The MHSRC funds research projects that emphasize integrated low cost remediation technologies that remove contaminants from the environment, restore ecosystem quality, and enhance site redevelopment options. Remediation technologies used for polluted sites are often destructive to the resource, permanently changing the original properties of the soil, sediment, or aquifer. Alternative remediation methods, such as natural attenuation, phytoremediation, and bioremediation, simultaneously remove the pollutant and restore the soil to a viable resource. A short description of the seven funded research projects are provided below.  For a more detailed project description, click on the "Abstract" link.   Non-MHSRC research projects that are developing similar types of remediation technologies are listed on the "Related Projects" section of this site.

The Midwest Hazardous Substance Research Center recently awarded funding for three new research projects. Work on these projects will begin October 2004:

Constructed Wetlands for Metals Removal: Design for Neutral Waters and MD Restoration
Mark Fitch, Joel Burken (University of Missouri-Rolla)
Full Proposal

Phytoremediation of Dredged Sediments: Optimization for PCB and PAH Degradation
Paul Schwab, Clayton Rugh (Purdue University, Michigan State University)
Full Proposal

Reducing Landfill Leachate Volumes and Mitigating the Cyanide and Fluoride Impacted Groundwater Using Phytoremediation
David Tsao, Kathy Banks, Steve Rock, Fan Wang-Cahill (BP, Purdue University, US EPA, Parsons)
Full Proposal
 

Active Projects
 
Phytoremediation of Cyanide Contaminated Soils
Principal Investigators: Kathy Banks, Gebisa Ejeta, Fred Mannering (Purdue University)
Abstract
Plant-VOC Interaction: Site Investigation and Monitoring for Phytoremediation
Principal Investigator: Joel Burken (University of Missouri-Rolla)
Abstract		  
Microfluidic Biosensors for Environmental Monitoring
Principal Investigators: Nancy Love, Kathleen Meehan, Brian Love (Virginia Polytchnic Institute and State University)
Abstract
 
 
Past Projects		  


Sustainable Remediation
Principal Investigators: Jodi R. Shann and Steven Rogstad (University of Cincinnati)
Goal: To determine if natural revegetation and community succession is an effective and sustainable method for stabilization and remediation of contaminated sites.
Abstract ~ Video ~ Slideshow


Incorporating Natural Attenuation Into Design and Management Strategies for Contaminated Sites
Principal Investigators: John Novak, and Mark Widdowson (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University)
Goal: To utilize monitored natural attenuation (MNA) techniques for removal of source material and reduction of risk for contaminated soil and groundwater.
Abstract ~ Slideshow (Note: The video presentation is not available for this project)

Metal Removal by Constructed Wetlands
Principal Investigators: Mark Fitch and Joel Burken (University of Missouri at Rolla)
Goal: To evaluate the capacity of constructed wetlands to treat lead mine drainage, including determination of metal geochemistry in the wetland sediments.
Abstract ~ Video ~ Slideshow ~ Research Brief


Adaptation of Subsurface Microbial Biofilm Communities in Response to Chemical Stressors
Principal Investigators: Paul Bishop, Nancy G. Love and Ann Stevens (University of Cincinnati and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University) Goal: To effectively restore contaminated subsurface environments by using the structures and functions of microbial biofilm communities to counteract chemical stressors.
Abstract ~ Video ~ Slideshow


Dewatering, Remediation, and Evaluation of Dredged Sediments
Principal Investigators: Paul Schwab, Lee Newman, Krishnakumar Nedunuri, and Kathy Banks (Purdue University, University of South Carolina, and Central State University)
Goal: To use plant-based technologies to remediate sediments and allow the treated sediments to be used for industrial fill or construction material in the future.
Abstract ~ Video ~ Slideshow

Interaction of Various Plant Species with Microbial PCB- Degraders in Contaminated Soils
Principal Investigators: Clayton L. Rugh and Sisir M. Dutta (Michigan State University and Howard University)
Goal: To bioremediate industrial sites contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) using bacterial in-situ methods, such as rhizosphere phytoremediation.
Abstract ~ Video ~ Slideshow

Microbial Indicators of Bioremediation Potential and Success
Principal Investigators: M. Katherine Banks and Jim Alleman (Purdue University)
Goal: To evaluate the potential use of a suite of microbiological techniques for assessment of bioremediation efficiency.
Abstract ~ Video ~ Slideshow
 
Midwest Hazardous Substance Research Center, Purdue University