Coupling centrifuge modeling and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to determine contaminant retardation in clays.

Quantifying the retardation (Rd) of reactive solutes as they migrate through low-permeability clay-rich media is difficult, thus motivating this study to assess the viability of combining centrifuge modeling and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) techniques. An influent solution containing Cl-, trace metals, and lanthanide species flowed at 1.0 mL x h(-1) through an undisturbed clay-rich core sample (33 mm diameter x 50 mm long) mounted in a UFA Beckman centrifuge operating at 3000 rpm (N factor = 876 g).

Effects of arsenic speciation and low dissolved oxygen condition on the toxicity of arsenic to a lotic mayfly.

The influence of site-specific conditions on contaminant bioavailability and toxicity to benthic invertebrates is a key consideration in the environmental risk assessment process. This is particularly relevant for contaminants with complex speciation chemistries, such as arsenic. The present study addressed uncertainties regarding arsenic toxicity to a mayfly (Baetis tricaudatus) under low dissolved oxygen (DO) conditions characteristic of many contaminated sites.