the savannah river ecology laboratory (srel) paul m. bertsch director [email protected]

TheTheSavannah RiverSavannah River

Ecology Laboratory (SREL)Ecology Laboratory (SREL)

Paul M. Bertsch

[email protected]

Savannah River Ecology Laboratory

Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) History Founded by Eugene P. Odum of the University of Georgia in 1951

with AEC funding. Historical and recent research focus:

• Baseline ecological studies• Radiation effects• Thermal ecology• Fate and effects of environmental contaminants• Ecological risk assessment• Environmental remediation and restoration• Ecotoxicology• Biogeochemistry

UGA has operated SREL continuously for 50 years.

1951 1973M&O

contractSREL

founded

2003Office ofScienceFunding

1985–2002: SRS funding1951–1990: funding from Office of Science

1996Coop.

Agreement


SREL Location: Savannah River Site, Aiken, SC


SREL Mission and Vision

Mission: To provide an independent evaluation of the ecological effects of Savannah River Site operations through a program of ecological research, education, and outreach.

Vision: SREL will be recognized internationally for integrated multidisciplinary research in the ecological and environmental sciences.

Implementation

An integrated multidisciplinary program of field and laboratory research conducted largely on the SRS and published in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.• >2,600 publications to date

• >55 books to date Education and research training for

undergraduate and graduate students• ~ 300 theses and dissertations

• >600 undergraduate research participants

Service to the community through environmental outreach activities.



SREL Administration and Staffing

supportstaff

40

other PhDs

10

faculty20

grad students

26

researchtechs

54

~150 people are currently

employed by SREL****Includes personnel funded

on external grants

SREL is a Research Unit of The University of Georgia.

SREL Director reports to:• UGA Vice President for

Research

• DOE OBER-ERSD

• SRS Assistant Manager for Environmental Programs, Science and Technology

SREL faculty are evaluated according to UGA’s tripartite mission of teaching, research, and service.

management&


UGA Investment in SREL

Seven faculty hold 0.51 EFT tenure track appointments with UGA.

UGA charges an overhead rate of 11%.

SREL receives state funds from UGA to purchase vehicles, instrumentation, equipment, and student support.

UGA conference center.

Research contributing to:• Understanding ecological processes

and principles

• Ecological risk assessments

• Understanding the fate and effects of environmental contaminants

• Enhancing environmental remediation and restoration activities

Communicating this knowledge to the scientific community, SRS contractors, and the general public.


SREL Responsibilities Under the Cooperative Agreement (CA)


Other Responsibilities under the CA

Conduct public outreach and communication programs focused on SRS environments and SREL research.

Maintain ecological data for use by others. Promote SRS as a National Environmental

Research Park (NERP) and oversee the 30 DOE Research Set-Aside Areas (~5,700 ha).

Serve as a resource for scientific expertise and environmental research opportunities on the SRS.

Work closely with SRS personnel in making decisions on land and facilities management.

Operate and maintain SREL facilities safely and securely (~100,000 ft2 at 4 locations).


SREL’s Basic Ecological Studies…

Have generated long-term databases that contribute to understanding how and why ecosystems change under natural and disturbed conditions.

Provide benchmark information for assessing impacts of disturbance and contamination, and the efficacy of environmental remediation activities.

Contribute site-specific information for use in ecological risk assessments, which reduces uncertainties in estimating risk and potentially the costs of remediation.

Are recognized by numerous federal agencies and private organizations for their value.

An Integrated Approach

sediment geochemistry

detritivores

aqueous phase speciation

solid phase speciation

plants

microbes

detritus

detritivores

aquatic habitats

higher trophic levelsinsectivoresherbivores omnivores

carnivores


SREL’s research integrating molecular environmental science (MES) , molecular biology, and ecological processes has…

Employed novel analytical methods• Synchrotron-based and other in situ

spectroscopic methods

• Hyphenated techniques for chemical speciation

• DNA analyses

• GIS/spatial informatics

Ni

U

Ca

Fe

DGGE of PCR-amplified 16s rRNA gene fragments of Ni-resistant isolates and microbial communities from contaminated samples.

40%

60%

A B C D E F

SXRF and XANES characterization of SP1Z1 thin-section.

Habitat- based model of hog distribution on SRS.

SREL’s research integrating molecular environmental science (MES) , molecular biology, and ecological processes has…

Developed novel conceptual approaches• Integration across scales

(molecular to landscape)

• Defining appropriate endpoints for risk assessment

• Population level effects (vs. individual) incorporating life history, behavior, and evolutionary biology

• Models that reduce the uncertainty associated with ecological and human health risk calculations



SREL’s Integration into Savannah River Site Operations

SREL maintains long-term ecological research programs on the SRS:• Threatened and Endangered species• Wetlands and riparian zones, including a

major focus on wetland restoration• Fauna and flora of the SRS• Fate and effects of contaminants in the

environment Outreach and communication with other site

personnel and the public. Task-funded research that facilitates the

environmental remediation and closure missions of the site.

