5.4.1.4 Department of Forest Products,Mississippi State University
A study of a biopile treatment of creosote-contaminated soil at a closed wood-treating facility was the subject of a dissertation submitted to the faculty of MSU by K. L. Hurt. Soils contaminated with creosote were placed in biopiles and treated and monitored at regular intervals for 360 days. The four methods of treatment were: 1) venting, 2) venting with a 1% by volume addition of ANFE -SORB, 3) venting with a 1% by volume addition of ANFE -SORB and a fungi (Cladosporium), and 4) as controls (no additives or vent pipes). Soil samples were collected periodically and analyzed for TPH, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), nutrients, microbes, and TCLP (of the soil). Methods used included Standard Method 5520-F and EPA methods 9060, 351.4, 365.3, and 3520 A.

The dissertation concluded that the test results indicated that the final concentrations of total PAHs in the control treatment were not significantly different than other treatments. Apparently, the indigenous soil microorganisms, the initial excavation, and the mixing aerated the soil and caused the rapid degradation rates that occurred before day 90. The dissertation does point out that, at several points throughout the study, the ANFE -Sorb biopile significantly enhanced biodegradation of PAHs. The concentrations of total PAHs decreased the most through day 45 for the control and kenaf treatments at approximately 62% and 55% respectively. No other worthwhile reduction occurred after day 45. In addition, the final concentrations of TPH were similar for all treatments. With appropriate mixing and aeration, these particular native microflora were capable of degrading the petroleum hydrocarbons in the contaminated soils. A copy of the dissertation, dated December 1996, is included in Appendix A.

5.4.1.5 Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Mississippi State University The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES),MSU prepared an “Official Opinion” statement based on a number of experiments conducted at their facility. Test methods used were not specified in the statement. Test results from a chemical analysis indicates the pH of the ANFE -Sorb core is approximately 6.8 and the specific gravity is less than one. Being a naturally occurring cellulosic material, ANFE -SORB is considered non-toxic and will have no effect on any plant or animal on land or in water. It is also fully biodegradable with biodegradation time dependent upon pH, carbonnitrogen ratio and frequency of rainfall or irrigation. Under ambient outdoor conditions with no supplemental nitrogen, biodegradation occurs in approximately 24 months. In soil bioremediation and biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated kenaf core tests, biodegradation is enhanced and can occur in less than nine months. Indigenous microorganisms in the kenaf core serve as an effective bioremediation agent.

MAFES, MSU also analyzed ANFE -SORB core samples for energy and dry matter content. The data received did not include the method of analysis. Test results showed that ANFE -SORB core, as received, had 7,556.8 BTUs per pound. The dry matter, a mass measurement of a sample after the removal of any water, was found to be 90.74%. Although the ash content was not determined, it is assumed to be less than 9.26%.

5.4.1.6 Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory, Mississippi State University Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory (MSCL) at MSU conducted analytical tests on ANFE -SORB core in October of 1991 and 1992. Samples were analyzed for presence of pesticide and insecticide residues. The test method used was not specified. The most recent analytical test results are shown in Table 5.3. Table 5.3 lists organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides and insecticides. The organochlorine pesticides identified in Table 5.3 are listed as organic compounds and regulated by the Clean Water Act. The test results indicate that the concentrations of organochlorine pesticides present in ANFE -SORB were below the maximum contaminant levels of 0.01 mg/L set forth by the EPA.