Crustal Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center

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WRD Geochemical Studies at the Norman Landfill

Understanding subsurface transport and biodegradation of contaminants in leachate from the Norman Landfill is applicable to forecasting the fate of contaminants released from the thousands of landfills near rivers across the Midwest. An aspect of evaluating degradation and attenuation reactions requires evaluation of the abundance and reactivity of phases in alluvium contacting the leachate. Ferric oxides and sulfate minerals are reactive constituents in the alluvium that affect terminal electron accepting processes. In addition, clay minerals and carbonates influence the composition of leachate through cation exchange and water-rock reactions. This study will characterize the composition, mineralogy, and reactivity of solid phase constituents of the alluvium down gradient of the landfill. The information will be shared with microbiologists, aqueous geochemists, hydrologists, and other scientists conducting research at the site to collaboratively develop a comprehensive understanding of important processes and their implications for contaminant transport.

Project Chief:

George Breit
Box 25046 Denver Federal Center MS 964
Denver, CO 80225
Phone: (303) 236-4951
Email: gbreit

Products

Task 1 - Evaluation of Reactivity of Solid Phase Forms of Iron and Sulfur in the Canadian River Alluvium

• Breit, G.N., Cozzarelli, I.M., Johnson, R.D., and Norvell, J., 1996, Interaction of alluvial sediments and a leachate plume from a landfill near Norman, Oklahoma: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs vol. 28, no. 7, p. A258.
• Breit, G.N., Tuttle, M.L.W., Cozzarelli, I.M., Christenson, S.C., Jaeschke, J.B., Fey, D.L., and Berry, C.J., 2005, Results of Chemical and Isotopic Analyses of Sediment and Water from Alluvium of the Canadian River near a Closed Municipal Landfill, Norman, Oklahoma: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2005-1091.

Task 2 - Clay Minerals in the Canadian River Alluvium: Influence on Contaminant Transport

• King, L.J., Olsen, H.W., and Breit, G.N., 1999, Hydraulic conductivity reductions resulting from clay dispersion within alluvial sediments impacted by sodium-rich water: U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Investigations Report Report 99-4018C, pp. 557-568.
• King, L.J., Breit, G.N., and Olsen, H.W., 1999, Hydraulic conductivity reductions in unconsolidated alluvial sediment resulting from clay dispersion: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, vol. 31, no. 7, p. A-288. View King GSA abstract.
• Scholl, M.A., Cozzarelli, I.M., Christenson, S.C., Breit, G.N., and Schlottmann, J.L., 1999, Aquifer Heterogeneity at the Norman, Oklahoma, Landfill and its Effect on Observations of Biodegradation Processes: U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Investigations Report Report 99-4018C, pp. 569-578.

Related Links

• Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
• Norman Toxics Site — Landfill Leachate in Alluvial Aquifers -- Norman, Oklahoma
• Oklahoma WRD Norman Toxics Site Home Page

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