Office of Research and DevelopmentNational Program for Drinking Water ResearchDr. Audrey D. Levine, P.E.National Program DirectorGeologic Sequestration Research:Progress UpdateGeologic Sequestration Research ProgramSAB teleconference16 August 20102 

# ORD ’ s Geologic Sequestration s Geologic Sequestration Research Program Research ProgramApproach and timelineApproach and timelineResearch PrioritiesResearch PrioritiesOverview of research projectsOverview of research projects• Field• Laboratory• ModelingHighlights of projectsHighlights of projects3 

# Geologic Sequestration Research Geologic Sequestration Research Program Overview Program OverviewScope• Research priorities definedin collaboration with OW,OAR, Regions• Primary focus on researchsupport for new UIC ruleand its implementationProject development• Research proposalsCross-ORD solicitation (FY 07)STAR solicitation (FY 09)• Peer review of proposals and technical advisory group• Coordinate among researchers and with other groups• Integrate into DrinkingWater Research ProgramResources• Projects initiated between FY 07- FY 10• Total Resources to date: $11M (includes FTE)Intramural: 5 projects ($4.74M)Extramural: 7 STAR grants ($6.26 M)• Current projects willbe completed FY 11-14(contingent on resources)4 

# Key Water Issues Relevant to Key Water Issues Relevant to Geologic Sequestration Geologic SequestrationEndangerment of UndergroundEndangerment of UndergroundSources of Drinking Water (USDWs)Sources of Drinking Water (USDWs)Leaks of injected fluid or displacedLeaks of injected fluid or displacedbrines into other formations or thebrines into other formations or thesurface through fractures, faults, orsurface through fractures, faults, orwell penetrationswell penetrationsRelease of metals or hydrocarbons intoRelease of metals or hydrocarbons intodrinking water due to geochemical ordrinking water due to geochemical orbiogeochemical changes (acidification)biogeochemical changes (acidification)Alteration of water quality resultingAlteration of water quality resultingfrom pressure perturbationsfrom pressure perturbationsassociated with injectionassociated with injection5 

# Research Priorities Research PrioritiesPotentialecological and health impactsassociated with changes in water qualityassociated with injected and mobilizedcontaminantsDevelopment of cost-effectivemonitoringschemesto track plume migration and detectleaksMethods topredict and verifycapacity,injectivity, and effectiveness of storage insubsurface environmentsCharacterization & management of risksassociated with plume migration and pressureincreases in the subsurfaceTools to identify artificial penetrations(usually wells) in the proximity of GS injectionsitesMaintenance & assessment of mechanicalintegrityof injection and existing wells due tolong-term exposure to injected fluids6 

# Current Scope of ORD Current Scope of ORD ’ s Research Activities s Research ActivitiesPotential ecological andhealth impactsassociated with changes in water qualityassociated with injected & mobilizedcontaminantsDevelopment of costDevelopment of cost-effectiveeffectivemonitoringmonitoringschemesschemesto track plume migration & detectto track plume migration & detectleaksMethods toMethods topredict and verifypredict and verifycapacity,capacity,injectivity, & effectiveness of storage ininjectivity, & effectiveness of storage insubsurface environmentssubsurface environmentsCharacterization & management of risksCharacterization & management of risksassociated with plume migration & pressureassociated with plume migration & pressureincreases in the subsurfaceincreases in the subsurfaceTools to identify artificial penetrations(usually wells) in the proximity of GS injectionsitesMaintenance & assessment of mechanicalintegrityof injection & existing wells due tolong-term exposure to injected fluids7 

# Monitoring schemes to track plume Monitoring schemes to track plume migration & detect leaks migration & detect leaksDevelopment of Leak, Purge, and GasDevelopment of Leak, Purge, and GasPermeability Testing Methods to EnablePermeability Testing Methods to EnableCollection of Representative SoilCollection of Representative Soil-Gas SamplesGas Samplesand Evaluation of Gas Leakage into the Vadoseand Evaluation of Gas Leakage into the VadoseZone from Geological Sequestration of COZone from Geological Sequestration of CO2D. DiGiulio (PI), R. Wilkin, K. Hargrove, K. Jewell, andR. Neill (NRMRL)Protecting Drinking Water by ReducingProtecting Drinking Water by ReducingUncertainties Associated with Geologic CarbonUncertainties Associated with Geologic CarbonSequestration in Deep Saline AquifersSequestration in Deep Saline AquifersSTAR:W.R. Roy, S.M. Benson,P. Berger, I.G. Krapac,Y. F. Lin, E. Mehnert,S.V. Panno, R. ChittaranjanU of Illinois, Stanford, U of HawaiiExpert-Based Development of a Standard inBased Development of a Standard inCO2 Sequestration Monitoring TechnologyCO2 Sequestration Monitoring TechnologySTAR:J-P. Nicot, S.D. HovorkaUT Austin88 

