In general, the purpose of the probe system is to provide improved rapid
field methods using re-designed direct push technology (DPT) and
"push-pull testing" concepts to evaluate in situ chemical, biochemical,
surfactant, adsorptive media, and leaching and fixation remediation
technologies for hazardous subsurface contaminant(s). The probe system
and methods described here when applied to a hazardous waste site being
considered for in situ remediation of contaminants (organic or inorganic)
by the listed treatment technologies will yield information that greatly
reduces the uncertainty with regards to treatment effectiveness for the
in situ soil, groundwater, and contaminant(s) conditions affecting dosage
requirements and reaction rate(s) for various reactants. The probe system
described here is multi-purpose in that it was designed: 1) to measure
the relative permeability of the subsurface soil and groundwater to a
liquid or gas ejectant, 2) to recover soil gas, soil, or groundwater
samples for contaminant analyses, 3) to measure the chemical dosage and
reaction, dissolution, adsorption, desorption, leaching, or fixation rate
of a reactant such as a chemical or biochemical oxidant, metallic or
bimetallic dehalogenating agent, surfactant or emulsifier solution,
adsorbent media regenerant, leaching or fixation reagent that is injected
into the matrix and withdrawn during a push-pull test, 4) to perform
combinations of the above, 5) to measure the in situ adsorption capacity
of adsorbent media and subsequently measure the effectiveness of
regenerant(s) for the adsorbent media, and (6) to measure the
effectiveness of a treated soil column for inorganic contaminant(s)
leaching or fixation. In addition to being an in situ remedial
alternatives evaluation tool, the probe system can be used as a
reactant(s) delivery device after the specific remedial technology has
been selected.