Sorbent Polymer Extraction and Remediation System (SPEARS)

The SPEARS spikes, which are made of inexpensive plastic, are situated on rectangular support frames. Small quantities of ethanol are placed inside of each spike. The presence of the ethanol helps to drive the movement of PCBs from the sediments into the plastic. The frames are designed to be hooked together to form larger blankets that can be used to remediate larger areas. A proof-of-concept field demonstration for SPEARS was completed in 2014 at a sump pond in the Eastern U.S. Analysis at this site showed that sediment PCB-levels were remediated to below the EPA action limit of 50 milligrams per kilogram after 32 weeks using SPEARS. A second field demonstration for SPEARS was completed in September 2016 in Ontario, Canada, and a third demonstration is scheduled for 2017 as part of the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP). Tests are also underway to determine if SPEARS can be used to remove additional sediment contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides. This technology has been exclusively licensed by ecoSPEARS {https://ecospears.com}. Contact the company for product information. NASAs Kennedy Space Center has developed a novel method for the in situ removal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) found in submerged sediments. The technology consists of low-cost polymer spikes that attract and absorb PCBs. Seeking to avoid the pitfalls of current methods for handling PCB-contaminated sediments, NASA researchers developed a new approach for removing the PCBs. A series of polymer spikes, filled with an environmentally green solvent (e.g., ethanol), are first placed into a support frame. The frame is then lowered into submerged areas with PCB-contaminated sediments. Once in contact with the sediments, PCBs are drawn into the polymer spikes through diffusion. The solvent interior of the spikes helps to drive the movement of the PCBs into the spikes. Following PCB removal, the frame is removed and the spikes can be disposed of via incineration or landfilling. As an alternate approach, the spikes could potentially be decontaminated and redeployed.