixing scale are derived based on a reactive lamella approach that allows for a general coupling between stretching enhanced mixing and chemical reactions. While for Pe < Da , reaction kinetics and stretching effects are decoupled, a scenario which we name "weak stretching", for Pe > Da , we uncover a "strong stretching" scenario where new scaling laws emerge from the interplay between reaction kinetics, diffusion, and stretching. The analytical results are validated against numerical simulations. These findings shed light on the effect of flow heterogeneity on the enhancement of chemical reaction and the creation of spatially localized hotspots of reactivity for a broad range of systems ranging from kinetic limited to mixing limited situations.

Predicting chemically-induced skin reactions. Part II: QSAR models of skin permeability and the relationships between skin permeability and skin sensitization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alves, Vinicius M.; Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599; Muratov, Eugene

Skin permeability is widely considered to be mechanistically implicated in chemically-induced skin sensitization. Although many chemicals have been identified as skin sensitizers, there have been very few reports analyzing the relationships between molecular structure and skin permeability of sensitizers and non-sensitizers. The goals of this study were to: (i) compile, curate, and integrate the largest publicly available dataset of chemicals studied for their skin permeability; (ii) develop and rigorously validate QSAR models to predict skin permeability; and (iii) explore the complex relationships between skin sensitization and skin permeability. Based on the largest publicly available dataset compiled in this study, wemore » found no overall correlation between skin permeability and skin sensitization. In addition, cross-species correlation coefficient between human and rodent permeability data was found to be as low as R{sup 2} = 0.44. Human skin permeability models based on the random forest method have been developed and validated using OECD-compliant QSAR modeling workflow. Their external accuracy was high (Q{sup 2}{sub ext} = 0.73 for 63% of external compounds inside the applicability domain). The extended analysis using both experimentally-measured and QSAR-imputed data still confirmed the absence of any overall concordance between skin permeability and skin sensitization. This observation suggests that chemical modifications that affect skin permeability should not be presumed a priori to modulate the sensitization potential of chemicals. The models reported herein as well as those developed in the companion paper on skin sensitization suggest that it may be possible to rationally design compounds with the desired high skin permeability but low sensitization potential. - Highlights: • It was compiled the largest publicly-available skin permeability dataset. • Predictive QSAR models were developed for skin permeability. • No concordance between skin sensitization and skin permeability has been found. • Structural rules for optimizing sensitization and penetration were established.« less

Urban permeable pavement system design based on “sponge city” concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, M. M.; Zhu, J. W.; Gao, W. F.; Xu, D. P.; Zhao, M.

2017-08-01

Based on the “sponge city” concept, to implement the goal of building a city within the city to solve the sponge waterlogging, rational utilization of water resources, reduce water pollution this paper, combined with the city planning level in China, establishes the design system of city road flooding from the macro, medium and micro level, explore the design method of city water permeable pavement system, and has a practical significance the lower flood risk water ecological problems. On the macro level, we established an urban pavement sponge system under the regional ecological pattern by “spot permeable open space - low impact developing rain water road system - catchment area and catchment wetland”. On a medium level, this paper proposed the permeable suitability of pavement and the planning control indicators when combined with urban functional districts to conduct permeable pavement roads plans and controls. On micro level, the paper studied sponge technology design of permeable pavement from road structure, surface material, and other aspects aimed at the pavement permeability requirements.

Dissolution-Assisted Pattern Formation During Olivine Carbonation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lisabeth, Harrison; Zhu, Wenlu; Xing, Tiange; De Andrade, Vincent

2017-10-01

Olivine and pyroxene-bearing rocks in the oceanic crust react with hydrothermal fluids producing changes in the physical characteristics and behaviors of the altered rocks. Notably, these reactions tend to increase solid volume, reducing pore volume, permeability, and available reactive surface area, yet entirely hydrated and/or carbonated rocks are commonly observed in the field. We investigate the evolution of porosity and permeability of fractured dunites reacted with CO2-rich solutions in laboratory experiments. The alteration of crack surfaces changes the mechanical and transport properties of the bulk samples. Analysis of three-dimensional microstructural data shows that although precipitation of secondary minerals causes the total porosity of the sample to decrease, an interconnected network of porosity is maintained through channelized dissolution and coupled carbonate precipitation. The observed microstructure appears to be the result of chemo-mechanical coupling, which may provide a mechanism of porosity maintenance without the need to invoke reaction-driven cracking.

Single-walled carbon nanotube, multi-walled carbon nanotube and Fe2O3 nanoparticles induced mitochondria mediated apoptosis in melanoma cells.

PubMed

Naserzadeh, Parvaneh; Ansari Esfeh, Fatemeh; Kaviani, Mahboubeh; Ashtari, Khadijeh; Kheirbakhsh, Raheleh; Salimi, Ahmad; Pourahmad, Jalal

2018-06-01

Nanomaterials (NM) exhibit novel anticancer properties. The toxicity of three nanoparticles that are currently being produced in high tonnage including single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT), multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles, were compared with normal and melanoma cells. All tested nanoparticles induced selective toxicity and caspase 3 activation through mitochondria pathway in melanoma cells and mitochondria cause the generating of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential decline (MMP collapse), mitochondria swelling, and cytochrome c release. The pretreatment of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a cell-permeable antioxidant and cyclosporine A (Cs. A), a mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT), pore sealing agent decreased cytotoxicity, caspase 3 activation, ROS generation, and mitochondrial damages induced by SWCNT, MWCNT, and IONPs. Our promising results provide a potential approach for the future therapeutic use of SWCNT, MWCNT, and IONPs in melanoma through mitochondrial targeting.

Fluid Pocket Generation in Response to Heterogeneous Reactivity of a Rock Fracture Under Hydrothermal Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okamoto, A.; Tanaka, H.; Watanabe, N.; Saishu, H.; Tsuchiya, N.

2017-10-01

Fractures are the location of various water-rock interactions within the Earth's crust; however, the impact of the chemical heterogeneity of fractures on hydraulic properties is poorly understood. We conducted flow-through experiments on the dissolution of granite with a tensile fracture at 350°C and fluid pressure of 20 MPa with confining pressure of 40 MPa. The aperture structures were evaluated by X-ray computed tomography before and after the experiments. Under the experimental conditions, quartz grains dissolve rapidly to produce grain-scale pockets on the fracture surface, whereas altered feldspar grains act as asperities to sustain the open cavities. The fracture contained gouge with large surface area. The feedback between fluid flow and the rapid dissolution of gouge material produced large fluid pockets, whereas permeability did not always increase significantly. Such intense hydrological-chemical interactions could strongly influence the porosity-permeability relationship of fractured reservoirs in the crust.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lisabeth, Harrison; Zhu, Wenlu; Xing, Tiange

Olivine and pyroxene bearing rocks in the oceanic crust react with hydrothermal fluids producing changes in the physical characteristics and behaviors of the altered rocks. Notably, these reactions tend to increase solid volume, reducing pore volume, permeability and available reactive surface area; yet, entirely hydrated and/or carbonated rocks are commonly observed in the field. We investigate the evolution of porosity and permeability of fractured dunites reacted with CO 2-rich solutions in laboratory experiments. The alteration of crack surfaces changes the mechanical and transport properties of the bulk samples. Analysis of three-dimensional microstructural data shows that although precipitation of secondary mineralsmore » causes the total porosity of the sample to decrease, an interconnected network of porosity is maintained through channelized dissolution and coupled carbonate precipitation. Lastly, the observed microstructure appears to be the result of chemo-mechanical coupling, which may provide a mechanism of porosity maintenance without the need to invoke reaction-driven cracking.« less

One-dimensional model for biogeochemical interactions and permeability reduction in soils during leachate permeation.

PubMed

Singhal, Naresh; Islam, Jahangir

2008-02-19

This paper uses the findings from a column study to develop a reactive model for exploring the interactions occurring in leachate-contaminated soils. The changes occurring in the concentrations of acetic acid, sulphate, suspended and attached biomass, Fe(II), Mn(II), calcium, carbonate ions, and pH in the column are assessed. The mathematical model considers geochemical equilibrium, kinetic biodegradation, precipitation-dissolution reactions, bacterial and substrate transport, and permeability reduction arising from bacterial growth and gas production. A two-step sequential operator splitting method is used to solve the coupled transport and biogeochemical reaction equations. The model gives satisfactory fits to experimental data and the simulations show that the transport of metals in soil is controlled by multiple competing biotic and abiotic reactions. These findings suggest that bioaccumulation and gas formation, compared to chemical precipitation, have a larger influence on hydraulic conductivity reduction.

Dissolution-Assisted Pattern Formation During Olivine Carbonation

DOE PAGES

Lisabeth, Harrison; Zhu, Wenlu; Xing, Tiange; ...

2017-08-31

Olivine and pyroxene bearing rocks in the oceanic crust react with hydrothermal fluids producing changes in the physical characteristics and behaviors of the altered rocks. Notably, these reactions tend to increase solid volume, reducing pore volume, permeability and available reactive surface area; yet, entirely hydrated and/or carbonated rocks are commonly observed in the field. We investigate the evolution of porosity and permeability of fractured dunites reacted with CO 2-rich solutions in laboratory experiments. The alteration of crack surfaces changes the mechanical and transport properties of the bulk samples. Analysis of three-dimensional microstructural data shows that although precipitation of secondary mineralsmore » causes the total porosity of the sample to decrease, an interconnected network of porosity is maintained through channelized dissolution and coupled carbonate precipitation. Lastly, the observed microstructure appears to be the result of chemo-mechanical coupling, which may provide a mechanism of porosity maintenance without the need to invoke reaction-driven cracking.« less

Tuning reactivity of diphenylpropynone derivatives with metal-associated amyloid-β species via structural modifications.

PubMed

Liu, Yuzhong; Kochi, Akiko; Pithadia, Amit S; Lee, Sanghyun; Nam, Younwoo; Beck, Michael W; He, Xiaoming; Lee, Dongkuk; Lim, Mi Hee

2013-07-15

A diphenylpropynone derivative, DPP2, has been recently demonstrated to target metal-associated amyloid-β (metal-Aβ) species implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). DPP2 was shown to interact with metal-Aβ species and subsequently control Aβ aggregation (reactivity) in vitro; however, its cytotoxicity has limited further biological applications. In order to improve reactivity toward Aβ species and lower cytotoxicity, along with gaining an understanding of a structure-reactivity-cytotoxicity relationship, we designed, prepared, and characterized a series of small molecules (C1/C2, P1/P2, and PA1/PA2) as structurally modified DPP2 analogues. A similar metal binding site to that of DPP2 was contained in these compounds while their structures were varied to afford different interactions and reactivities with metal ions, Aβ species, and metal-Aβ species. Distinct reactivities of our chemical family toward in vitro Aβ aggregation in the absence and presence of metal ions were observed. Among our chemical series, the compound (C2) with a relatively rigid backbone and a dimethylamino group was observed to noticeably regulate both metal-free and metal-mediated Aβ aggregation to different extents. Using our compounds, cell viability was significantly improved, compared to that with DPP2. Lastly, modifications on the DPP framework maintained the structural properties for potential blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Overall, our studies demonstrated that structural variations adjacent to the metal binding site of DPP2 could govern different metal binding properties, interactions with Aβ and metal-Aβ species, reactivity toward metal-free and metal-induced Aβ aggregation, and cytotoxicity of the compounds, establishing a structure-reactivity-cytotoxicity relationship. This information could help gain insight into structural optimization for developing nontoxic chemical reagents toward targeting metal-Aβ species and modulating their reactivity in biological systems.

Superfund Record of Decision (EPA Region 7): Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (NW Lagoon), Independence, MO, September 29, 1998

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1999-03-01

This decision document describes the selected Interim Remedial Action (IRA) for the Northeast Corner Operable Unit (NECOU), Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP). The major components of the selected IRA for the NECOU include: Installation of a subsurface permeable reactive wall (PRW) to treat contaminated ground water in place (in-situ); A monitoring program to evaluate the effectiveness of The PRW in treating the contaminated ground water and to determine the replacement period of the reactive media; and Installation of a soil cover over the Area 17 Oil and Solvent Pits (a principal threat waste) located adjacent to the current sanitarymore » landfill in the NECOU to minimize infiltration of water through the pits and subsequently into ground water.« less

EPA Permeable Surface Research - Poster

EPA Science Inventory

EPA recognizes permeable surfaces as an effective post-construction infiltration-based Best Management Practice to mitigate the adverse effects of stormwater runoff. The professional user community conceptually embraces permeable surfaces as a tool for making runoff more closely...

EPA Permeable Surface Research

EPA Science Inventory

EPA recognizes permeable surfaces as an effective post-construction infiltration-based Best Management Practice to mitigate the adverse effects of stormwater runoff. The professional user community conceptually embraces permeable surfaces as a tool for making runoff more closely...

Comparison of MDCK-MDR1 and Caco-2 cell based permeability assays for anti-malarial drug screening and drug investigations.

PubMed

Jin, Xiannu; Luong, Thu-Lan; Reese, Necole; Gaona, Heather; Collazo-Velez, Vanessa; Vuong, Chau; Potter, Brittney; Sousa, Jason C; Olmeda, Raul; Li, Qigui; Xie, Lisa; Zhang, Jing; Zhang, Ping; Reichard, Greg; Melendez, Victor; Marcsisin, Sean R; Pybus, Brandon S

2014-01-01

Malaria is a major health concern and affects over 300million people a year. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for new efficacious anti-malarial drugs. A major challenge in developing new anti-malarial drugs is to design active molecules that have preferable drug-like characteristics. These "drug-like" characteristics include physiochemical properties that affect drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Compounds with poor ADME profiles will likely fail in vivo due to poor pharmacokinetics and/or other drug delivery related issues. There have been numerous assays developed in order to pre-screen compounds that would likely fail in further development due to poor absorption properties including PAMPA, Caco-2, and MDCK permeability assays. The use of cell-based permeability assays such as Caco-2 and MDCK serve as surrogate indicators of drug absorption and transport, with the two approaches often used interchangeably. We sought to evaluate both approaches in support of anti-malarial drug development. Accordingly, a comparison of both assays was conducted utilizing apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) values determined from liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses. Both Caco-2 and MDCK permeability assays produced similar Papp results for potential anti-malarial compounds with low and medium permeability. Differences were observed for compounds with high permeability and compounds that were P-gp substrates. Additionally, the utility of MDCK-MDR1 permeability measurements was demonstrated in probing the role of P-glycoprotein transport in Primaquine-Chloroquine drug-drug interactions in comparison with in vivo pharmacokinetic changes. This study provides an in-depth comparison of the Caco-2 and MDCK-MDR1 cell based permeability assays and illustrates the utility of cell-based permeability assays in anti-malarial drug screening/development in regard to understanding transporter mediated changes in drug absorption/distribution. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Predicting chemically-induced skin reactions. Part II: QSAR models of skin permeability and the relationships between skin permeability and skin sensitization

PubMed Central

Alves, Vinicius M.; Muratov, Eugene; Fourches, Denis; Strickland, Judy; Kleinstreuer, Nicole; Andrade, Carolina H.; Tropsha, Alexander

