Integrated phytomanagement of a carbon tetrachloride-contaminated site in Murdock, Nebraska (USA)

The application of a large-scale (ca. 59,000 m(2)) integrated phytomanagement system at a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-impacted site at Murdock, Nebraska, USA, was assessed in terms of its effectiveness in mitigating site risk, and realizing wider social and environmental benefits. Volatile Organic Compound (VOCs) concentrations (including CCl4) measured in surface water, groundwater, air and vegetation samples show that the Murdock system has achieved effective risk management over the 10+ year period since its implementation, with the phytomanagement component of the remediation system (consisting of a mixed stand of dominantly Niobe willow (Salix x 'Niobe') and Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)) removing 300g-600g of CCl4 annually. Eastern Cottonwood played an increasing role in CCl4 removal over time, from 55% of the total mass removal in 2008 to 69% in 2014. Using a site design focused on enhancement of the social and physical environment, in addition to risk mitigation, has enabled realization of a range of wider social and environmental benefits, which include carbon sequestration of ca. 77 tons CO2/ha/y, and educational and recreational benefits. The phytomanagement system applied at Murdock has incurred significant installation, and on-going monitoring and maintenance, effort and costs (exceeding $1.5 million) highlighting the importance of (a) sustained stakeholder engagement to ensure continued local community support, and (b) effective site design to realize as full a range of core (i.e. risk mitigation) and wider benefits as possible, to increase the overall value proposition of such schemes. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The large-scale integrated phytomanagement system at Murdock, Nebraska has effectively mitigated CCl4 contamination over a 10+ year period, with Eastern Cottonwood playing an increasing role in removal. The system has not only achieved risk management but also brought wider social and environmental benefits through carbon sequestration and community engagement.