# Soil - Gas Sampling Gas Sampling- Purge volume- Flow rate- Gas permeability testing- Leak testing- Low permeability samplingProbe InstallationPassiveAnalysisExtraction IssuesActive•Temporal and Spatial Variability•Application for leak detection•Relationship to groundwatermonitoring parametersSample Collectionand Analysis- Dedicated probes- Direct push/hammer- Other methods9 

# Methods to predict and veri fy capacity, injectivity, & Methods to predict and veri fy capacity, injectivity, & effectiveness of storage in subsurface environments effectiveness of storage in subsurface environmentsArea of Review modelingand mapping associatedwith CO2deep injection for the purpose ofgeologic sequestrationS. R. Kraemer, J. Babendreier (NERL), D. DiGuilio(NRMRL), K. Bandilla (National Research Council Fellow)M.Celia (Princeton U)J. Birkholzer, Q. Zhou (Lawrence Berkeley NationalLaboratory)R. Truesdale (NWPP-RTI International)M. Tonkin (S.S. Papadopolus & Associates)A Hierarchical Modeling Framework forA Hierarchical Modeling Framework forGeological Storage of CarbonGeological Storage of CarbonSTAR:M. Celia, Princeton1010Monte Carlo simulator for cluster supercomputer (>300 PCs) 

# Example of Model Architecture Example of Model Architecture11117km 

# Mapping of Critical Pressure Mapping of Critical Pressure – hypothetical 1 MMt/yr CO hypothetical 1 MMt/yr CO 2 

# injection, 50 yrs injection, 50 yrs12 

# Characterization and Management of Risks: Characterization and Management of Risks: Geochemical Studies Geochemical StudiesGeochemical Impacts to Groundwater from GeologicalGeochemical Impacts to Groundwater from GeologicalCarbon SequestrationCarbon SequestrationR. T. Wilkin (PI), D. C. DiGiulio, (NRMRL)R. T. Wilkin (PI), D. C. DiGiulio, (NRMRL)S. Choi (National Research Council Fellow),S. Choi (National Research Council Fellow),J. Apps, J. Birkholzer, N. Spycher (Lawrence Berkeley NationalJ. Apps, J. Birkholzer, N. Spycher (Lawrence Berkeley NationalLaboratory), J. Hakala (National Energy Technology Laboratory)Laboratory), J. Hakala (National Energy Technology Laboratory)Understanding and Managing Risks Posed by BrinesUnderstanding and Managing Risks Posed by BrinesContaining Dissolved Carbon DioxideContaining Dissolved Carbon DioxideSTAR:R.W. Falta, S.M. Benson, L.M. Murdoch,Clemson U, StanfordAquifer Risk Assessment Framework (ARAF)Aquifer Risk Assessment Framework (ARAF)STAR:B.J. McPherson, M.D. Deo,R. Goel, S. Ramesh , D.KipU of UtahRisk-Based Decision Making for Assessing PotentialBased Decision Making for Assessing PotentialImpacts of Geologic CO2 Sequestration on DrinkingImpacts of Geologic CO2 Sequestration on Drinking-Water SourcesWater SourcesSTAR: J.McCray, J.Kaszuba, John , R. Maxwell, A. Sitchler,Colorado School of Mines, U of Wyoming1313 

# Context for Geochemical Investigations Context for Geochemical Investigations•Injection assupercritical fluid•Leakage alongT,P trajectories•Impact ofincreased partialpressure of CO2&H2S on solubilitypH decrease: CO2(g) + H2O = H2CO3= HCO3-+ H+Trace metal reactionsSolubilizationPrecipitation/sorptionBiogeochemical interactions with aquifer matrixOxidation/reduction1414 

# Geochemical Models to support field and Geochemical Models to support field and laboratory investigations laboratory investigations•Reaction Path Models/Surface ComplexationReaction Path Models/Surface ComplexationModels•Review/Comparison of Thermodynamic Data:Review/Comparison of Thermodynamic Data:MinteqA2, PhreeqMinteqA2, Phreeq-C, EQ3/6, otherC, EQ3/6, other•Identify data gaps, uncertainties; UpdateIdentify data gaps, uncertainties; Updatewith current datawith current data•Construction of Phase DiagramsConstruction of Phase Diagrams•Key Elements: As, Ba, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb,Key Elements: As, Ba, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb,Sb, Se, Tl, USb, Se, Tl, UThioarsenitesAs(III)-SThioarsenatesAs(V)-S1515 