2015-01-01

Skin permeability is widely considered to be mechanistically implicated in chemically-induced skin sensitization. Although many chemicals have been identified as skin sensitizers, there have been very few reports analyzing the relationships between molecular structure and skin permeability of sensitizers and non-sensitizers. The goals of this study were to: (i) compile, curate, and integrate the largest publicly available dataset of chemicals studied for their skin permeability; (ii) develop and rigorously validate QSAR models to predict skin permeability; and (iii) explore the complex relationships between skin sensitization and skin permeability. Based on the largest publicly available dataset compiled in this study, we found no overall correlation between skin permeability and skin sensitization. In addition, cross-species correlation coefficient between human and rodent permeability data was found to be as low as R2=0.44. Human skin permeability models based on the random forest method have been developed and validated using OECD-compliant QSAR modeling workflow. Their external accuracy was high (Q2ext = 0.73 for 63% of external compounds inside the applicability domain). The extended analysis using both experimentally-measured and QSAR-imputed data still confirmed the absence of any overall concordance between skin permeability and skin sensitization. This observation suggests that chemical modifications that affect skin permeability should not be presumed a priori to modulate the sensitization potential of chemicals. The models reported herein as well as those developed in the companion paper on skin sensitization suggest that it may be possible to rationally design compounds with the desired high skin permeability but low sensitization potential. PMID:25560673

Discontinuities in effective permeability due to fracture percolation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hyman, Jeffrey De'Haven; Karra, Satish; Carey, James William

Motivated by a triaxial coreflood experiment with a sample of Utica shale where an abrupt jump in permeability was observed, possibly due to the creation of a percolating fracture network through the sample, we perform numerical simulations based on the experiment to characterize how the effective permeability of otherwise low-permeability porous media depends on fracture formation, connectivity, and the contrast between the fracture and matrix permeabilities. While a change in effective permeability due to fracture formation is expected, the dependence of its magnitude upon the contrast between the matrix permeability and fracture permeability and the fracture network structure is poorlymore » characterized. We use two different high-fidelity fracture network models to characterize how effective permeability changes as percolation occurs. The first is a dynamic two-dimensional fracture propagation model designed to mimic the laboratory settings of the experiment. The second is a static three-dimensional discrete fracture network (DFN) model, whose fracture and network statistics are based on the fractured sample of Utica shale. Once the network connects the inflow and outflow boundaries, the effective permeability increases non-linearly with network density. In most networks considered, a jump in the effective permeability was observed when the embedded fracture network percolated. We characterize how the magnitude of the jump, should it occur, depends on the contrast between the fracture and matrix permeabilities. For small contrasts between the matrix and fracture permeabilities the change is insignificant. However, for larger contrasts, there is a substantial jump whose magnitude depends non-linearly on the difference between matrix and fracture permeabilities. A power-law relationship between the size of the jump and the difference between the matrix and fracture permeabilities is observed. In conclusion, the presented results underscore the importance of fracture network topology on the upscaled properties of the porous medium in which it is embedded.« less

Discontinuities in effective permeability due to fracture percolation

DOE PAGES

Hyman, Jeffrey De'Haven; Karra, Satish; Carey, James William; ...

2018-01-31

Motivated by a triaxial coreflood experiment with a sample of Utica shale where an abrupt jump in permeability was observed, possibly due to the creation of a percolating fracture network through the sample, we perform numerical simulations based on the experiment to characterize how the effective permeability of otherwise low-permeability porous media depends on fracture formation, connectivity, and the contrast between the fracture and matrix permeabilities. While a change in effective permeability due to fracture formation is expected, the dependence of its magnitude upon the contrast between the matrix permeability and fracture permeability and the fracture network structure is poorlymore » characterized. We use two different high-fidelity fracture network models to characterize how effective permeability changes as percolation occurs. The first is a dynamic two-dimensional fracture propagation model designed to mimic the laboratory settings of the experiment. The second is a static three-dimensional discrete fracture network (DFN) model, whose fracture and network statistics are based on the fractured sample of Utica shale. Once the network connects the inflow and outflow boundaries, the effective permeability increases non-linearly with network density. In most networks considered, a jump in the effective permeability was observed when the embedded fracture network percolated. We characterize how the magnitude of the jump, should it occur, depends on the contrast between the fracture and matrix permeabilities. For small contrasts between the matrix and fracture permeabilities the change is insignificant. However, for larger contrasts, there is a substantial jump whose magnitude depends non-linearly on the difference between matrix and fracture permeabilities. A power-law relationship between the size of the jump and the difference between the matrix and fracture permeabilities is observed. In conclusion, the presented results underscore the importance of fracture network topology on the upscaled properties of the porous medium in which it is embedded.« less

The Northwest Geysers EGS Demonstration Project, California – Part 2: Modeling and interpretation

DOE PAGES

Rutqvist, Jonny; Jeanne, Pierre; Dobson, Patrick F.; ...

2015-09-02

In this paper, we summarize the results of coupled thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical (THM) modeling in support of the Northwest Geysers EGS Demonstration Project, which aims at enhancing production from a known High Temperature Reservoir (HTR) (280–400 °C) located under the conventional (240 °C) geothermal steam reservoir. The THM modeling was conducted to investigate geomechanical effects of cold-water injection during the stimulation of the EGS, first to predict the extent of the stimulation zone for a given injection schedule, and then to conduct interpretive analyses of the actual stimulation. By using a calibrated THM model based on historic injection and microseismic datamore » at a nearby well, we could reasonably predict the extent of the stimulation zone around the injection well, at least for the first few months of injection. However, observed microseismic evolution and pressure responses over the one-year stimulation-injection revealed more heterogeneous behavior as a result of more complex geology, including a network of shear zones. Therefore, for an interpretive analysis of the one-year stimulation campaign, we included two sets of vertical shear zones within the model; a set of more permeable NW-striking shear zones and a set of less permeable NE-striking shear zones. Our modeling indicates that the microseismic events in this system are related to shear reactivation of pre-existing fractures, triggered by the combined effects of injection-induced cooling around the injection well and rapid (but small) changes in steam pressure as far as a kilometer from the injection well. Overall, the integrated monitoring and modeling of microseismicity, ground surface deformations, reservoir pressure, fluid chemical composition, and seismic tomography depict an EGS system hydraulically bounded by some of the NE-striking low permeability shear zones, with the more permeable NW-striking shear zone providing liquid flow paths for stimulation deep (several kilometers) down into the HTR. The mo deling indicates that a significant mechanical degradation (damage) inferred from seismic tomography, and potential changes in fracture porosity inferred from cross-well pressure responses, are related to shear rupture in the stimulation zone driven by both pressure and cooling effects.« less

The Northwest Geysers EGS Demonstration Project, California – Part 2: Modeling and interpretation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rutqvist, Jonny; Jeanne, Pierre; Dobson, Patrick F.

In this paper, we summarize the results of coupled thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical (THM) modeling in support of the Northwest Geysers EGS Demonstration Project, which aims at enhancing production from a known High Temperature Reservoir (HTR) (280–400 °C) located under the conventional (240 °C) geothermal steam reservoir. The THM modeling was conducted to investigate geomechanical effects of cold-water injection during the stimulation of the EGS, first to predict the extent of the stimulation zone for a given injection schedule, and then to conduct interpretive analyses of the actual stimulation. By using a calibrated THM model based on historic injection and microseismic datamore » at a nearby well, we could reasonably predict the extent of the stimulation zone around the injection well, at least for the first few months of injection. However, observed microseismic evolution and pressure responses over the one-year stimulation-injection revealed more heterogeneous behavior as a result of more complex geology, including a network of shear zones. Therefore, for an interpretive analysis of the one-year stimulation campaign, we included two sets of vertical shear zones within the model; a set of more permeable NW-striking shear zones and a set of less permeable NE-striking shear zones. Our modeling indicates that the microseismic events in this system are related to shear reactivation of pre-existing fractures, triggered by the combined effects of injection-induced cooling around the injection well and rapid (but small) changes in steam pressure as far as a kilometer from the injection well. Overall, the integrated monitoring and modeling of microseismicity, ground surface deformations, reservoir pressure, fluid chemical composition, and seismic tomography depict an EGS system hydraulically bounded by some of the NE-striking low permeability shear zones, with the more permeable NW-striking shear zone providing liquid flow paths for stimulation deep (several kilometers) down into the HTR. The mo deling indicates that a significant mechanical degradation (damage) inferred from seismic tomography, and potential changes in fracture porosity inferred from cross-well pressure responses, are related to shear rupture in the stimulation zone driven by both pressure and cooling effects.« less

Evolution of strength and physical properties of carbonate and ultramafic rocks under hydrothermal conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lisabeth, Harrison Paul

Interaction of rocks with fluids can significantly change mineral assemblage and structure. This so-called hydrothermal alteration is ubiquitous in the Earth's crust. Though the behavior of hydrothermally altered rocks can have planet-scale consequences, such as facilitating oceanic spreading along slow ridge segments and recycling volatiles into the mantle at subduction zones, the mechanisms involved in the hydrothermal alteration are often microscopic. Fluid-rock interactions take place where the fluid and rock meet. Fluid distribution, flux rate and reactive surface area control the efficiency and extent of hydrothermal alteration. Fluid-rock interactions, such as dissolution, precipitation and fluid mediated fracture and frictional sliding lead to changes in porosity and pore structure that feed back into the hydraulic and mechanical behavior of the bulk rock. Examining the nature of this highly coupled system involves coordinating observations of the mineralogy and structure of naturally altered rocks and laboratory investigation of the fine scale mechanisms of transformation under controlled conditions. In this study, I focus on fluid-rock interactions involving two common lithologies, carbonates and ultramafics, in order to elucidate the coupling between mechanical, hydraulic and chemical processes in these rocks. I perform constant strain-rate triaxial deformation and constant-stress creep tests on several suites of samples while monitoring the evolution of sample strain, permeability and physical properties. Subsequent microstructures are analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. This work yields laboratory-based constraints on the extent and mechanisms of water weakening in carbonates and carbonation reactions in ultramafic rocks. I find that inundation with pore fluid thereby reducing permeability. This effect is sensitive to pore fluid saturation with respect to calcium carbonate. Fluid inundation weakens dunites as well. The addition of carbon dioxide to pore fluid enhances compaction and partial recovery of strength compared to pure water samples. Enhanced compaction in CO2-rich fluid samples is not accompanied by enhanced permeability reduction. Analysis of sample microstructures indicates that precipitation of carbonates along fracture surfaces is responsible for the partial restrengthening and channelized dissolution of olivine is responsible for permeability maintenance.

On the physics-based processes behind production-induced seismicity in natural gas fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zbinden, Dominik; Rinaldi, Antonio Pio; Urpi, Luca; Wiemer, Stefan

2017-04-01

Induced seismicity due to natural gas production is observed at different sites around the world. Common understanding is that the pressure drop caused by gas production leads to compaction, which affects the stress field in the reservoir and the surrounding rock formations, hence reactivating pre-existing faults and inducing earthquakes. Previous studies have often assumed that pressure changes in the reservoir compartments and intersecting fault zones are equal, while neglecting multi-phase fluid flow. In this study, we show that disregarding fluid flow involved in natural gas extraction activities is often inappropriate. We use a fully coupled multiphase fluid flow and geomechanics simulator, which accounts for stress-dependent permeability and linear poroelasticity, to better determine the conditions leading to fault reactivation. In our model setup, gas is produced from a porous reservoir, cut in two compartments that are offset by a normal fault, and overlain by impermeable caprock. Results show that fluid flow plays a major role pertaining to pore pressure and stress evolution within the fault. Hydro-mechanical processes include rotation of the principal stresses due to reservoir compaction, as well as poroelastic effects caused by the pressure drop in the adjacent reservoir. Fault strength is significantly reduced due to fluid flow into the fault zone from the neighbouring reservoir compartment and other formations. We also analyze the case of production in both compartments, and results show that simultaneous production does not prevent the fault to be reactivated, but the magnitude of the induced event is smaller. Finally, we analyze scenarios for minimizing seismicity after a period of production, such as (i) well shut-in and (ii) gas re-injection. Results show that, in the case of well shut-in, a highly stressed fault zone can still be reactivated several decades after production stop, although in average the shut-in results in reduction of seismicity. In the case of gas re-injection, fault reactivation can be avoided if gas is injected directly into the compartment under depletion. However, accounting for continuous production at a given reservoir and gas re-injection at a neighbouring compartment does not stop the fault from being reactivated.

Analogue modelling of caprock failure and sediment mobilisation due to pore fluid overpressure in shallow reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warsitzka, Michael; Kukowski, Nina; May, Franz

2017-04-01

Injection of CO2 in geological formations may cause excess pore fluid pressure by enhancing the fluid volume in the reservoir rock and by buoyancy-driven flow. If sediments in the reservoir and the caprock are undercompacted, pore fluid overpressure can lead to hydro-fractures in the caprock and fluidisation of sediments. Eventually, these processes trigger the formation of pipe structures, gas chimneys, gas domes or sand injections. Generally, such structures serve as high permeable pathways for fluid migration through a low-permeable seal layer and have to be considered in risk assessment or modelling of caprock integrity of CO2 storage sites. We applied scaled analogue experiments to characterise and quantify mechanisms determining the onset and migration of hydro-fractures in a low-permeable, cohesive caprock and fluidisation of unconsolidated sediments of the reservoir layer. The caprock is simulated by different types of cohesive powder. The reservoir layer consists of granulates with small particle density. Air injected through the base of the experiment and additionally through a single needle valve reaching into the analogue material is applied to generate fluid pressure within the materials. With this procedure, regional fluid pressure increase or a point-like local fluid pressure increase (e.g. injection well), respectively, can be simulated. The deformation in the analogue materials is analysed with a particle tracking imaging velocimetry technique. Pressure sensors at the base of the experiment and in the needle valve record the air pressure during an experimental run. The structural evolution observed in the experiments reveal that the cohesive cap rock first forms a dome-like anticline. Extensional fractures occur at the hinges of the anticline. A further increase of fluid pressure causes a migration of this fractures towards the surface, which is followed by intrusion of reservoir material into the fractures and the collapse of the anticline. The breakthrough of the fractures at the surface is accompanied by a significant drop of air pressure at the base of the analogue materials. The width of the dome shaped uplift is narrower and the initiating fluid pressure in the needle valve is lower, if the fluid pressure at the base of the experiment is larger. The experimental outcomes help to evaluate if the injection of CO2 into a reservoir potentially provokes initiation or reactivation of fractures and sediment mobilisation structures.

Improved Prediction of Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability Through Machine Learning with Combined Use of Molecular Property-Based Descriptors and Fingerprints.

PubMed

Yuan, Yaxia; Zheng, Fang; Zhan, Chang-Guo

2018-03-21

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability of a compound determines whether the compound can effectively enter the brain. It is an essential property which must be accounted for in drug discovery with a target in the brain. Several computational methods have been used to predict the BBB permeability. In particular, support vector machine (SVM), which is a kernel-based machine learning method, has been used popularly in this field. For SVM training and prediction, the compounds are characterized by molecular descriptors. Some SVM models were based on the use of molecular property-based descriptors (including 1D, 2D, and 3D descriptors) or fragment-based descriptors (known as the fingerprints of a molecule). The selection of descriptors is critical for the performance of a SVM model. In this study, we aimed to develop a generally applicable new SVM model by combining all of the features of the molecular property-based descriptors and fingerprints to improve the accuracy for the BBB permeability prediction. The results indicate that our SVM model has improved accuracy compared to the currently available models of the BBB permeability prediction.

Enhancing the Attenuation of Acid-Mine Drainage at Davis Mine, Rowe, Massachusetts via Installation of a Permeable Reactive Barrier.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gillmor, A. M.; Yuretich, R. F.

