Development of 37Cl and 2H–CSIA analitycal methods for chlorobenzenes and chloroethanes, in collaboration with the University of Waterloo and Isotope Tracers Technologies Inc. Stable isotopes investigated through microcosm laboratory experiments were adopted to study natural attenuation and enhanced biodegradation within two case studies.

I implemented 13C-CSIA and 2H–CSIA (for hydrocarbons only) at ENI’s lab facility (Ente Nazionale Idriocarburi – National Hydrocarbons Authority). After implementing the analytical methodology, CSIA were applied to several field investigations to (i) demonstrate the correct operation of physical barriers for the containment of chlorinated contaminants and to (ii)evaluate natural attenuation processes as a potential remediation strategy at a large contaminated site.

Laboratory and pilot scale experiments at the Borden Research Facility were developed to test CSIA, MBTSs, and reactive transport models for BTX (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene) source and plume remediation treatment assessment in case of:- Biosparging: an air sparging system facilitating aerobic biodegradation processes;- Persulfate ISCO followed by enhanced sulfate anaerobic biodegradation activity; and- Land-farming application enhancing anaerobic biodegradation.All experiments consisted of creating known BTX Non-Acqueous Phase Liquid (NAPLs, sources) and/or plumes followed by the remediation treatment. Long monitoring plans including CSIA and MBTSs were carried out until the remediation was completed. By using CSIA and MBTSs it was possible to calculate the extent of each contribution: e.g. degradation due to chemical oxidation or enhanced biodegradation. The efficacy of combining remediation treatments was demonstrated and the importance of considering the contribution from the enhanced biodegradations was shown from the obtained data. Finally, reactive transport models including CSIA to model the obtained data were developed.Other projects were also independently developed. Laboratory and field investigations demonstrated the potential for Waterloo Membrane Samplers ® (WMS, passive samplers) for CSIA for BTEX in the unsaturated zone. New monitoring techniques like Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) were tested for high resolution vertical profiling for (NAPL) mapping.

A novel remediation system using recycled concrete for alkaline hydrolysis reactive permeable barriers was investigated through laboratory and field studies. Compounds such as chloroform were efficiently degraded, and significant stable fractionations were obtained and used to monitor and quantify the extent of degradation