SREL serves as a conduit for researchers from around the world to conduct research on the SRS.


SREL’s Integration into SRS Operations

SREL products have significantly improved remediation and land management activities.• GIS-based habitat map

• GIS-based maps of wildlife receptor species for ER use

SREL peer-reviewed publications are valuable resources for SRS personnel.• SREL personnel authored 86% of the original peer-

reviewed references in the site document SRS Ecology: Environmental Information Document, the benchmark document used for environmental reports on the SRS

SREL scientists interface with site personnel to influence management decisions. SREL research provided the science that supported the

decision not to drain and remediate the Par Pond reservoir, but rather to repair the dam and retain the reservoir at full pool, saving ~$1 B in clean-up costs (from Waste to Wilderness, R.H. Nelson, 2001)


On-going Environmental Remediation Research at SREL

In situ immobilization Bioremediation Phytoremediation Monitored Natural

Attenuation (MNA) Development of novel

methods in risk assessment Restoration of impacted

ecosystems Development and application

of novel methods and applications


SREL Education Program

Graduate Education Program• Almost 300 theses and dissertations have been

completed by students from throughout the U.S. and abroad.

• SREL graduate students have received more than 125 awards from scientific societies and foundations.

Undergraduate Education Program• SREL has had NSF funding for Research

Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) almost continuously since 1967.

• Over 600 undergraduates representing all 50 states have participated in SREL-sponsored research to date.

• REU participants have authored more than 140 scientific papers.

• Since 1995, 80% of SREL REU participants have gone on to pursue careers in science.


SREL Environmental Outreach Program

Integrates SREL research into presentations for the general public.

Provides hands-on classroom and field experience for students.

Conducts teacher workshops and provides educational materials.

SREL conducted more than 300 talks and 50 workshops in FY02, reaching over 41,000 people.


SREL’s Role in ERSD

Conducts integrated, multidisciplinary, multi-scale research in areas such as bioremediation, phytoremediation, in situ stabilization, monitored natural attenuation, and environmental restoration.

Develops and applies new analytical methods and conceptual approaches to risk assessment and environmental remediation.

Communicates research results to a diverse audience, including DOE and contractor management, the scientific community, regulators, and the general public.

Can become a model organization within ERSD for how scientific research can be integral to environmental remediation and risk assessment activities.


“Ecological risks are better characterized at the Savannah River Site than at any other DOE installation, due in part to the designation of the site as a national environmental research park and the presence of the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory.”

Groundwater & Soil Cleanup: Improving Management of Persistent Contaminants. 1999. Published by the National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences

Process for Selecting a Long-term Environmental Field Research Site at the

SRS May 2002 – Teresa Fryberger visits SREL and

SRS and expresses interest in potentially establishing an FRS at the SRS.

June to August 2002 –Processes for selecting candidate FRSs.

• Committee formed to identify candidate sites: WSRC-SRTC, Bechtel-SR, DOE-SR, SREL/UGA.

• Selection criteria: Contaminants (U, metals, organics, Cs) and concentrations Site availability/regulatory schedules Background characterization data No solution

September 2002 –Presentation to ERSD by WSRC and SREL/UGA on candidate sites• Issues relative to surface vs. subsurface site.

September 2002 –ERSD strategic planning workshop identified the need to delineate mechanisms and processes controlling contaminant fate and transport in the shallow subsurface/surface environments.

October 2002 –Decision is made to hold an ERSD-sponsored workshop on the Tims Branch system at the SRS.

March 2003 –Workshop entitled “Research Opportunities for Studies of Contaminant Transport in Fluvial Systems at the Tims Branch-Steed Pond System, Savannah River Site” was held.• Attended by ~40 scientists from universities and national labs

representing a cross section of new and seasoned NABIR and EMSP PIs

• ~15 participants from DOE and WSRC

SeepageBasin

Tims Branch Releases:43,500 kg U (>97% )47,000 - 81,000 kg NiAl, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Cd

distal plume seepline

Sources: Pickett et al., 1987; Evans et al., 1992; J ackson et al., 2000

Tims Branch ContaminationM-AreaOperations

MASB Releases:144,000 kg TCE820,000 kg PCE

Tims Branch/ Steed Pond Today

Three breakout groups structured around major categories of Three breakout groups structured around major categories of processes affecting the fate and transport of radionuclides and processes affecting the fate and transport of radionuclides and metals in riparian systemsmetals in riparian systems:

Soil chemistry, geochemistry, and particle surface chemistry

Transport in fluvial and groundwater systems

Bacterial and plant interactions with contaminants

Coupled processes!