2008-12-01

Acid Mine Drainage affects thousands of streams in the United States, sustaining the need for low-cost passive treatment options. Davis Mine, a 100 years-abandoned FeS2 mine in Western Massachusetts, is representative of the types of mines best suited for passive treatments; fairly remote, abandoned, and discharging moderately affected water (pH <3, Fe >100mg/L, SO42- >500mg/L) and is a good candidate for a 'starting point' of low-cost, low environmental impact remediation. We here report the shifts in pH, SO42-, and Fe following placement of reactive fill (50% CaMg(CO3)2, 25% cow manure, 25% seaweed compost) in a permeable reactive barrier placed below ground mid-way along the acidic effluent's path. Yearlong monitoring of water from 1 multi-level well (with ports in the shallow groundwater, middle groundwater, and bedrock) placed within the tailings pile over a previous year (2003-2004) showed for the three levels, respectively; pH 3.16, 4.24, and 4.04, Fe average concentrations of 4.5 mg/L, 6.5 mg/L, and 3.2 mg/L, and SO42- average concentrations of 235mg/L, 330mg/L, and 292 mg/L. One year (2007-2008) after placement of remediation mix, the three levels now average respectively; pH 4.16, 4.60, and 4.53, Fe concentrations of 0.7 mg/L, 4.8 mg/L, and 1.4 mg/L, and SO42- concentrations of 217 mg/L, 294 mg/L, and 266 mg/L. The most noticeable improvement in pH is seen in the shallow groundwater, consistent with its proximity to the reactive fill depth. Although complex microbial communities have been characterized at the site, uncertainty remains as to whether they are active in this case, and it is possible that these results may be explained solely by neutralization reactions. Results of this study indicate a good likelihood that this low environmental impact remediation could be effective.

Quantifying Risks and Uncertainties Associated with Induced Seismicity due to CO2 Injection into Geologic Formations with Faults

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Z.; Nguyen, B. N.; Bacon, D. H.; White, M. D.; Murray, C. J.

2016-12-01

A multiphase flow and reactive transport simulator named STOMP-CO2-R has been developed and coupled to the ABAQUS® finite element package for geomechanical analysis enabling comprehensive thermo-hydro-geochemical-mechanical (THMC) analyses. The coupled THMC simulator has been applied to analyze faulted CO2 reservoir responses (e.g., stress and strain distributions, pressure buildup, slip tendency factor, pressure margin to fracture) with various complexities in fault and reservoir structures and mineralogy. Depending on the geological and reaction network settings, long-term injection of CO2 can have a significant effect on the elastic stiffness and permeability of formation rocks. In parallel, an uncertainty quantification framework (UQ-CO2), which consists of entropy-based prior uncertainty representation, efficient sampling, geostatistical reservoir modeling, and effective response surface analysis, has been developed for quantifying risks and uncertainties associated with CO2 sequestration. It has been demonstrated for evaluating risks in CO2 leakage through natural pathways and wellbores, and for developing predictive reduced order models. Recently, a parallel STOMP-CO2-R has been developed and the updated STOMP/ABAQUS model has been proven to have a great scalability, which makes it possible to integrate the model with the UQ framework to effectively and efficiently explore multidimensional parameter space (e.g., permeability, elastic modulus, crack orientation, fault friction coefficient) for a more systematic analysis of induced seismicity risks.

Increased sensitivity to mitochondrial permeability transition and myonuclear translocation of endonuclease G in atrophied muscle of physically active older humans.

PubMed

Gouspillou, Gilles; Sgarioto, Nicolas; Kapchinsky, Sophia; Purves-Smith, Fennigje; Norris, Brandon; Pion, Charlotte H; Barbat-Artigas, Sébastien; Lemieux, Francois; Taivassalo, Tanja; Morais, José A; Aubertin-Leheudre, Mylène; Hepple, Russell T

2014-04-01

Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in skeletal muscle atrophy and dysfunction with aging, with strong support for an increased mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in sedentary rodent models. Whether this applies to aged human muscle is unknown, nor is it clear whether these changes are caused by sedentary behavior. Thus, we examined mitochondrial function [respiration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) emission, and calcium retention capacity (CRC)] in permeabilized myofibers obtained from vastus lateralis muscle biopsies of healthy physically active young (23.7±2.7 yr; mean±SD) and older (71.2±4.9 yr) men. Although mitochondrial ROS and maximal respiratory capacity were unaffected, the acceptor control ratio was reduced by 18% with aging, suggesting mild uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. CRC was reduced by 50% with aging, indicating sensitization of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) to apoptosis. Consistent with the mPTP sensitization, older muscles showed a 3-fold greater fraction of endonuclease G (a mitochondrial proapoptotic factor)-positive myonuclei. Aged muscles also had lower mitophagic potential, based on a 43% reduction in Parkin to the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) protein ratio. Collectively, these results show that mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic signaling is increased in older human muscle and suggest that accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria with exaggerated apoptotic sensitivity is due to impaired mitophagy.

Cost And Performance Report Evaluating the Longevity and Hydraulic Performance of Permeable Reactive Barriers at Department of Defense Sites

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-12-01

construction methods, such as jetting, hydraulic fracturing , and vibratory beam, have been demonstrated at some sites, as they offer some cost... hydraulic fracturing , are available, but there is not as much widespread experience yet with these techniques for PRBs. Also, these innovative... hydraulic fracturing ) can be used at relatively higher cost. The cost comparison of a PRB versus an active remedy, such as a pump-and-treat system, often

Nitrate reduction and its effects on trichloroethylene degradation by granular iron.

PubMed

Lu, Qiong; Jeen, Sung-Wook; Gui, Lai; Gillham, Robert W

2017-04-01

Laboratory column experiments and reactive transport modeling were performed to evaluate the reduction of nitrate and its effects on trichloroethylene (TCE) degradation by granular iron. In addition to determining degradation kinetics of TCE in the presence of nitrate, the columns used in this study were equipped with electrodes which allowed for in situ measurements of corrosion potentials of the iron material. Together with Raman spectroscopic measurements the mechanisms of decline in iron reactivity were examined. The experimental results showed that the presence of nitrate resulted in an increase in corrosion potential and the formation of thermodynamically stable passive films on the iron surface which impaired iron reactivity. The extent of the decline in iron reactivity was proportional to the nitrate concentration. Consequently, significant decreases in TCE and nitrate degradation rates and migration of degradation profiles for both compounds occurred. Furthermore, the TCE degradation kinetics deviated from the pseudo-first-order model. The results of reactive transport modeling, which related the amount of a passivating iron oxide, hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3 ), to the reactivity of iron, were generally consistent with the patterns of migration of TCE and nitrate profiles observed in the column experiments. More encouragingly, the simulations successfully demonstrated the differences in performances of three columns without changing model parameters other than concentrations of nitrate in the influent. This study could be valuable in the design of iron permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) or in the development of effective maintenance procedures for PRBs treating TCE-contaminated groundwater with elevated nitrate concentrations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fracture Characterization in Reactive Fluid-Fractured Rock Systems Using Tracer Transport Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukhopadhyay, S.

2014-12-01

Fractures, whether natural or engineered, exert significant controls over resource exploitation from contemporary energy sources including enhanced geothermal systems and unconventional oil and gas reserves. Consequently, fracture characterization, i.e., estimating the permeability, connectivity, and spacing of the fractures is of critical importance for determining the viability of any energy recovery program. While some progress has recently been made towards estimating these critical fracture parameters, significant uncertainties still remain. A review of tracer technology, which has a long history in fracture characterization, reveals that uncertainties exist in the estimated parameters not only because of paucity of scale-specific data but also because of knowledge gaps in the interpretation methods, particularly in interpretation of tracer data in reactive fluid-rock systems. We have recently demonstrated that the transient tracer evolution signatures in reactive fluid-rock systems are significantly different from those in non-reactive systems (Mukhopadhyay et al., 2013, 2014). For example, the tracer breakthrough curves in reactive fluid-fractured rock systems are expected to exhibit a long pseudo-state condition, during which tracer concentration does not change by any appreciable amount with passage of time. Such a pseudo-steady state condition is not observed in a non-reactive system. In this paper, we show that the presence of this pseudo-steady state condition in tracer breakthrough patterns in reactive fluid-rock systems can have important connotations for fracture characterization. We show that the time of onset of the pseudo-steady state condition and the value of tracer concentration in the pseudo-state condition can be used to reliably estimate fracture spacing and fracture-matrix interface areas.

The Relationship Between the Permeability and the Performance of Carrier-Based Dry Powder Inhalation Mixtures: New Insights and Practical Guidance.

PubMed

Shalash, Ahmed O; Khalafallah, Nawal M; Molokhia, Abdulla M; Elsayed, Mustafa M A

2018-02-01

The permeability of a powder bed reflects its particle size distribution, shape, packing, porosity, cohesivity, and tensile strength in a manner relevant to powder fluidization. The relationship between the permeability and the performance of carrier-based dry powder inhalation (DPI) mixtures has, however, aroused controversy. The current study sought to gain new insights into the relationship and to explore its potential applications. We studied eight lactose materials as DPI carriers. The carriers covered a broad permeability range of 0.42-13.53 D and moreover differed in particle size distribution, particle shape, crystal form, and/or porosity. We evaluated the performance of inhalation mixtures of each of these carriers and fluticasone propionate after aerosolization from an Aerolizer®, a model turbulent-shear inhaler, at a flow rate of 60 L/min. Starting from the high permeability side, the inhalation mixture performance increased as the carrier permeability decreased until optimum performance was reached at permeability of ~ 3.2 D. Increased resistance to air flow strengthens aerodynamic dispersion forces. The inhalation mixture performance then decreased as the carrier permeability further decreased. Very high resistance to air flow restricts powder dispersion. The permeability accounted for effects of carrier size, shape, and macroporosity on the performance. We confirmed the relationship by analysis of two literature permeability-performance datasets, representing measurements that differ from ours in terms of carrier grades, drug, technique used to determine permeability, turbulent-shear inhaler, and/or aerosolization flow rate. Permeability provides useful information that can aid development of DPI mixtures for turbulent-shear inhalers. A practical guidance is provided.

A multi-state magnetic memory dependent on the permeability of Metglas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Petrie, J. R.; Wieland, K. A.; Timmerwilke, J. M.

A three-state magnetic memory was developed based on differences in the magnetic permeability of a soft ferromagnetic media, Metglas 2826MB (Fe{sub 40}Ni{sub 38}Mo{sub 4}B{sub 18}). By heating bits of a 250 nm thick Metglas film with 70–100 mW of laser power, we were able to tune the local microstructure, and hence, the permeability. Ternary memory states were created by using lower laser power to enhance the initial permeability through localized atomic rearrangement and higher power to reduce the permeability through crystallization. The permeability of the bits was read by detecting variations in an external 32 Oe probe field within 10 μm ofmore » the media via a magnetic tunnel junction read head. Compared to data based on remanent magnetization, these multi-permeability bits have enhanced insensitivity to unexpected field and temperature changes. We found that data was not corrupted after exposure to fields of 1 T or temperatures of 423 K, indicating the effectiveness of this multi-state approach for safely storing large amounts of data.« less

Flow control for a paper-based microfluidic device by adjusting permeability of paper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Ilhoon; Kim, Gangjune; Song, Simon

2014-11-01

The paper-based microfluidics has attracted intensive attention as a prospective substitute for conventional microfluidic substrates used for a point-of-care diagnostics due to its superior advantages such as the cost effectiveness and production simplicity. Generally, a paper-based microfluidic device utilizes capillary force to drive a flow. Recent studies on flow control in such a device aimed at obtaining accurate and quantitative results by varying a channel geometry like width and length. According to the Darcy's law describing a flow in a porous media like paper, a flow rate can be adjusted the permeability of paper. In this study, we investigate a flow control method by adjusting the permeability of paper. We utilize the wax printing for the adjustment and the fabrication of paper channels. A rectangular wax pattern was printed on one inlet channel of a Y-channel geometry. By varying the brightness of the wax pattern, a relationship between the flow rate and permeability changes due to the wax was investigated. As a result, we obtained an effective permeability contour with respect to the wax pattern length and brightness. In addition, we developed a paper-based micromixer of which the mixing ratio was controlled precisely by adjusting the permeability.

Novel Fluorescein Angiography-Based Computer-Aided Algorithm for Assessment of Retinal Vessel Permeability

PubMed Central

Chassidim, Yoash; Parmet, Yisrael; Tomkins, Oren; Knyazer, Boris; Friedman, Alon; Levy, Jaime

2013-01-01

Purpose To present a novel method for quantitative assessment of retinal vessel permeability using a fluorescein angiography-based computer algorithm. Methods Twenty-one subjects (13 with diabetic retinopathy, 8 healthy volunteers) underwent fluorescein angiography (FA). Image pre-processing included removal of non-retinal and noisy images and registration to achieve spatial and temporal pixel-based analysis. Permeability was assessed for each pixel by computing intensity kinetics normalized to arterial values. A linear curve was fitted and the slope value was assigned, color-coded and displayed. The initial FA studies and the computed permeability maps were interpreted in a masked and randomized manner by three experienced ophthalmologists for statistical validation of diagnosis accuracy and efficacy. Results Permeability maps were successfully generated for all subjects. For healthy volunteers permeability values showed a normal distribution with a comparable range between subjects. Based on the mean cumulative histogram for the healthy population a threshold (99.5%) for pathological permeability was determined. Clear differences were found between patients and healthy subjects in the number and spatial distribution of pixels with pathological vascular leakage. The computed maps improved the discrimination between patients and healthy subjects, achieved sensitivity and specificity of 0.974 and 0.833 respectively, and significantly improved the consensus among raters for the localization of pathological regions. Conclusion The new algorithm allows quantification of retinal vessel permeability and provides objective, more sensitive and accurate evaluation than the present subjective clinical diagnosis. Future studies with a larger patients’ cohort and different retinal pathologies are awaited to further validate this new approach and its role in diagnosis and treatment follow-up. Successful evaluation of vasculature permeability may be used for the early diagnosis of brain microvascular pathology and potentially predict associated neurological sequelae. Finally, the algorithm could be implemented for intraoperative evaluation of micovascular integrity in other organs or during animal experiments. PMID:23626701

Hydrogen-permeable composite metal membrane and uses thereof

DOEpatents

Edlund, D.J.; Friesen, D.T.

1993-06-08

Various hydrogen production and hydrogen sulfide decomposition processes are disclosed that utilize composite metal membranes that contain an intermetallic diffusion barrier separating a hydrogen-permeable base metal and a hydrogen-permeable coating metal. The barrier is a thermally stable inorganic proton conductor.