# Metal Solubility System: Me Metal Solubility System: Me - CO 2 

# - H 2 

# OLead Cadmium16 

# Characterization and Management of Risks: Characterization and Management of Risks: Biogeochemical Studies Biogeochemical StudiesPhylogenetic and Functional Molecular Diversity ofPhylogenetic and Functional Molecular Diversity ofSubsurface Communities Exposed to DifferentSubsurface Communities Exposed to DifferentCO2ConcentrationsConcentrationsJ. Santo Domingo (NRMRL), N. Ashbolt (NERL)R. A. Sanford ,Wen-Tso Liu (University of Illinois ),T. Hazen, G. Andersen (Lawrence Berkeley National Lab-DOE)Diagnostic Monitoring of BiogeochemicalDiagnostic Monitoring of BiogeochemicalInteractions of a ShallowAquifer in Response to aInteractions of a ShallowAquifer in Response to aCO2Leak,STAR:D.S. Goldberg, David S. ,J.M. Matter, G. O'Mullan,M., Stute, T.TakahashiColombia University17 

# Groundwater Molecular Ecology Groundwater Molecular EcologySend out forSend out forSequencingExtract and purifyExtract and purifygenomic DNA fromgenomic DNA fromgroundwater sitesgroundwater sitesAnnotation ofAnnotation ofGene and genomesGene and genomesIn silicoIn silicoComparativeComparativeGenomicsGenomicsGroup-and functionand functionspecificspecificassay developmentassay development• Methods for collecting andprocessing ground water,biofilm, and sediment samples•Statistical basis foridentifying indexorganisms/gene markers.18Cloning & SequencingExtract and purifyDNA from groundwaterand sedimentsAnnotation of ClonesSedimentSedimentCommunitySuspendedSuspendedCommunityDIVERSITY ANALYSESAssay DevelopmentHost Specific &Functional MarkersPCR Bacterial orAchaeal 16S rRNA GenesPCR primerstargetingconserved regionsPredictive ModelsFunctional DynamicsField ApplicationUniversity of IllinoisLawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryCollaboratorsMicrobial populationfingerprintMicroarrayT-RFLPPhylogenetic &Function SpecificGenesRT-PCRPCRQPCRHOPE•Assess the identity, diversity, and functional potential of prokaryotic microbialcommunities (bacteria and archaea) in subsurface environments exposed to differentCO2levels• Compare attached and planktonic bacterial populations• Identify temporal changes in groundwater microbial community structure•Progress to date:>10,000 bacterial and archaeal 16S rDNA sequenceskey populations: sulfate- and iron-reducers19 

# Tools to identify artificial penetrations Tools to identify artificial penetrationsDevelopment of Methods to Evaluate Gas IntrusionDevelopment of Methods to Evaluate Gas Intrusioninto Buildings from Geological Sequestration ofinto Buildings from Geological Sequestration ofCO2Using Natural and Anthropogenic Analogues.Using Natural and Anthropogenic Analogues.D. DiGiulio (PI), R. Wilkin, K. Hargrove, K. Jewell,T. Lankford (NRMRL)•Integrated air-water-soil monitoring•Evidence of gas intrusion using real-time data fromsoil-gas probes and radon mitigation systems•Parallel water quality data using ground-watermonitoring wells to identify•Geochemical reactions that lead to elevatedCO2and depressed O2in soil gas•Subsurface and meteorological factors thataffect gas intrusion into homes•Develop and test measures to eliminate or reduceintrusion of oxygen displacing soil-gases (N2and CO2)during heavy precipitation events.20Research Program is addressing high priority research needs usinResearch Program is addressing high priority research needs usingintegrated laboratory, field, and modeling approachesintegrated laboratory, field, and modeling approachesStrong collaboration across ORD,across EPA, and with externalStrong collaboration across ORD,across EPA, and with externalpartnerspartnersActive Program Office and Regionalinvolvement in research proceActive Program Office and Regionalinvolvement in research process(priority areas, peer reviews, feedback on study plans, co(priority areas, peer reviews, feedback on study plans, co-sponsorsponsorseminars, workshops)seminars, workshops)Anticipated productsAnticipated products• Models that can be used for siting, permitting, design of monitoring programsRegional monitoring tools for decision-makersWeb-based interactive models• Geochemical models that can be used to identify and manage risks• Incorporation of biogeochemical concepts into design of monitoring programs• Monitoring tools, Field data, Technical supportPublications to-date• Wilkin, R.T. and D.C. DiGiulio (2010).Geochemical impacts to groundwater fromgeologic carbon sequestration: Controls on pH and inorganic carbonconcentrations from reactionpath and kinetic modeling. 

# Environmental Science

and Technology, v. 44, p. 4821-4827 

# Summary Summary21 

# Additional Information Additional InformationORD’s Research Programs and Laboratoriess Research Programs and Laboratorieshttp://www.epa.gov/ORDhttp://www.epa.gov/ORDSTAR GrantsSTAR Grantshttp://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/researchttp://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/research.displh.display/rpt/abs/rfa_id/504ay/rpt/abs/rfa_id/504Contact info:Contact info:Dr. Audrey D. LevineDr. Audrey D. LevineLevine.Audrey@epa.govLevine.Audrey@epa.gov202-564-1070