Using Compound Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA) in Groundwater Assessments
This online engineering PDH course presents the concept of using compound specific isotope analysis in groundwater assessments. The course objective is to show that stable isotope analyses can provide an in-depth understanding of biodegradation or abiotic transformation processes in contaminated aquifers. This course reviews general recommendations on good practice for sampling, for measurement, for data evaluation and for interpretation in CSIA.
When organic contaminants are degraded in the environment, the ratio of stable isotopes will often change, and the extent of degradation can be recognized and predicted from the change in the ratio of stable isotopes. Compound Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA) can be performed on dissolved organic contaminants such as chlorinated solvents, aromatic petroleum hydrocarbons, and fuel oxygenates, at concentrations in water that are near their regulatory standards.
The traditional approach for monitoring of concentrations of contaminants at sites often does not offer adequate information about the processes that are responsible for removal of the contaminants. Stable isotope analyses can provide an in-depth understanding of biodegradation or abiotic transformation processes in contaminated aquifers.
This 6 PDH online course is applicable to civil and environmental engineers and consultants involved in the design of sampling plans that will include CSIA and specify data quality objectives for CSIA analyses and for those who may review the sampling plans and data quality objectives, and who may review the data provided from the analyses.
This PE continuing education course is intended to provide you with the following specific knowledge and skills:
- Learning about Compound Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA)
- Understanding data quality issues associated with CSIA
- Knowing the proper collection, preservation, and storage of CSIA samples
- Interpreting CSIA data from field sites
- Understanding the considerations and methods for strategies for field investigations
- Understanding the Considerations and methods for use of stable isotopes for source differentiation
- Deriving equations to describe isotope fractionation
- Understanding the stable isotope enrichment factors
- Recommending the proper applications of CSIA
Once you complete your course review, you need to take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of thirty five (35) questions to earn 6 PDH credits. The quiz will be based on this EPA publication.
Upon successful completion of the quiz, print your Certificate of Completion instantly. (Note: if you are paying by check or money order, you will be able to print it after we receive your payment.) For your convenience, we will also email it to you. Please note that you can log in to your account at any time to access and print your Certificate of Completion.