Mineral displacement and -dissolution processes and their relevance to rock porosity and permeability in Rotliegend sandstones of the Altmark natural gas field (central Germany) - results from CO2 laboratory batch experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pudlo, Dieter; Enzmann, Frieder; Heister, Katja; Werner, Lars; Ganzer, Leonhard; Reitenbach, Viktor; Henkel, Steven; Albrecht, Daniel; Gaupp, Reinhard

2014-05-01

The Rotliegend reservoir sandstones of the Altmark area (central Germany) comprise the second largest natural gas field of Europe. These sandstones were deposited on a playa-like continental platform with braided river systems, ephemeral lakes and aeolian dunes under semi-arid conditions. Some of the pristine, red coloured deposits suffered intensive late diagenetic alteration and are now preserved as bleached, high porous and permeable sandstones. To evaluate the relevance of distinct fluids and their fluid-rock alteration reactions on such bleaching processes we performed laboratory static batch experiments on the Altmark sandstones. These 4-6 week lasting runs were conducted with CO2 saturated synthetic brines under typical Altmark reservoir conditions (p= 20 MPa, T= 125°C). Thereby mineralogical, petrophysical and (hydro- and geo-) chemical rock features were maintained prior and after the experiments. Chemical data proved the dissolution of carbonate and sulphate minerals during the runs, whereas the variation in abundance of further elements was within the detection limit of analytical accuracy. However, FE-SEM investigations on used, evaporated brines reveal the presence of illite and chlorite minerals within a matrix of Ca-, Si-, Fe, Al-, Na- and S components (carbonate, anhydrite, albite and Fe-(hydr-) oxides ?). By porosity and relative permeability measurements an increase in both rock features was observed after the runs, indicating that mineral dissolution and/or (clay) fine migration/detachment occurred during the experiments. Mineral dissolution, especially of pore-filling cements (e.g. carbonate-, sulphate minerals) is also deduced by BET analysis, in determining the specific surface of the sandstones. The size of these reactive surfaces increased after the experiments, suggesting that after the dissolution of pore-filling cements, formerly armoured grain rimming clay cutans were exposed to potential migrating fluids. These findings are also supported by µ-CT investigations. Here, the achieved 3D modelling data indicate an increase in reactive surface areas exposed to the pore space (which is in accord to the BET observations), as well as an enhancement in rock porosity and permeability after the runs. Moreover, these simulations showed that a remarkable mass (mineral) transfer was induced by the experiments, which led to a displacement of the porosity and permeability distribution in the sandstones and therefore a change in the fluid flow characteristics within the rocks - a parameter most important for every fluid-rock process. These observations are quite astonishing because they suggest that not only fluid velocity (e.g. during fluid flow experiments) might detach and transport grain rimming (clay) minerals, but also that physico-chemical reactions may enforce the release of such solids, even during almost static p-/T-/Xfluid conditions, as used in our experiments.

A study of the relationships between strength, density, permeability, and gradations of aggregate bases.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-01-01

Accumulating evidence that inadequate subsurface drainage of some pavements was related to impervious base courses led to an investigation of the influence of low permeability fine materials on the physical characteristics of typical base courses. It...

Bayesian inference for heterogeneous caprock permeability based on above zone pressure monitoring

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Namhata, Argha; Small, Mitchell J.; Dilmore, Rober

The presence of faults/ fractures or highly permeable zones in the primary sealing caprock of a CO2 storage reservoir can result in leakage of CO2. Monitoring of leakage requires the capability to detect and resolve the onset, location, and volume of leakage in a systematic and timely manner. Pressure-based monitoring possesses such capabilities. This study demonstrates a basis for monitoring network design based on the characterization of CO2 leakage scenarios through an assessment of the integrity and permeability of the caprock inferred from above zone pressure measurements. Four representative heterogeneous fractured seal types are characterized to demonstrate seal permeability rangingmore » from highly permeable to impermeable. Based on Bayesian classification theory, the probability of each fractured caprock scenario given above zone pressure measurements with measurement error is inferred. The sensitivity to injection rate and caprock thickness is also evaluated and the probability of proper classification is calculated. The time required to distinguish between above zone pressure outcomes and the associated leakage scenarios is also computed.« less

The dynamic nature of crystal growth in pores

DOE PAGES

Godinho, Jose R. A.; Gerke, Kirill M.; Stack, Andrew G.; ...

2016-09-12

We report that the kinetics of crystal growth in porous media controls a variety of natural processes such as ore genesis and crystallization induced fracturing that can trigger earthquakes and weathering, as well as, sequestration of CO 2 and toxic metals into geological formations. Progress on understanding those processes has been limited by experimental difficulties of dynamically studying the reactive surface area and permeability during pore occlusion. Here, we show that these variables cause a time-dependency of barite growth rates in microporous silica. The rate is approximately constant and similar to that observed on free surfaces if fast flow velocitiesmore » predominate and if the time-dependent reactive surface area is accounted for. As the narrower flow paths clog, local flow velocities decrease, which causes the progressive slowing of growth rates. We conclude that mineral growth in a microporous media can be estimated based on free surface studies when a) the growth rate is normalized to the time-dependent surface area of the growing crystals, and b) the local flow velocities are above the limit at which growth is transport-limited. Lastly, accounting for the dynamic relation between microstructure, flow velocity and growth rate is shown to be crucial towards understanding and predicting precipitation in porous rocks.« less

A 2.5D Reactive Transport Model for Fracture Alteration Simulation

DOE PAGES

Deng, Hang; Molins, Sergi; Steefel, Carl; ...

2016-06-30

Understanding fracture alteration resulting from geochemical reactions is critical in predicting fluid migration in the subsurface and is relevant to multiple environmental challenges. Here in this paper, we present a novel 2.5D continuum reactive transport model that captures and predicts the spatial pattern of fracture aperture change and the development of an altered layer in the near-fracture region. The model considers permeability heterogeneity in the fracture plane and updates fracture apertures and flow fields based on local reactions. It tracks the reaction front of each mineral phase and calculates the thickness of the altered layer. Given this treatment, the modelmore » is able to account for the diffusion limitation on reaction rates associated with the altered layer. The model results are in good agreement with an experimental study in which a CO 2-acidified brine was injected into a fracture in the Duperow Dolomite, causing dissolution of calcite and dolomite that result in the formation of a preferential flow channel and an altered layer. Finally, with an effective diffusion coefficient consistent with the experimentally observed porosity of the altered layer, the model captures the progressive decrease in the dissolution rate of the fast-reacting mineral in the altered layer.« less

Ceramic with preferential oxygen reactive layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Hongyu (Inventor); Luthra, Krishan Lal (Inventor)

2001-01-01

An article comprises a silicon-containing substrate and an external environmental/thermal barrier coating. The external environmental/thermal barrier coating is permeable to diffusion of an environmental oxidant and the silicon-containing substrate is oxidizable by reaction with oxidant to form at least one gaseous product. The article comprises an intermediate layer/coating between the silicon-containing substrate and the environmental/thermal barrier coating that is oxidizable to a nongaseous product by reaction with the oxidant in preference to reaction of the silicon-containing substrate with the oxidant. A method of forming an article, comprises forming a silicon-based substrate that is oxidizable by reaction with oxidant to at least one gaseous product and applying an intermediate layer/coating onto the substrate, wherein the intermediate layer/coating is oxidizable to a nongaseous product by reaction with the oxidant in preference to reaction of the silicon-containing substrate with the oxidant.

100-NR-2 Apatite Treatability Test: High-Concentration Calcium-Citrate-Phosphate Solution Injection for In Situ Strontium-90 Immobilization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vermeul, Vincent R.; Fritz, Brad G.; Fruchter, Jonathan S.

2010-09-01

Following an evaluation of potential strontium-90 (90Sr) treatment technologies and their applicability under 100-NR-2 hydrogeologic conditions, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Fluor Hanford, Inc. (now CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company [CHPRC]), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and the Washington State Department of Ecology agreed that the long-term strategy for groundwater remediation at the 100-N Area should include apatite as the primary treatment technology. This agreement was based on results from an evaluation of remedial alternatives that identified the apatite permeable reactive barrier (PRB) technology as the approach showing the greatest promise for reducing 90Sr flux to the Columbia River atmore » a reasonable cost. This letter report documents work completed to date on development of a high-concentration amendment formulation and initial field-scale testing of this amendment solution.« less

Tunable d-Limonene Permeability in Starch-Based Nanocomposite Films Reinforced by Cellulose Nanocrystals.

PubMed

Liu, Siyuan; Li, Xiaoxi; Chen, Ling; Li, Lin; Li, Bing; Zhu, Jie

2018-01-31

In order to control d-limonene permeability, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were used to regulate starch-based film multiscale structures. The effect of sphere-like cellulose nanocrystal (CS) and rod-like cellulose nanocrystal (CR) on starch molecular interaction, short-range molecular conformation, crystalline structure, and micro-ordered aggregated region structure were systematically discussed. CNC aspect ratio and content were proved to be independent variables to control d-limonene permeability via film-structure regulation. New hydrogen bonding formation and increased hydroxypropyl starch (HPS) relative crystallinity could be the reason for the lower d-limonene permeability compared with tortuous path model approximation. More hydrogen bonding formation, higher HPS relative crystallinity and larger size of micro-ordered aggregated region in CS0.5 and CR2 could explain the lower d-limonene permeability than CS2 and CR0.5, respectively. This study provided new insight for the control of the flavor release from starch-based films, which favored its application in biodegradable food packaging and flavor encapsulation.

Experimental investigation on the coupled effect of effective stress and gas slippage on the permeability of shale.

PubMed

Yang, Diansen; Wang, Wei; Chen, Weizhong; Wang, Shugang; Wang, Xiaoqiong

2017-03-17

Permeability is one of the most important parameters to evaluate gas production in shale reservoirs. Because shale permeability is extremely low, gas is often used in the laboratory to measure permeability. However, the measured apparent gas permeability is higher than the intrinsic permeability due to the gas slippage effect, which could be even more dominant for materials with nanopores. Increasing gas pressure during tests reduces gas slippage effect, but it also decreases the effective stress which in turn influences the permeability. The coupled effect of gas slippage and effective stress on shale permeability remains unclear. Here we perform laboratory experiments on Longmaxi shale specimens to explore the coupled effect. We use the pressure transient method to measure permeability under different stress and pressure conditions. Our results reveal that the apparent measured permeability is controlled by these two competing effects. With increasing gas pressure, there exists a pressure threshold at which the dominant effect on permeability switches from gas slippage to effective stress. Based on the Klinkenberg model, we propose a new conceptual model that incorporates both competing effects. Combining microstructure analysis, we further discuss the roles of stress, gas pressure and water contents on gas permeability of shale.

Direct effect of Taxol on free radical formation and mitochondrial permeability transition.

PubMed

Varbiro, G; Veres, B; Gallyas, F; Sumegi, B

2001-08-15

To elucidate the potential role of mitochondria in Taxol-induced cytotoxicity, we studied its direct mitochondrial effects. In Percoll-gradient purified liver mitochondria, Taxol induced large amplitude swelling in a concentration-dependent manner in the microM range. Opening of the permeability pore was also confirmed by the access of mitochondrial matrix enzymes for membrane impermeable substrates in Taxol-treated mitochondria. Taxol induced the dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi) determined by Rhodamine123 release and induced the release of cytochrome c from the intermembrane space. All these effects were inhibited by 2.5 microM cyclosporine A. Taxol significantly increased the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both the aqueous and the lipid phase as determined by dihydrorhodamine123 and resorufin derivative. Cytochrome oxidase inhibitor CN(-), azide, and NO abrogated the Taxol-induced mitochondrial ROS formation while inhibitors of the other respiratory complexes and cyclosporine A had no effect. We confirmed that the Taxol-induced collapse of DeltaPsi and the induction of ROS production occurs in BRL-3A cells. In conclusion, Taxol-induced adenine nucleotide translocase-cyclophilin complex mediated permeability transition, and cytochrome oxidase mediated ROS production. Because both cytochrome c release and mitochondrial ROS production can induce suicide pathways, the direct mitochondrial effects of Taxol may contribute to its cytotoxicity.

Changes in the distribution of type II transmembrane serine protease, TMPRSS2 and in paracellular permeability in IPEC-J2 cells exposed to oxidative stress.

PubMed

Paszti-Gere, Erzsebet; Barna, Reka Fanni; Kovago, Csaba; Szauder, Ipoly; Ujhelyi, Gabriella; Jakab, Csaba; Meggyesházi, Nóra; Szekacs, Andras

2015-04-01

The effect of oxidative stress on barrier integrity and localization of transmembrane serine proteinase 2 (TMPRSS2) were studied using porcine epithelial IPEC-J2 cells on membrane inserts. Increased paracellular permeability of FITC-dextran 4 kDa (fluorescence intensity 43,508 ± 2,391 versus 3,550 ± 759) and that of gentamicin (3.41 ± 0.06 % increase to controls) were measured parallel with the reduced transepithelial electrical resistance (23.3 ± 4.06 % decrease) of cell layers 6 h after 1 h 1 mM H2O2 treatment. The immunohistochemical localization of adherens junctional β-catenin was not affected by reactive oxygen species (ROS) up to 4 mM H2O2. Peroxide-triggered enhanced paracellular permeability of IPEC-J2 cell layer was accompanied by predominantly cytoplasmic occurrence of TMPRSS2 embedded in cell membrane under physiological conditions. These results support that ROS can influence paracellular gate opening via multifaceted mode of action without involvement of β-catenin redistribution in adherens junction. Altered distribution pattern of TMPRSS2 and relocalized transmembrane serine protease activity may contribute to weakening of epithelial barrier integrity under acute oxidative stress.

Simulation of solute transport across low-permeability barrier walls

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harte, P.T.; Konikow, Leonard F.; Hornberger, G.Z.

2006-01-01

Low-permeability, non-reactive barrier walls are often used to contain contaminants in an aquifer. Rates of solute transport through such barriers are typically many orders of magnitude slower than rates through the aquifer. Nevertheless, the success of remedial actions may be sensitive to these low rates of transport. Two numerical simulation methods for representing low-permeability barriers in a finite-difference groundwater-flow and transport model were tested. In the first method, the hydraulic properties of the barrier were represented directly on grid cells and in the second method, the intercell hydraulic-conductance values were adjusted to approximate the reduction in horizontal flow, allowing use of a coarser and computationally efficient grid. The alternative methods were tested and evaluated on the basis of hypothetical test problems and a field case involving tetrachloroethylene (PCE) contamination at a Superfund site in New Hampshire. For all cases, advective transport across the barrier was negligible, but preexisting numerical approaches to calculate dispersion yielded dispersive fluxes that were greater than expected. A transport model (MODFLOW-GWT) was modified to (1) allow different dispersive and diffusive properties to be assigned to the barrier than the adjacent aquifer and (2) more accurately calculate dispersion from concentration gradients and solute fluxes near barriers. The new approach yields reasonable and accurate concentrations for the test cases. ?? 2006.

