Review of ammonium attenuation in the subsurface

Ammonium is a common subsurface contaminant that may originate from diverse sources such as landfills, agricultural facilities, sewage treatment systems and contaminated industrial sites. Ammonium is often present at high concentrations at such sites and may be relatively poorly attenuated by chemical and biological processes in soil and groundwater. Consequently, the risks posed by ammonium contamination requires careful assessment based upon robust data.

Recognising that reliable generic information on ammonium attenuation in the subsurface under UK conditions was lacking, the Environment Agency’s National Groundwater and Contaminated Land Centre (NGWCLC) commissioned ESI to review available information on ammonium attenuation in the subsurface. The review focuses on collating scientifically-based values for ammonium degradation and retardation for use when screening risks associated with ammonium in soil and groundwater.  

Despite the limited public data resource, the ESI team, working in collaboration with Dr Steve Thornton of the University of Sheffield, has produced practical guidance for the contaminated land assessment community on ammonium attenuation in soil and groundwater for most UK lithologies. The report (Review of ammonium attenuation in soil and groundwater) is published as Environment Agency NGWCLC report NC/02/49 and is available for download at the Agency’s website (www.environment-agency.gov.uk).

The report’s authors have previously been involved in the production of various other Environment Agency guidance documents on natural attenuation and groundwater risk assessment.

Production of this latest report once again demonstrates the value of ESI’s expertise on these subjects and its commitment to delivering high quality, cost-effective, consultancy-based research and development.

Please contact ESI for more information on 'Review of ammonium attenuation in the subsurface'.