Summary of Key Research Summary of Key Research NeedsNeeds

Current Drivers of contaminant Fate and Current Drivers of contaminant Fate and TransportTransport

Effects of PerturbationsEffects of Perturbations

Coupled ProcessesCoupled Processes

ScalingScaling



Potential Remediation Strategies and Potential Remediation Strategies and ApproachesApproaches

Watershed Manipulation

Stabilization

Removal

Monitored Natural Attenuation

Coupled Solutions

Major Conclusions /Recommendations for Future ERSD Major Conclusions /Recommendations for Future ERSD Research DirectionsResearch Directions

The ERSD program should expand to include research on fate and transport of contaminants in fluvial riparian systems.

The Tims Branch-Steed Pond system represents a good candidate site for research on coupled hydrological and biogeochemical processes controlling the fate and transport of contaminants in highly dynamic fluvial riparian systems.

Potential remediation strategies for contaminants in fluvial riparian systems that would be critical for the successful remediation of these systems were identified.

Integrated multidisciplinary research is needed to increase the understanding of coupled hydro-biogeochemical factors controlling contaminant fate and transport in near surface systems.



The “suitability” of the TB/SP system as a long-termThe “suitability” of the TB/SP system as a long-term

Field Research Site (FRS)Field Research Site (FRS)

U-metal contaminated sites are common throughout U-metal contaminated sites are common throughout the U.S.the U.S.

The pulse release of contaminants and a well-The pulse release of contaminants and a well-characterized source term provides a near-ideal characterized source term provides a near-ideal opportunity to study a number of important opportunity to study a number of important processes, including the aging effect and natural processes, including the aging effect and natural attenuation mechanisms in a complex system. These attenuation mechanisms in a complex system. These conditions also greatly reduce the uncertainty in conditions also greatly reduce the uncertainty in applying numerical models to verify/validate coupled applying numerical models to verify/validate coupled hydrological and biogeochemical processes.hydrological and biogeochemical processes.


The “suitability” of the TB/SP system (cont.)The “suitability” of the TB/SP system (cont.)

Research does not have to start from ground zero Research does not have to start from ground zero because extensive because extensive background characterization data is already available.

The TB-SP system is typical (redox gradients, he TB-SP system is typical (redox gradients, diverse microbial diverse microbial structure, increased biodiversity, and elevated organic matter concentrations) of riparian zones found in both humid and arid areas.

Site is in a controlled area, limiting human activity Site is in a controlled area, limiting human activity and is rich in biodiversity permitting study of and is rich in biodiversity permitting study of transfer contaminants between various trophic transfer contaminants between various trophic levels. The results from this research will levels. The results from this research will ultimately be used to reduce the uncertainty associated with ecological and human health risk calculations.

Executive SummaryExecutive Summary

“Hydrobiogeochemical research in riparian, fluvial, and Hydrobiogeochemical research in riparian, fluvial, and hyporheic systems represents a unique opportunity to hyporheic systems represents a unique opportunity to advance science and to accelerate progress toward advance science and to accelerate progress toward DOE’s goal of achieving stable, protective, and cost-DOE’s goal of achieving stable, protective, and cost-effective end states.”effective end states.”

““New research challenges and opportunities exist to New research challenges and opportunities exist to provide the knowledge-base needed to solve problems provide the knowledge-base needed to solve problems related to the remediation and restoration of related to the remediation and restoration of contaminated riparian corridorscontaminated riparian corridors”


Workshop AttendeesWorkshop Attendees

P. M. Bertsch(SREL/UGA), D. A. Blake(Tulane Univ.), K. Buesseler(Woods Hole), J. Chorover(Univ. Arizona), C. Cooper(INEEL), B. Faison(DOE), T. Fan(UC Davis), A. Felmy(PNNL), S. Fendorf(Stanford), M. Flury(WSU), A.J. Francis(BNL), T. Fryberger(DOE), G. Geesey(INEEL), M. Gilbertson(DOE), M. Heitkamp(WSRC), R. Higashi(UC Davis), B. Honeyman(Colorado School of Mines), J. Hunt(UC Berkeley), J. Icenhower(PNNL), P. Jardine(ORNL), D. Kaplan(WSRC), K. Kemner(ANL), S. Kowall(INEEL), B. Looney(WSRC), D. Lovley(Univ. Mass), J. Miller(Western Carolina Univ.), A. Neal(SREL/UGA), M. Neu(LANL), A. Packman(Northwestern), C. Palmer(INEEL), E. Roden(Univ. Ala.), J. Seaman(UGA), H. Shaw(DOE), C. Sink(DOE), L. Thibodeaux(LSU), M. Thompson(DOE), A. Tompson(LLNL), J. Wan(LBNL), S.Whited(INEEL), J. Zachara(PNNL) and M. Zavarin(LLNL)


the savannah river ecology laboratory (srel) paul m. bertsch director [email protected]

Documents

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srel administration

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