On the Versatility of Rheoreversible, Stimuli-responsive Hydraulic-Fracturing Fluids for Enhanced Geothermal Systems: Effect of Reservoir pH

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fernandez, Carlos A.; Shao, Hongbo; Bonneville, Alain

Abstract The primary challenge for the feasibility of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) is to cost-effectively create high-permeability reservoirs inside deep crystalline bedrock. Although fracturing fluids are commonly used for oil/gas, standard fracturing methods are not developed or proven for EGS temperatures and pressures. Furthermore, the environmental impacts of currently used fracturing methods are only recently being determined. These authors recently reported an environmentally benign, CO2-activated, rheoreversible fracturing fluid that enhances permeability through fracturing due to in situ volume expansion and gel formation. The potential of this novel fracturing fluid is evaluated in this work towards its application at geothermal sitesmore » under different pH conditions. Laboratory-scale fracturing experiments using Coso Geothermal rock cores under different pH environments were performed followed by X-ray microtomography characterization. The results demonstrate that CO2-reactive aqueous solutions of environmentally amenable polyallylamine (PAA) consistently and reproducibly creates/propagates fracture networks through highly impermeable crystalline rock from Coso EGS sites at considerably lower effective stress as compared to conventional fracturing fluids. In addition, permeability was significantly enhanced in a wide range of formation-water pH values. This effective, and environmentally-friendly fracturing fluid technology represents a potential alternative to conventional fracturing fluids.« less

The characterization of a point bar-channel aquifer analogue: from geostatistical simulation to solute transport through hydrofacies connectivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dell'Arciprete, Diana; Baratelli, Fulvia; Bersezio, Riccardo; Felletti, Fabrizio; Giudici, Mauro; Vassena, Chiara

2010-05-01

Ground water flow and solute transport are controlled by the geological structure and the corresponding heterogeneity and anisotropy of the hydraulic conductivity (K) field. In alluvial aquifers, a complete interdisciplinary characterization of the reservoir is important for reliable predictions. The reconstruction of the subsurface heterogeneity cannot be limited to honor point (e.g., well stratigraphic logs) data, but should also account for the presence of connected high K hydrofacies, which might form preferential flow paths. To explore these concepts an aquifer analogue, at the scale of the point-bar/channel depositional element of a meandering river, was studied. The analogue, exposed in a gravel pit, belongs to the historical sediments of the terraced meandering valley of the Lambro River (Po plain, Northern Italy). The study has been conducted in five steps. (1) Architectural and sedimentological modelling was based on 31 stratigraphic logs collected along five quarry faces (four in E-W direction and one in N-S direction) and a geophysical survey, whereas the hydrostratigraphical characterization was obtained by permeability analysis of 28 samples. Facies mapping was performed in the field and supported by the analysis of the photo-composition of the quarry faces to obtain the geometry, the hierarchy and the internal architecture of sedimentary bodies. Permeability measurements on undisturbed samples and estimates based on the grain-size distribution were compared with bibliography values and used to merge the facies into four hydrofacies: least permeable (very fine sand and silt-clay respectively from topmost channel-fill, silt/clay plugs, drapes and balls), low permeable (sand from point-bar and channel fill bedforms), medium permeable (sandy gravel e gravelly sand from point bars) and most permeable (lower part of lateral accreted units). (2) For a test volume of 11.4m × 11.4m × 2.85m 50 equiprobable simulations of the hydrofacies distribution have been obtained with SISIM (Sequential indicator simulation) and MPS (Multiple point simulation) on a grid of voxels of 20cm × 20cm × 5cm. Conditioning data have been extracted from the hydrofacies maps of two crossing quarry faces. (3) The connectivity of the four simulated hydrofacies has been quantified with total and intrinsic indicators: the former measures the degree of connection within the entire volume, whereas the latter measures the degree of connection of a facies within itself and is therefore less dependent on the proportion of the facies in the total volume. (4) Finite-difference modeling of groundwater flow has been applied to compute the equivalent hydraulic-conductivity tensor. (5) Numerical experiments of convective transport of non-reactive solutes have been performed, in order to map the preferential flow paths and to compute the dispersion tensor with a Lagrangian approach and the longitudinal dispersion with an Eulerian approach. The results show that a multidisciplinary approach permits to reproduce the heterogeneity of this aquifer analogue, so that the results (strength and weaknesses of different geostatistical simulation methods, relationship of connectivity indicators with flow and transport parameters, etc.) obtained for this case study can be generalized to aquifers characterized by similar geological situations.

Permeability Estimation of Rock Reservoir Based on PCA and Elman Neural Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Ying; Jian, Shaoyong

2018-03-01

an intelligent method which based on fuzzy neural networks with PCA algorithm, is proposed to estimate the permeability of rock reservoir. First, the dimensionality reduction process is utilized for these parameters by principal component analysis method. Further, the mapping relationship between rock slice characteristic parameters and permeability had been found through fuzzy neural networks. The estimation validity and reliability for this method were tested with practical data from Yan’an region in Ordos Basin. The result showed that the average relative errors of permeability estimation for this method is 6.25%, and this method had the better convergence speed and more accuracy than other. Therefore, by using the cheap rock slice related information, the permeability of rock reservoir can be estimated efficiently and accurately, and it is of high reliability, practicability and application prospect.

An improved method for permeability estimation of the bioclastic limestone reservoir based on NMR data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Xinmin; Fan, Yiren; Liu, Jianyu; Zhang, Li; Han, Yujiao; Xing, Donghui

2017-10-01

Permeability is an important parameter in formation evaluation since it controls the fluid transportation of porous rocks. However, it is challengeable to compute the permeability of bioclastic limestone reservoirs by conventional methods linking petrophysical and geophysical data, due to the complex pore distributions. A new method is presented to estimate the permeability based on laboratory and downhole nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. We divide the pore space into four intervals by the inflection points between the pore radius and the transversal relaxation time. Relationships between permeability and percentages of different pore intervals are investigated to investigate influential factors on the fluid transportation. Furthermore, an empirical model, which takes into account of the pore size distributions, is presented to compute the permeability. 212 core samples in our case show that the accuracy of permeability calculation is improved from 0.542 (SDR model), 0.507 (TIM model), 0.455 (conventional porosity-permeability regressions) to 0.803. To enhance the precision of downhole application of the new model, we developed a fluid correction algorithm to construct the water spectrum of in-situ NMR data, aiming to eliminate the influence of oil on the magnetization. The result reveals that permeability is positively correlated with percentages of mega-pores and macro-pores, but negatively correlated with the percentage of micro-pores. Poor correlation is observed between permeability and the percentage of meso-pores. NMR magnetizations and T2 spectrums after the fluid correction agree well with laboratory results for samples saturated with water. Field application indicates that the improved method provides better performance than conventional models such as Schlumberger-Doll Research equation, Timur-Coates equation, and porosity-permeability regressions.

Unconventional Tight Reservoirs Characterization with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santiago, C. J. S.; Solatpour, R.; Kantzas, A.

2017-12-01

The increase in tight reservoir exploitation projects causes producing many papers each year on new, modern, and modified methods and techniques on estimating characteristics of these reservoirs. The most ambiguous of all basic reservoir property estimations deals with permeability. One of the logging methods that is advertised to predict permeability but is always met by skepticism is Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The ability of NMR to differentiate between bound and movable fluids and providing porosity increased the capability of NMR as a permeability prediction technique. This leads to a multitude of publications and the motivation of a review paper on this subject by Babadagli et al. (2002). The first part of this presentation is dedicated to an extensive review of the existing correlation models for NMR based estimates of tight reservoir permeability to update this topic. On the second part, the collected literature information is used to analyze new experimental data. The data are collected from tight reservoirs from Canada, the Middle East, and China. A case study is created to apply NMR measurement in the prediction of reservoir characterization parameters such as porosity, permeability, cut-offs, irreducible saturations etc. Moreover, permeability correlations are utilized to predict permeability. NMR experiments were conducted on water saturated cores. NMR T2 relaxation times were measured. NMR porosity, the geometric mean relaxation time (T2gm), Irreducible Bulk Volume (BVI), and Movable Bulk Volume (BVM) were calculated. The correlation coefficients were computed based on multiple regression analysis. Results are cross plots of NMR permeability versus the independently measured Klinkenberg corrected permeability. More complicated equations are discussed. Error analysis of models is presented and compared. This presentation is beneficial in understanding existing tight reservoir permeability models. The results can be used as a guide for choosing the best permeability estimation model for tight reservoirs data.

Quantification of pore clogging characteristics in potential permeable reactive barrier (PRB) substrates using image analysis.

PubMed

Wantanaphong, J; Mooney, S J; Bailey, E H

2006-08-10

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) are now an established approach for groundwater remediation. However, one concern is the deterioration of barrier material performance due to pore clogging. This study sought to quantify the effect of pore clogging on the alteration of the physical porous architecture of two novel potential PRB materials (clinoptilolite and calcified seaweed) using image analysis of SEM-derived images. Results after a water treatment contaminated with heavy metals over periods of up to 10 months identified a decrease in porosity from c. 22% to c. 15% for calcified seaweed and from c. 22% to c. 18% for clinoptilolite. Porosity was reduced by as much as 37% in a calcified seaweed column that clogged. The mean pore size (2D) of both materials slightly decreased after water treatment with c. 11% reduction in calcified seaweed and c. 7% reduction in clinoptilolite. An increase in the proportion of crack-shaped pores was observed in both materials after the contaminated water treatment, most noticeably in the bottom of columns where contaminated water first reacted with the material. The distribution of pores (within a given image) derived from the distance transform indicated the largest morphological differences in materials was recorded in calcified seaweed columns, which is likely to impact significantly on their performance as barrier materials. The magnitude of porosity reduction over a short time period in relation to predicted barrier longevity suggest these and similar materials may be unsuited for barrier installation in their present form.

Efficient CO2 capture by functionalized graphene oxide nanosheets as fillers to fabricate multi-permselective mixed matrix membranes.

PubMed

Li, Xueqin; Cheng, Youdong; Zhang, Haiyang; Wang, Shaofei; Jiang, Zhongyi; Guo, Ruili; Wu, Hong

2015-03-11

A novel multi-permselective mixed matrix membrane (MP-MMM) is developed by incorporating versatile fillers functionalized with ethylene oxide (EO) groups and an amine carrier into a polymer matrix. The as-prepared MP-MMMs can separate CO2 efficiently because of the simultaneous enhancement of diffusivity selectivity, solubility selectivity, and reactivity selectivity. To be specific, MP-MMMs were fabricated by incorporating polyethylene glycol- and polyethylenimine-functionalized graphene oxide nanosheets (PEG-PEI-GO) into a commercial low-cost Pebax matrix. The PEG-PEI-GO plays multiple roles in enhancing membrane performance. First, the high-aspect ratio GO nanosheets in a polymer matrix increase the length of the tortuous path of gas diffusion and generate a rigidified interface between the polymer matrix and fillers, enhancing the diffusivity selectivity. Second, PEG consisting of EO groups has excellent affinity for CO2 to enhance the solubility selectivity. Third, PEI with abundant primary, secondary, and tertiary amine groups reacts reversibly with CO2 to enhance reactivity selectivity. Thus, the as-prepared MP-MMMs exhibit excellent CO2 permeability and CO2/gas selectivity. The MP-MMM doped with 10 wt % PEG-PEI-GO displays optimal gas separation performance with a CO2 permeability of 1330 Barrer, a CO2/CH4 selectivity of 45, and a CO2/N2 selectivity of 120, surpassing the upper bound lines of the Robeson study of 2008 (1 Barrer = 10(-10) cm(3) (STP) cm(-2) s(-1) cm(-1) Hg).

[Removal of nitrate from groundwater using permeable reactive barrier].

PubMed

Li, Xiu-Li; Yang, Jun-Jun; Lu, Xiao-Xia; Zhang, Shu; Hou, Zhen

2013-03-01

To provide a cost-effective method for the remediation of nitrate-polluted groundwater, column experiments were performed to study the removal of nitrate by permeable reactive barrier filled with fermented mulch and sand (biowall), and the mechanisms and influence factors were explored. The experimental results showed that the environmental condition in the simulated biowall became highly reduced after three days of operation (oxidation-reduction potential was below - 100 mV), which was favorable for the reduction of nitrate. During the 15 days of operation, the removal rate of nitrate nitrogen (NO3(-) -N) by the simulated biowall was 80%-90% (NO3(-)-N was reduced from 20 mg x L(-1) in the inlet water to 1.6 mg x L(-1) in the outlet water); the concentration of nitrite nitrogen (NO2(-) -N) in the outlet water was below 2.5 mg x L(-1); the concentration of ammonium nitrogen (NH4(+) -N) was low in the first two days but increased to about 12 mg x L(-1) since day three. The major mechanisms involved in the removal of nitrate nitrogen were adsorption and biodegradation. When increasing the water flow velocity in the simulated biowall, the removal rate of NO3(-) -N was reduced and the concentration of NH4(+) -N in the outlet water was significantly reduced. A simulated zeolite wall was set up following the simulated biowall and 98% of the NH4(+) -N could be removed from the water.

Reactive oxygen species as a signal in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.

PubMed

Pi, Jingbo; Bai, Yushi; Zhang, Qiang; Wong, Victoria; Floering, Lisa M; Daniel, Kiefer; Reece, Jeffrey M; Deeney, Jude T; Andersen, Melvin E; Corkey, Barbara E; Collins, Sheila

2007-07-01

One of the unique features of beta-cells is their relatively low expression of many antioxidant enzymes. This could render beta-cells susceptible to oxidative damage but may also provide a system that is sensitive to reactive oxygen species as signals. In isolated mouse islets and INS-1(832/13) cells, glucose increases intracellular accumulation of H2O2. In both models, insulin secretion could be stimulated by provision of either exogenous H2O2 or diethyl maleate, which raises intracellular H2O2 levels. Provision of exogenous H2O2 scavengers, including cell permeable catalase and N-acetyl-L-cysteine, inhibited glucose-stimulated H2O2 accumulation and insulin secretion (GSIS). In contrast, cell permeable superoxide dismutase, which metabolizes superoxide into H2O2, had no effect on GSIS. Because oxidative stress is an important risk factor for beta-cell dysfunction in diabetes, the relationship between glucose-induced H2O2 generation and GSIS was investigated under various oxidative stress conditions. Acute exposure of isolated mouse islets or INS-1(832/13) cells to oxidative stressors, including arsenite, 4-hydroxynonenal, and methylglyoxal, led to decreased GSIS. This impaired GSIS was associated with increases in a battery of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Taken together, these findings suggest that H2O2 derived from glucose metabolism is one of the metabolic signals for insulin secretion, whereas oxidative stress may disturb its signaling function.

Chromium-removal processes during groundwater remediation by a zerovalent iron permeable reactive barrier.

PubMed

Wilkin, Richard T; Su, Chunming; Ford, Robert G; Paul, Cynthia J

2005-06-15

Solid-phase associations of chromium were examined in core materials collected from a full-scale, zerovalent iron permeable reactive barrier (PRB) at the U.S. Coast Guard Support Center located near Elizabeth City, NC. The PRB was installed in 1996 to treat groundwater contaminated with hexavalent chromium. After eight years of operation, the PRB remains effective at reducing concentrations of Cr from average values >1500 microg L(-1) in groundwater hydraulically upgradient of the PRB to values <1 microg L(-1) in groundwater within and hydraulically downgradient of the PRB. Chromium removal from groundwater occurs at the leading edge of the PRB and also within the aquifer immediately upgradient of the PRB. These regions also witness the greatest amount of secondary mineral formation due to steep geochemical gradients that result from the corrosion of zerovalent iron. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy indicated that chromium is predominantly in the trivalent oxidation state, confirming that reductive processes are responsible for Cr sequestration. XANES spectra and microscopy results suggest that Cr is, in part, associated with iron sulfide grains formed as a consequence of microbially mediated sulfate reduction in and around the PRB. Results of this study provide evidence that secondary iron-bearing mineral products may enhance the capacity of zerovalent iron systems to remediate Cr in groundwater, either through redox reactions at the mineral-water interface or by the release of Fe(II) to solution via mineral dissolution and/or metal corrosion.

Absence of Dystrophin Disrupts Skeletal Muscle Signaling: Roles of Ca2+, Reactive Oxygen Species, and Nitric Oxide in the Development of Muscular Dystrophy

PubMed Central

Allen, David G.; Whitehead, Nicholas P.; Froehner, Stanley C.

2015-01-01

Dystrophin is a long rod-shaped protein that connects the subsarcolemmal cytoskeleton to a complex of proteins in the surface membrane (dystrophin protein complex, DPC), with further connections via laminin to other extracellular matrix proteins. Initially considered a structural complex that protected the sarcolemma from mechanical damage, the DPC is now known to serve as a scaffold for numerous signaling proteins. Absence or reduced expression of dystrophin or many of the DPC components cause the muscular dystrophies, a group of inherited diseases in which repeated bouts of muscle damage lead to atrophy and fibrosis, and eventually muscle degeneration. The normal function of dystrophin is poorly defined. In its absence a complex series of changes occur with multiple muscle proteins showing reduced or increased expression or being modified in various ways. In this review, we will consider the various proteins whose expression and function is changed in muscular dystrophies, focusing on Ca2+-permeable channels, nitric oxide synthase, NADPH oxidase, and caveolins. Excessive Ca2+ entry, increased membrane permeability, disordered caveolar function, and increased levels of reactive oxygen species are early changes in the disease, and the hypotheses for these phenomena will be critically considered. The aim of the review is to define the early damage pathways in muscular dystrophy which might be appropriate targets for therapy designed to minimize the muscle degeneration and slow the progression of the disease. PMID:26676145

Variably Saturated Flow and Multicomponent Biogeochemical Reactive Transport Modeling of a Uranium Bioremediation Field Experiment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yabusaki, Steven B.; Fang, Yilin; Williams, Kenneth H.

