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Performance of Deep-Rooted Phreatophytic Trees at a Site Containing Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons

Performance of Deep-Rooted Phreatophytic Trees at a Site Containing Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons

Ari M Ferro, Tareq Adham, Brett Berra, David Tsao

Int J Phytoremediation. 2013;15(3):232-44.

PMID: 23488009

Abstract:

Poplar and willow tree stands were installed in 2003 at a site in Raleigh, North Carolina containing total petroleum hydrocarbon - contaminated groundwater. The objective was groundwater uptake and plume control. The water table was 5 to 6 m below ground surface (bgs) and therefore methods were used to encourage deep root development. Growth rates, rooting depth and sap flow were measured for trees in Plot A located in the center of the plume and in Plot B peripheral to the plume. The trees were initially sub-irrigated with vertically installed drip-lines and by 2005 had roots 4 to 5 m bgs. Water balance calculations suggested groundwater uptake. In 2007, the average sap flow was higher for Plot B (approximately 59 L per day per tree) than for Plot A (approximately 23 L per day per tree), probably as a result of TPH-induced stress in Plot A. Nevertheless, the estimated rate of groundwater uptake for Plot A was sufficient, relative to the calculated rate of groundwater flux beneath the stand, that a high level of plume control was achieved based on MODFLOW modeling results. Down-gradient groundwater monitoring wells installed in late 2011 should provide quantitative data for plume control.

Chemicals Related in the Paper:

Catalog Number	Product Name	Structure	CAS Number	Price
AS2121371	TPH in Water (high level)			Price

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