2011-11-01

Field experiments at a former uranium mill tailings site have identified the potential for stimulating indigenous bacteria to catalyze the conversion of aqueous uranium in the +6 oxidation state to immobile solid-associated uranium in the +4 oxidation state. This effectively removes uranium from solution resulting in groundwater concentrations below actionable standards. Three-dimensional, coupled variably-saturated flow and biogeochemical reactive transport modeling of a 2008 in situ uranium bioremediation field experiment is used to better understand the interplay of transport rates and biogeochemical reaction rates that determine the location and magnitude of key reaction products. A comprehensive reaction network, developed largely throughmore » previous 1-D modeling studies, was used to simulate the impacts on uranium behavior of pulsed acetate amendment, seasonal water table variation, spatially-variable physical (hydraulic conductivity, porosity) and geochemical (reactive surface area) material properties. A principal challenge is the mechanistic representation of biologically-mediated terminal electron acceptor process (TEAP) reactions whose products significantly alter geochemical controls on uranium mobility through increases in pH, alkalinity, exchangeable cations, and highly reactive reduction products. In general, these simulations of the 2008 Big Rusty acetate biostimulation field experiment in Rifle, Colorado confirmed previously identified behaviors including (1) initial dominance by iron reducing bacteria that concomitantly reduce aqueous U(VI), (2) sulfate reducing bacteria that become dominant after {approx}30 days and outcompete iron reducers for the acetate electron donor, (3) continuing iron-reducer activity and U(VI) bioreduction during dominantly sulfate reducing conditions, and (4) lower apparent U(VI) removal from groundwater during dominantly sulfate reducing conditions. New knowledge on simultaneously active metal and sulfate reducers has been incorporated into the modeling. In this case, an initially small population of slow growing sulfate reducers is active from the initiation of biostimulation. Three-dimensional, variably saturated flow modeling was used to address impacts of a falling water table during acetate injection. These impacts included a significant reduction in aquifer saturated thickness and isolation of residual reactants and products, as well as unmitigated uranium, in the newly unsaturated vadose zone. High permeability sandy gravel structures resulted in locally high flow rates in the vicinity of injection wells that increased acetate dilution. In downgradient locations, these structures created preferential flow paths for acetate delivery that enhanced local zones of TEAP reactivity and subsidiary reactions. Conversely, smaller transport rates associated with the lower permeability lithofacies (e.g., fine) and vadose zone were shown to limit acetate access and reaction. Once accessed by acetate, however, these same zones limited subsequent acetate dilution and provided longer residence times that resulted in higher concentrations of TEAP products when terminal electron donors and acceptors were not limiting. Finally, facies-based porosity and reactive surface area variations were shown to affect aqueous uranium concentration distributions; however, the ranges were sufficiently small to preserve general trends. Large computer memory and high computational performance were required to simulate the detailed coupled process models for multiple biogeochemical components in highly resolved heterogeneous materials for the 110-day field experiment and 50 days of post-biostimulation behavior. In this case, a highly-scalable subsurface simulator operating on 128 processor cores for 12 hours was used to simulate each realization. An equivalent simulation without parallel processing would have taken 60 days, assuming sufficient memory was available.« less

Ground water pollution by roof runoff infiltration evidenced with multi-tracer experiments.

PubMed

Ammann, Adrian A; Hoehn, Eduard; Koch, Sabine

2003-03-01

The infiltration of urban roof runoff into well permeable subsurface material may have adverse effects on the ground water quality and endanger drinking water resources. Precipitation water from three different roofs of an industrial complex was channelled to a pit and infiltrated into a perialpine glaciofluvial gravel-and-sand aquifer. A shaft was constructed at the bottom of the pit and equipped with an array of TDR probes, lysimeters and suction cups that allowed measuring and sampling soil water at different depths. A fast infiltration flow was observed during natural rainfall events and during artificial infiltration experiments. For a better understanding of the behaviour of contaminants, experiments were conducted with cocktails of compounds of different reactivity (ammonium, strontium, atratone) and of non-reactive tracers (uranine, bromide, naphthionate), which represent different classes of pollutants. The experiment identified cation exchange reactions influencing the composition of the infiltrating water. These processes occurred under preferential flow conditions in macropores of the material. Measuring concentration changes under the controlled inflow of tracer experiments, the pollution potential was found to be high. Non-reactive tracers exhibited fast breakthrough and little sorption.

Greater scaffold permeability promotes growth of osteoblastic cells in a perfused bioreactor.

PubMed

Fan, Jie; Jia, Xiaoling; Huang, Yan; Fu, Bingmei M; Fan, Yubo

2015-12-01

Pore size and porosity have been widely acknowledged as important structural factors in tissue-engineered scaffolds. In fact, scaffolds with similar pore size and porosity can provide important and varied permeability due to different pore shape, interconnectivity and tortuosity. However, the effects of scaffold permeability on seeded cells remains largely unknown during tissue regeneration in vitro. In this study, we measured the Darcy permeability (K) of tri-calcium phosphate scaffolds by distributed them into three groups: Low, Medium and High. As a result, the effects of scaffold permeability on cell proliferation, cellular activity and growth in the inner pores were investigated in perfused and static cultures in vitro. Results demonstrated that higher permeable scaffolds exhibited superior performance during bone regeneration in vitro and the advantages of higher scaffold permeability were amplified in perfused culture. Based on these findings, scaffold permeability should be considered in future scaffold fabrications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

New insights into the hydrostratigraphy of the High Plains aquifer from three-dimensional visualizations based on well records

USGS Publications Warehouse

Macfarlane, P.A.

2009-01-01

Regional aquifers in thick sequences of continentally derived heterolithic deposits, such as the High Plains of the North American Great Plains, are difficult to characterize hydrostratigraphically because of their framework complexity and the lack of high-quality subsurface information from drill cores and geophysical logs. However, using a database of carefully evaluated drillers' and sample logs and commercially available visualization software, it is possible to qualitatively characterize these complex frameworks based on the concept of relative permeability. Relative permeability is the permeable fraction of a deposit expressed as a percentage of its total thickness. In this methodology, uncemented coarse and fine sediments are arbitrarily set at relative permeabilities of 100% and 0%, respectively, with allowances made for log entries containing descriptions of mixed lithologies, heterolithic strata, and cementation. To better understand the arrangement of high- and low-permeability domains within the High Plains aquifer, a pilot study was undertaken in southwest Kansas to create three-dimensional visualizations of relative permeability using a database of >3000 logs. Aggregate relative permeability ranges up to 99% with a mean of 51%. Laterally traceable, thick domains of >80% relative permeability embedded within a lower relative permeability matrix strongly suggest that preferred pathways for lateral and vertical water transmission exist within the aquifer. Similarly, domains with relative permeabilities of <45% are traceable laterally over appreciable distances in the sub-surface and probably act as leaky confining layers. This study shows that the aquifer does not consist solely of local, randomly distributed, hydrostratigraphic units, as suggested by previous studies. ?? 2009 Geological Society of America.

Polyaxial stress-dependent permeability of a three-dimensional fractured rock layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Qinghua; Wang, Xiaoguang; Xiang, Jiansheng; Latham, John-Paul

2017-12-01

A study about the influence of polyaxial (true-triaxial) stresses on the permeability of a three-dimensional (3D) fractured rock layer is presented. The 3D fracture system is constructed by extruding a two-dimensional (2D) outcrop pattern of a limestone bed that exhibits a ladder structure consisting of a "through-going" joint set abutted by later-stage short fractures. Geomechanical behaviour of the 3D fractured rock in response to in-situ stresses is modelled by the finite-discrete element method, which can capture the deformation of matrix blocks, variation of stress fields, reactivation of pre-existing rough fractures and propagation of new cracks. A series of numerical simulations is designed to load the fractured rock using various polyaxial in-situ stresses and the stress-dependent flow properties are further calculated. The fractured layer tends to exhibit stronger flow localisation and higher equivalent permeability as the far-field stress ratio is increased and the stress field is rotated such that fractures are preferentially oriented for shearing. The shear dilation of pre-existing fractures has dominant effects on flow localisation in the system, while the propagation of new fractures has minor impacts. The role of the overburden stress suggests that the conventional 2D analysis that neglects the effect of the out-of-plane stress (perpendicular to the bedding interface) may provide indicative approximations but not fully capture the polyaxial stress-dependent fracture network behaviour. The results of this study have important implications for understanding the heterogeneous flow of geological fluids (e.g. groundwater, petroleum) in subsurface and upscaling permeability for large-scale assessments.

Permeability measurement and control for epoxy composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Tsun-Hsu; Tsai, Cheng-Hung; Wong, Wei-Syuan; Chen, Yen-Ren; Chao, Hsien-Wen

2017-08-01

The coupling of the electric and magnetic fields leads to a strong interplay in materials' permittivity and permeability. Here, we proposed a specially designed cavity, called the mu cavity. The mu cavity, consisting of a mushroom structure inside a cylindrical resonator, is exclusively sensitive to permeability, but not to permittivity. It decouples materials' electromagnetic properties and allows an accurate measurement of the permeability. With the help of an epsilon cavity, these two cavities jointly determine the complex permeability and permittivity of the materials at microwave frequencies. Homemade epoxy-based composite materials were prepared and tested. Measurement and manipulation of the permeability and permittivity of the epoxy composites will be shown. The results will be compared with the effective medium theories.

Landscape permeability for large carnivores in Washington: a geographic information system weighted-distance and least-cost corridor assessment.

Treesearch

Peter H. Singleton; William L. Gaines; John F. Lehmkuhl

2002-01-01

We conducted a regional-scale evaluation of landscape permeability for large carnivores in Washington and adjacent portions of British Columbia and Idaho. We developed geographic information system based landscape permeability models for wolves (Canis lupus), wolverine (Gulo gulo), lynx (Lynx canadensis),...

Mobility, Deposition and Remobilization of pre-Synthesis Stabilized Nano-scale Zero Valent Iron in Long Column Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Boer, C. V.; O'Carroll, D. M.; Sleep, B.

2014-12-01

Reactive zero-valent iron is currently being used for remediation of contaminated groundwater. Permeable reactive barriers are the current state-of-the-practice method for using zero-valent iron. Instead of an excavated trench filled with granular zero-valent iron, a relatively new and promising method is the injection of a nano-scale zero-valent iron colloid suspension (nZVI) into the subsurface using injection wells. One goal of nZVI injection can be to deposit zero valent iron in the aquifer and form a reactive permeable zone which is no longer bound to limited depths and plume treatment, but can also be used directly at the source. It is very important to have a good understanding of the transport behavior of nZVI during injection as well as the fate of nZVI after injection due to changes in the flow regime or water chemistry changes. So far transport was mainly tested using commercially available nZVI, however these studies suggest that further work is required as commercial nZVI was prone to aggregation, resulting in low physical stability of the suspension and very short travel distances in the subsurface. In the presented work, nZVI is stabilized during synthesis to significantly increase the physical suspension stability. To improve our understanding of nZVI transport, the feasibility for injection into various porous media materials and controlled deposition, a suite of column experiments are conducted. The column experiments are performed using a long 1.5m column and a novel nZVI measuring technique. The measuring technique was developed to non-destructively determine the concentration of nano-scale iron during the injection. It records the magnetic susceptibility, which makes it possible to get transient nZVI retention profiles along the column. These transient nZVI retention profiles of long columns provide unique insights in the transport behavior of nZVI which cannot be obtained using short columns or effluent breakthrough curves.

Permeability of soils in Mississippi

USGS Publications Warehouse

O'Hara, Charles G.

1994-01-01

The permeability of soils in Mississippi was determined and mapped using a geographic information system (GIS). Soil permeabilities in Mississippi were determined to range in value from nearly 0.0 to values exceeding 5.0 inches per hour. The U.S. Soil Conservation Service's State Soil Geographic Data Base (STATSGO) was used as the primary source of data for the determination of area-weighted soil permeability. STATSGO provides soil layer properties that are spatially referenced to mapped areas. These mapped areas are referred to as polygons in the GIS. The polygons arc boundaries of soils mapped as a group and are given unique Map Unit Identifiers (MUIDs). The data describing the physical characteristics of the soils within each polygon are stored in a tabular data base format and are referred to as attributes. The U.S. Soil Conservation Service developed STATSGO to be primarily used as a guide for regional resource planning, management, and monitoring. STATSGO was designed so that soil information could be extracted from properties tables at the layer level, combined by component, and statistically expanded to cover the entire map unit. The results of this study provide a mapped value for permeability which is representative of the vertical permeability of soils in that area. The resultant permeability map provides a representative vertical soil permeability for a given area sufficient for county, multi- county, and area planning, and will be used as the soil permeability data component in the evaluation of the susceptibility of major aquifers to contami- nation in Mississippi.

Improved permeability of acyclovir: optimization of mucoadhesive liposomes using the phospholipid vesicle-based permeation assay.

PubMed

Naderkhani, Elenaz; Erber, Astrid; Škalko-Basnet, Nataša; Flaten, Gøril Eide

2014-02-01

The antiviral drug acyclovir (ACV) suffers from poor solubility both in lipophilic and hydrophilic environment, leading to low and highly variable bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, this study aimed at designing mucoadhesive ACV-containing liposomes to improve its permeability. Liposomes were prepared from egg phosphatidylcholine (E-PC) and E-PC/egg phosphatidylglycerol (E-PC/E-PG) and their surfaces coated with Carbopol. All liposomal formulations were fully characterized and for the first time the phospholipid vesicle-based permeation assay (PVPA) was used for testing in vitro permeability of drug from mucoadhesive liposome formulations. The negatively charged E-PC/E-PG liposomes could encapsulate more ACV than neutral E-PC liposomes. Coating with Carbopol increased the entrapment in the neutral E-PC liposomes. The incorporation of ACV into liposomes exhibited significant increase in its in vitro permeability, compared with its aqueous solution. The neutral E-PC liposomal formulations exhibited higher ACV permeability values compared with charged E-PC/E-PG formulations. Coating with Carbopol significantly enhanced the permeability from the E-PC/E-PG liposomes, as well as sonicated E-PC liposomes, which showed the highest permeability of all tested formulations. The increased permeability was according to the formulations' mucoadhesive properties. This indicates that the PVPA is suitable to distinguish between permeability of ACV from different mucoadhesive liposome formulations developed for various routes of administration. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

Permeability-Porosity Relationships of Subduction Zone Sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gamage, K.; Screaton, E.; Bekins, B.; Aiello, I.

2008-12-01

Permeability-porosity relationships for sediments from Northern Barbados, Costa Rica, Nankai, and Peru subduction zones were examined based on their sediment type and grain size distribution. Greater correlation was observed between permeability and porosity for siliciclastic sediments, diatom oozes, and nannofossil chalk than for nannofossil oozes. For siliciclastic sediments, grouping of sediments by clay content yields relationships that are generally consistent with results from other marine settings and suggest decreasing permeability for a given porosity as clay content increases. Correction of measured porosities for smectite content generally improves the quality of permeability-porosity relationships. The relationship between permeability and porosity for diatom oozes may be controlled by the amount of clay present in the ooze, causing diatom oozes to behave similarly to siliciclastic sediments. For a given porosity the nannofossil oozes have higher permeability values by 1.5 orders of magnitude than the siliciclastic sediments. However, the use of a permeability-porosity relation may not be appropriate for unconsolidated carbonates such as nannofossil oozes. This study provided insight to the effects of porosity correction for smectite, variations in lithology and grain size in permeability-porosity relationships. However, further progress in delineating controls on permeability will require more careful and better documented permeability tests on characterized samples.

Permeability evolution of shale during spontaneous imbibition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chakraborty, N.; Karpyn, Z. T.; Liu, S.

Shales have small pore and throat sizes ranging from nano to micron scales, low porosity and limited permeability. The poor permeability and complex pore connectivity of shales pose technical challenges to (a) understanding flow and transport mechanisms in such systems and, (b) in predicting permeability changes under dynamic saturation conditions. This paper presents quantitative experimental evidence of the migration of water through a generic shale core plug using micro CT imaging. In addition, in-situ measurements of gas permeability were performed during counter-current spontaneous imbibition of water in nano-darcy permeability Marcellus and Haynesville core plugs. It was seen that water blocksmore » severely reduced the effective permeability of the core plugs, leading to losses of up to 99.5% of the initial permeability in experiments lasting 30 days. There was also evidence of clay swelling which further hindered gas flow. When results from this study were compared with similar counter-current gas permeability experiments reported in the literature, the initial (base) permeability of the rock was found to be a key factor in determining the time evolution of effective gas permeability during spontaneous imbibition. With time, a recovery of effective permeability was seen in the higher permeability rocks, while becoming progressively detrimental and irreversible in tighter rocks. Finally, these results suggest that matrix permeability of ultra-tight rocks is susceptible to water damage following hydraulic fracturing stimulation and, while shut-in/soaking time helps clearing-up fractures from resident fluid, its effect on the adjacent matrix permeability could be detrimental.« less

Permeability evolution of shale during spontaneous imbibition

DOE PAGES

Chakraborty, N.; Karpyn, Z. T.; Liu, S.; ...

2017-01-05

Shales have small pore and throat sizes ranging from nano to micron scales, low porosity and limited permeability. The poor permeability and complex pore connectivity of shales pose technical challenges to (a) understanding flow and transport mechanisms in such systems and, (b) in predicting permeability changes under dynamic saturation conditions. This paper presents quantitative experimental evidence of the migration of water through a generic shale core plug using micro CT imaging. In addition, in-situ measurements of gas permeability were performed during counter-current spontaneous imbibition of water in nano-darcy permeability Marcellus and Haynesville core plugs. It was seen that water blocksmore » severely reduced the effective permeability of the core plugs, leading to losses of up to 99.5% of the initial permeability in experiments lasting 30 days. There was also evidence of clay swelling which further hindered gas flow. When results from this study were compared with similar counter-current gas permeability experiments reported in the literature, the initial (base) permeability of the rock was found to be a key factor in determining the time evolution of effective gas permeability during spontaneous imbibition. With time, a recovery of effective permeability was seen in the higher permeability rocks, while becoming progressively detrimental and irreversible in tighter rocks. Finally, these results suggest that matrix permeability of ultra-tight rocks is susceptible to water damage following hydraulic fracturing stimulation and, while shut-in/soaking time helps clearing-up fractures from resident fluid, its effect on the adjacent matrix permeability could be detrimental.« less

Is Moderate Red Wine Consumption Safe in Inactive Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

PubMed Central

Swanson, Garth R.; Tieu, Vanessa; Shaikh, Maliha; Forsyth, Chris; Keshavarzian, Ali

2011-01-01

Background Alcohol consumption is a potential trigger for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flare because of alcohol-induced oxidative stress and its deleterious effects on gut barrier function. Additionally, we have recently shown that alcohol consumption is associated with more symptoms in IBD. However, it is not known whether moderate daily alcohol consumption can modify IBD disease activity. To test what effects alcohol may have on patients with IBD, we evaluated the effect of moderate daily red wine for 1 week on two factors associated with recurrent IBD disease activity: intestinal permeability and stool calprotectin. Methods To assess the effects of moderate daily alcohol consumption on intestinal permeability and inflammation, we recruited 21 patients: 8 with inactive ulcerative colitis (UC), 6 with inactive Crohn's disease (CD), and 7 healthy controls. All participants with IBD completed a validated questionnaire on disease activity (Crohn's disease activity index or ulcerative colitis clinical activity index), to confirm they had inactive disease. All subjects then underwent a baseline assessment that included a blood draw, urine collection after sugar challenge, and stool collection. Subjects then consumed 1–3 glasses of red wine a day for 1 week (approx. 0.4 g EtOH/kg), and repeated the three measures. Results No subjects flared during the study. Moderate alcohol consumption did not significantly change either clinical disease activity scores or C-reactive protein. In contrast to healthy subjects, daily consumption of red wine significantly (1) decreased stool calprotectin in IBD subjects from baseline (p = 0.001) and (2) increased intestinal permeability as measured by urinary lactulose/mannitol excretion (marker of small bowel permeability) in CD (p = 0.028) or urinary sucralose secretion (marker of large bowel permeability) in UC (p = 0.012). Conclusions One week of moderate consumption of red wine in inactive IBD was associated with a significant decrease in stool calprotectin and a significant increase in intestinal permeability. Our data suggests that patients with inactive IBD who drink red wine daily may be at an increased long-term risk for disease relapse. PMID:21876358

Off shore wind farms change the benthic pelagic coupling in the Belgian Part of the North Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vanaverbeke, Jan; Coates, Delphine; Braeckman, Ulrike; Soetaert, Karline; Moens, Tom

2016-04-01

Since Europe enforced renewable energy target figures upon its member states through the implementation of two main European Directives 11 2001/77/EC and 2009/28/EC, the development of offshore wind farms (OWF) has accelerated. Belgium installed OWFs on sandbanks, characterized by permeable sediments, low in organic matter content and a species-poor macrofaunal community with species occurring in low densities. A detailed monitoring campaign in the immediate vicinity of a wind turbine (1-200m), revealed a significant decrease in median grain size and permeability, coinciding with a 6-fold increase in organic matter content. The observed fining of the sediment is explained by an altered benthic-pelagic coupling in the area. The wind turbines are colonized by an abundant fouling community producing high amounts of detritus and faeces, a continuous additional source of organic matter. The changes in sediment composition, and the availability of additional organic matter resulted in drastic increase in macrofaunal densities (from 1390 ind m-2 to 18600 ind m-2), and a change from a species-poor community to a species-rich community dominated by the ecosystem engineer Lanice conchilega. Large densities of L. conchilega, as observed in our samples, are known to trap fine material from the water column, which can result in a further decrease of sediment permeability in the vicinity of the wind turbines. A preliminary experiment, where permeable sediments were subjected to artificial fining, showed a decreased penetration depth of advective water currents and a reduced trapping of diatoms by the sediment in finer sediments. Additionally, sediment community oxygen consumption rates, and efflux of NH4+ from the sediment, measured after a simulated phytoplankton bloom, decreased significantly when sediment permeability was reduced. We hypothesize that the combination of the altered macrofaunal community composition, together with the changes in the physical properties of the sediment matrix, will lead to a change in the biogeochemical properties of the sediment: highly reactive permeable sediments, poor in organic matter will shift towards sediment where organic matter will accumulate. Degradation of organic matter will then no longer be governed by physical processes, but mediated by biological processes (bioturbation, bio-irrigation).

Fault reactivation by fluid injection considering permeability evolution in fault-bordering damage zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Z.; Yehya, A.; Rice, J. R.; Yin, J.

2017-12-01

Earthquakes can be induced by human activity involving fluid injection, e.g., as wastewater disposal from hydrocarbon production. The occurrence of such events is thought to be, mainly, due to the increase in pore pressure, which reduces the effective normal stress and hence the strength of a nearby fault. Change in subsurface stress around suitably oriented faults at near-critical stress states may also contribute. We focus on improving the modeling and prediction of the hydro-mechanical response due to fluid injection, considering the full poroelastic effects and not solely changes in pore pressure in a rigid host. Thus we address the changes in porosity and permeability of the medium due to the changes in the local volumetric strains. Our results also focus on including effects of the fault architecture (low permeability fault core and higher permeability bordering damage zones) on the pressure diffusion and the fault poroelastic response. Field studies of faults have provided a generally common description for the size of their bordering damage zones and how they evolve along their direction of propagation. Empirical laws, from a large number of such observations, describe their fracture density, width, permeability, etc. We use those laws and related data to construct our study cases. We show that the existence of high permeability damage zones facilitates pore-pressure diffusion and, in some cases, results in a sharp increase in pore-pressure at levels much deeper than the injection wells, because these regions act as conduits for fluid pressure changes. This eventually results in higher seismicity rates. By better understanding the mechanisms of nucleation of injection-induced seismicity, and better predicting the hydro-mechanical response of faults, we can assess methodologies and injection strategies to avoid risks of high magnitude seismic events. Microseismic events occurring after the start of injection are very important indications of when injection should be stopped and how to avoid major events. Our work contributes to the assessment or mitigation of seismic hazard and risk, and our long-term target question is: How to not make an earthquake?

A multidisciplinary approach to quantify the permeability of the Whakaari/White Island volcanic hydrothermal system (Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heap, Michael J.; Kennedy, Ben M.; Farquharson, Jamie I.; Ashworth, James; Mayer, Klaus; Letham-Brake, Mark; Reuschlé, Thierry; Gilg, H. Albert; Scheu, Bettina; Lavallée, Yan; Siratovich, Paul; Cole, Jim; Jolly, Arthur D.; Baud, Patrick; Dingwell, Donald B.

2017-02-01

Our multidisciplinary study aims to better understand the permeability of active volcanic hydrothermal systems, a vital prerequisite for modelling and understanding their behaviour and evolution. Whakaari/White Island volcano (an active stratovolcano at the north-eastern end of the Taupo Volcanic Zone of New Zealand) hosts a highly reactive hydrothermal system and represents an ideal natural laboratory to undertake such a study. We first gained an appreciation of the different lithologies at Whakaari and (where possible) their lateral and vertical extent through reconnaissance by land, sea, and air. The main crater, filled with tephra deposits, is shielded by a volcanic amphitheatre comprising interbedded lavas, lava breccias, and tuffs. We deployed field techniques to measure the permeability and density/porosity of (1) > 100 hand-sized sample blocks and (2) layered unlithified deposits in eight purpose-dug trenches. Our field measurements were then groundtruthed using traditional laboratory techniques on almost 150 samples. Our measurements highlight that the porosity of the materials at Whakaari varies from ∼ 0.01 to ∼ 0.7 and permeability varies by eight orders of magnitude (from ∼ 10-19 to ∼ 10-11 m2). The wide range in physical and hydraulic properties is the result of the numerous lithologies and their varied microstructures and alteration intensities, as exposed by a combination of macroscopic and microscopic (scanning electron microscopy) observations, quantitative mineralogical studies (X-ray powder diffraction), and mercury porosimetry. An understanding of the spatial distribution of lithology and alteration style/intensity is therefore important to decipher fluid flow within the Whakaari volcanic hydrothermal system. We align our field observations and porosity/permeability measurements to construct a schematic cross section of Whakaari that highlights the salient findings of our study. Taken together, the alteration typical of a volcanic hydrothermal system can result in increases (due to alteration-induced dissolution and fracturing) and decreases (due to hydrothermal precipitation) to permeability. Importantly, a decrease in permeability-be it due to fracture sealing in lava, pore-filling alunite precipitation in tuff, near-vent cementation by sulphur, and/or well-sorted layers of fine ash-can result in pore pressure augmentation. An increase in pore pressure could result in ground deformation, seismicity, jeopardise the stability of the volcanic slopes, and/or drive the wide variety of eruptions observed at Whakaari. Our systematic study offers the most complete porosity-permeability dataset for a volcanic hydrothermal system to date. These new data will inform and support modelling, unrest monitoring, and eruption characterisation at Whakaari and other hydrothermally modified volcanic systems worldwide.

Experimental investigation on the coupled effect of effective stress and gas slippage on the permeability of shale

PubMed Central

Yang, Diansen; Wang, Wei; Chen, Weizhong; Wang, Shugang; Wang, Xiaoqiong

2017-01-01

Permeability is one of the most important parameters to evaluate gas production in shale reservoirs. Because shale permeability is extremely low, gas is often used in the laboratory to measure permeability. However, the measured apparent gas permeability is higher than the intrinsic permeability due to the gas slippage effect, which could be even more dominant for materials with nanopores. Increasing gas pressure during tests reduces gas slippage effect, but it also decreases the effective stress which in turn influences the permeability. The coupled effect of gas slippage and effective stress on shale permeability remains unclear. Here we perform laboratory experiments on Longmaxi shale specimens to explore the coupled effect. We use the pressure transient method to measure permeability under different stress and pressure conditions. Our results reveal that the apparent measured permeability is controlled by these two competing effects. With increasing gas pressure, there exists a pressure threshold at which the dominant effect on permeability switches from gas slippage to effective stress. Based on the Klinkenberg model, we propose a new conceptual model that incorporates both competing effects. Combining microstructure analysis, we further discuss the roles of stress, gas pressure and water contents on gas permeability of shale. PMID:28304395

Consideration of grain packing in granular iron treatability studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Firdous, R.; Devlin, J. F.

2014-08-01

Commercial granular iron (GI) is light steel that is used in Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs). Investigations into the reactivity of GI have focused on its chemical nature and relatively little direct work has been done to account for the effects of grain shape and packing. Both of these factors are expected to influence available grain surface area, which is known to correlate to reactivity. Commercial granular iron grains are platy and therefore pack in preferential orientations that could affect solution access to the surface. Three packing variations were investigated using Connelly Iron and trichloroethylene (TCE). Experimental kinetic data showed reaction rates 2-4 times higher when grains were packed with long axes preferentially parallel to flow (VP) compared to packings with long axes preferentially perpendicular to flow (HP) or randomly arranged (RP). The variations were found to be explainable by variations in reactive sorption capacities, i.e., sorption to sites where chemical transformations took place. The possibility that the different reactive sorption capacities were related to physical pore-scale differences was assessed by conducting an image analysis of the pore structure of sectioned columns. The analyses suggested that pore-scale factors - in particular the grain surface availability, reflected in the sorption capacity terms of the kinetic model used - could only account for a fraction of the observed reactivity differences between packing types. It is concluded that packing does affect observable reaction rates but that micro-scale features on the grain surfaces, rather than the pore scale characteristics, account for most of the apparent reactivity differences. This result suggests that treatability tests should consider the packing of columns carefully if they are to mimic field performance of PRBs to the greatest extent possible.

Hydraulic fracturing to enhance the remediation of DNAPL in low permeability soils

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Murdoch, L.; Slack, B.

1996-08-01

Meager rates of fluid flow are a major obstacle to in situ remediation of low permeability soils. This paper describes methods designed to avoid that obstacle by creating fractures and filling them with sand to increase well discharge and change paths of fluid flow in soil. Gently dipping fractures 10 m in maximum dimension and 1 to 2 cm thick can be created in some contaminated soils at depths of a few in or greater. Hydraulic fractures can also be used to create electrically conductive layers or to deliver granules of chemically or biologically active compounds that will degrade contaminantsmore » in place. Benefits of applying hydraulic fractures to DNAPL recovery include rates of fluid recovery, enhancing upward gradients to improve hydrodynamic stabilization, forming flat-lying reactive curtains to intersect compounds moving downward, or improving the performance of electrokinetics intended to recover compounds dissolved in water. 30 refs., 7 figs., 1 tab.« less

Regulation and function of endothelial glycocalyx layer in vascular diseases.

PubMed

Sieve, Irina; Münster-Kühnel, Anja K; Hilfiker-Kleiner, Denise

2018-01-01

In the vascular system, the endothelial surface layer (ESL) as the inner surface of blood vessels affects mechanotransduction, vascular permeability, rheology, thrombogenesis, and leukocyte adhesion. It creates barriers between endothelial cells and blood and neighbouring cells. The glycocalyx, composed of glycoconjugates and proteoglycans, is an integral component of the ESL and a key element in inter- and intracellular communication and tissue homeostasis. In pathophysiological conditions (atherosclerosis, infection, ischemia/reperfusion injury, diabetes, trauma and acute lung injury) glycocalyx-degrading factors, i.e. reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, matrix metalloproteinases, heparanase and sialidases, damage the ESL, thereby impairing endothelial functions. This leads to increased capillary permeability, leucocyte-endothelium interactions, thrombosis and vascular inflammation, the latter further driving glycocalyx destruction. The present review highlights current knowledge on the vasculoprotective role of the ESL, with specific emphasis on its remodelling in inflammatory vascular diseases and discusses its potential as a novel therapeutic target to treat vascular pathologies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of mitochondrial apoptotic activation through the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore on yak meat tenderness during postmortem aging.

PubMed

Wang, Lin-Lin; Han, Ling; Ma, Xiu-Li; Yu, Qun-Li; Zhao, Suo-Nan

2017-11-01

The effect of membrane permeability transition pore dependent mitochondrial apoptotic activation on yak meat tenderness was investigated. Results indicate that MPTP opening increased significantly and the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased markedly in the early aging process (P<0.05). Cytochrome c was released from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm via the MPTP in the early period. Meanwhile, the activation of procaspase-9 occurred earlier than that of procaspase-3. Cyclosporin A suppressed the MPTP opening, depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential, activities of caspase-9 and caspase-3, apoptosis rate, myofibril fragmentation index, reactive oxygen species generation, and Ca 2+ levels. These results demonstrated that MPTP mediated the release of cytochrome c in the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, yak meat tenderness was improved by mitochondrial apoptotic pathway during aging. MPTP opening may be influenced by the ROS generation and Ca 2+ overloading in yak meat during postmortem aging. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Collecting lymphatic vessel permeability facilitates adipose tissue inflammation and distribution of antigen to lymph node-homing adipose tissue dendritic cells.

PubMed

Kuan, Emma L; Ivanov, Stoyan; Bridenbaugh, Eric A; Victora, Gabriel; Wang, Wei; Childs, Ed W; Platt, Andrew M; Jakubzick, Claudia V; Mason, Robert J; Gashev, Anatoliy A; Nussenzweig, Michel; Swartz, Melody A; Dustin, Michael L; Zawieja, David C; Randolph, Gwendalyn J

2015-06-01

Collecting lymphatic vessels (CLVs), surrounded by fat and endowed with contractile muscle and valves, transport lymph from tissues after it is absorbed into lymphatic capillaries. CLVs are not known to participate in immune responses. In this study, we observed that the inherent permeability of CLVs allowed broad distribution of lymph components within surrounding fat for uptake by adjacent macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) that actively interacted with CLVs. Endocytosis of lymph-derived Ags by these cells supported recall T cell responses in the fat and also generated Ag-bearing DCs for emigration into adjacent lymph nodes (LNs). Enhanced recruitment of DCs to inflammation-reactive LNs significantly relied on adipose tissue DCs to maintain sufficient numbers of Ag-bearing DCs as the LN expanded. Thus, CLVs coordinate inflammation and immunity within adipose depots and foster the generation of an unexpected pool of APCs for Ag transport into the adjacent LN. Copyright © 2015 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

Mitochondrion-Permeable Antioxidants to Treat ROS-Burst-Mediated Acute Diseases

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zhong-Wei; Xu, Xiao-Chao; Liu, Ting

2016-01-01

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in the inflammatory response and cytokine outbreak, such as during virus infections, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, antioxidant is an important medicine to ROS-related diseases. For example, ascorbic acid (vitamin C, VC) was suggested as the candidate antioxidant to treat multiple diseases. However, long-term use of high-dose VC causes many side effects. In this review, we compare and analyze all kinds of mitochondrion-permeable antioxidants, including edaravone, idebenone, α-Lipoic acid, carotenoids, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10, and mitochondria-targeted antioxidants MitoQ and SkQ and propose astaxanthin (a special carotenoid) to be the best antioxidant for ROS-burst-mediated acute diseases, like avian influenza infection and ischemia-reperfusion. Nevertheless, astaxanthins are so unstable that most of them are inactivated after oral administration. Therefore, astaxanthin injection is suggested hypothetically. The drawbacks of the antioxidants are also reviewed, which limit the use of antioxidants as coadjuvants in the treatment of ROS-associated disorders. PMID:26649144

Structure of water in hybrid cellulose acetate-silica ultrafiltration membranes and permeation properties.

PubMed

Mendes, Gonçalo; Faria, Mónica; Carvalho, Alexandra; Gonçalves, M Clara; de Pinho, Maria Norberta

2018-06-01

Hybrid cellulose acetate (CA) silica (SiO 2 ) (CA/SiO 2 ) membranes were synthesized by promoting the in situ condensation between silanols from the SiO 2 precursor and the COH or acetate groups from the CA polymer. For all the CA/SiO 2 membranes, the ATR-FTIR peak assigned to (SiOC) proves the hybrid condensation reaction and confirms the synthesis of monophasic hybrid membranes. ATR-FTIR shows the presence of uncondensed highly reactive SiOH species, in membranes with silica contents higher than 20 mol%. Together with RMN studies, results show molecular water strongly hydrogen-bonded with SiOH groups, yielding a drastic decrease in the membrane hydraulic permeability, from 57 to 10 kg/h/m 2 /bar. The incorporation of 5 and 10 mol% of silica increased the hydraulic permeability from 32 to 82 kg/h/m 2 /bar when compared to the CA membrane. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Generalized lattice Boltzmann model for flow through tight porous media with Klinkenberg's effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Li; Fang, Wenzhen; Kang, Qinjun; De'Haven Hyman, Jeffrey; Viswanathan, Hari S.; Tao, Wen-Quan

2015-03-01

Gas slippage occurs when the mean free path of the gas molecules is in the order of the characteristic pore size of a porous medium. This phenomenon leads to Klinkenberg's effect where the measured permeability of a gas (apparent permeability) is higher than that of the liquid (intrinsic permeability). A generalized lattice Boltzmann model is proposed for flow through porous media that includes Klinkenberg's effect, which is based on the model of Guo et al. [Phys. Rev. E 65, 046308 (2002), 10.1103/PhysRevE.65.046308]. The second-order Beskok and Karniadakis-Civan's correlation [A. Beskok and G. Karniadakis, Microscale Thermophys. Eng. 3, 43 (1999), 10.1080/108939599199864 and F. Civan, Transp. Porous Med. 82, 375 (2010), 10.1007/s11242-009-9432-z] is adopted to calculate the apparent permeability based on intrinsic permeability and the Knudsen number. Fluid flow between two parallel plates filled with porous media is simulated to validate the model. Simulations performed in a heterogeneous porous medium with components of different porosity and permeability indicate that Klinkenberg's effect plays a significant role on fluid flow in low-permeability porous media, and it is more pronounced as the Knudsen number increases. Fluid flow in a shale matrix with and without fractures is also studied, and it is found that the fractures greatly enhance the fluid flow and Klinkenberg's effect leads to higher global permeability of the shale matrix.

Bioinspired Layer-by-Layer Microcapsules Based on Cellulose Nanofibers with Switchable Permeability.

PubMed

Paulraj, Thomas; Riazanova, Anastasia V; Yao, Kun; Andersson, Richard L; Müllertz, Anette; Svagan, Anna J

2017-04-10

Green, all-polysaccharide based microcapsules with mechanically robust capsule walls and fast, stimuli-triggered, and switchable permeability behavior show great promise in applications based on selective and timed permeability. Taking a cue from nature, the build-up and composition of plant primary cell walls inspired the capsule wall assembly, because the primary cell walls in plants exhibit high mechanical properties despite being in a highly hydrated state, primarily owing to cellulose microfibrils. The microcapsules (16 ± 4 μm in diameter) were fabricated using the layer-by-layer technique on sacrificial CaCO 3 templates, using plant polysaccharides (pectin, cellulose nanofibers, and xyloglucan) only. In water, the capsule wall was permeable to labeled dextrans with a hydrodynamic diameter of ∼6.6 nm. Upon exposure to NaCl, the porosity of the capsule wall quickly changed allowing larger molecules (∼12 nm) to permeate. However, the porosity could be restored to its original state by removal of NaCl, by which permeants became trapped inside the capsule's core. The high integrity of cell wall was due to the CNF and the ON/OFF alteration of the permeability properties, and subsequent loading/unloading of molecules, could be repeated several times with the same capsule demonstrating a robust microcontainer with controllable permeability properties.

In Vitro Plasma Stability, Permeability and Solubility of Mercaptoacetamide Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors

PubMed Central

Konsoula, Roula; Jung, Mira

2008-01-01

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) are emerging as a new class of therapeutic agents with potent antitumor activities in a broad spectrum of human cancers. In this study, the in vitro plasma stability, permeability, solubility, and lipophilicity (logD) of two mercaptoacetamide-based HDACIs (coded as W2 and S2) were evaluated and compared to Vorinostat (SAHA). The results demonstrated that the compounds manifested high solubility in HCl (pH 1.2) but lower in PBS (pH 7.4) than SAHA. Moreover, mercaptoacetamide-based HDACIs exhibited higher lipophilicity values compared to SAHA. The permeability of these compounds was evaluated using the Caco-2 cell monolayer as a model of the intestinal mucosa. The Caco-2 studies revealed that the compounds S2 and W2 are highly permeable with apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) in the apical to basolateral direction of 7.33 × 10−6 and 15.0 × 10−6 cm/s, respectively. The in vitro stability was determined in human, mouse, porcine and rat plasma. Data showed that the compound W2 is more stable in human and rat plasma and the S2 is more stable in all plasma species than SAHA. Taken together, these results indicate that the mercaptoacetamide-based HDACIs possess favorable solubility, lipophilicity, permeability and plasma stability features. PMID:18562136

A stress sensitivity model for the permeability of porous media based on bi-dispersed fractal theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, X.-H.; Liu, C.-Y.; Li, X.-P.; Wang, H.-Q.; Deng, H.

A stress sensitivity model for the permeability of porous media based on bidispersed fractal theory is established, considering the change of the flow path, the fractal geometry approach and the mechanics of porous media. It is noted that the two fractal parameters of the porous media construction perform differently when the stress changes. The tortuosity fractal dimension of solid cluster DcTσ become bigger with an increase of stress. However, the pore fractal dimension of solid cluster Dcfσ and capillary bundle Dpfσ remains the same with an increase of stress. The definition of normalized permeability is introduced for the analyzation of the impacts of stress sensitivity on permeability. The normalized permeability is related to solid cluster tortuosity dimension, pore fractal dimension, solid cluster maximum diameter, Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio. Every parameter has clear physical meaning without the use of empirical constants. Predictions of permeability of the model is accordant with the obtained experimental data. Thus, the proposed model can precisely depict the flow of fluid in porous media under stress.

Reactive Transport Models with Geomechanics to Mitigate Risks of CO2 Utilization and Storage

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Deo, Milind; Huang, Hai; Kweon, Hyukmin

2016-03-28

Reactivity of carbon dioxide (CO 2), rocks and brine is important in a number of practical situations in carbon dioxide sequestration. Injectivity of CO 2 will be affected by near wellbore dissolution or precipitation. Natural fractures or faults containing specific minerals may reactivate leading to induced seismicity. In this project, we first examined if the reactions between CO 2, brine and rocks affect the nature of the porous medium and properties including petrophysical properties in the timeframe of the injection operations. This was done by carrying out experiments at sequestration conditions (2000 psi for corefloods and 2400 psi for batchmore » experiments, and 600°C) with three different types of rocks – sandstone, limestone and dolomite. Experiments were performed in batch mode and corefloods were conducted over a two-week period. Batch experiments were performed with samples of differing surface area to understand the impact of surface area on overall reaction rates. Toughreact, a reactive transport model was used to interpret and understand the experimental results. The role of iron in dissolution and precipitation reactions was observed to be significant. Iron containing minerals – siderite and ankerite dissolved resulting in changes in porosity and permeability. Corefloods and batch experiments revealed similar patterns. With the right cationic balance, there is a possibility of precipitation of iron bearing carbonates. The results indicate that during injection operations mineralogical changes may lead to injectivity enhancements near the wellbore and petrophysical changes elsewhere in the system. Limestone and dolomite cores showed consistent dissolution at the entrance of the core. The dissolution led to formation of wormholes and interconnected dissolution zones. Results indicate that near wellbore dissolution in these rock-types may lead to rock failure. Micro-CT images of the cores before and after the experiments revealed that an initial high-permeability pathway facilitated the formation of wormholes. The peak cation concentrations and general trends were matched using Toughreact. Batch reactor modeling showed that the geometric factors obtained using powder data that related effective surface area to the BET surface area had to be reduced for fractured samples and cores. This indicates that the available surface area in consolidated samples is lower than that deduced from powder experiments. Field-scale modeling of reactive transport and geomechanics was developed in parallel at Idaho National Laboratory. The model is able to take into account complex chemistry, and consider interactions of natural fractures and faults. Poroelastic geomechanical considerations are also included in the model.« less

Modelling of the physico-chemical behaviour of clay minerals with a thermo-kinetic model taking into account particles morphology in compacted material.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sali, D.; Fritz, B.; Clément, C.; Michau, N.

2003-04-01

Modelling of fluid-mineral interactions is largely used in Earth Sciences studies to better understand the involved physicochemical processes and their long-term effect on the materials behaviour. Numerical models simplify the processes but try to preserve their main characteristics. Therefore the modelling results strongly depend on the data quality describing initial physicochemical conditions for rock materials, fluids and gases, and on the realistic way of processes representations. The current geo-chemical models do not well take into account rock porosity and permeability and the particle morphology of clay minerals. In compacted materials like those considered as barriers in waste repositories, low permeability rocks like mudstones or compacted powders will be used : they contain mainly fine particles and the geochemical models used for predicting their interactions with fluids tend to misjudge their surface areas, which are fundamental parameters in kinetic modelling. The purpose of this study was to improve how to take into account the particles morphology in the thermo-kinetic code KINDIS and the reactive transport code KIRMAT. A new function was integrated in these codes, considering the reaction surface area as a volume depending parameter and the calculated evolution of the mass balance in the system was coupled with the evolution of reactive surface areas. We made application exercises for numerical validation of these new versions of the codes and the results were compared with those of the pre-existing thermo-kinetic code KINDIS. Several points are highlighted. Taking into account reactive surface area evolution during simulation modifies the predicted mass transfers related to fluid-minerals interactions. Different secondary mineral phases are also observed during modelling. The evolution of the reactive surface parameter helps to solve the competition effects between different phases present in the system which are all able to fix the chemical elements mobilised by the water-minerals interaction processes. To validate our model we simulated the compacted bentonite (MX80) studied for engineered barriers for radioactive waste confinement and mainly composed of Na-Ca-montmorillonite. The study of particles morphology and reactive surfaces evolutions reveals that aqueous ions have a complex behaviour, especially when competitions between various mineral phases occur. In that case, our model predicts a preferential precipitation of finest particles, favouring smectites instead of zeolites. This work is a part of a PhD Thesis supported by Andra, the French Radioactive Waste Management Agency.