CEA Soil Contamination Assessment 3

Question 1

What does the term 'NAPL' refer to in the context of soil and groundwater contamination?

Accepted Answer

Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid

Answer

NAPL stands for Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid, referring to contaminants such as petroleum products or chlorinated solvents that exist as a separate liquid phase from water.

Question 2

Which method is used to determine the bioavailability of metals in contaminated soil for ecological risk assessment purposes?

Accepted Answer

Sequential extraction procedures

Answer

Sequential extraction procedures fractionate metals into operationally defined fractions (exchangeable, carbonate-bound, etc.) to estimate bioavailable versus non-bioavailable forms.

Question 3

Under CERCLA, what document formally identifies the extent of soil contamination and recommended cleanup actions at a Superfund site?

Accepted Answer

Remedial Investigation / Feasibility Study (RI/FS)

Answer

The Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) characterizes the nature and extent of contamination and evaluates cleanup alternatives under CERCLA.

Question 4

A soil sample is collected from a leaking underground storage tank (LUST) site. Which analytical suite is MOST appropriate as a first-tier screen?

Accepted Answer

Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and BTEX compounds

Answer

TPH and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene) are the primary contaminants of concern at LUST sites and are the standard first-tier analytical parameters.

Question 5

What is 'contaminant plume diving' and why is it important during soil and groundwater assessment?

Accepted Answer

A DNAPL mass that releases dissolved-phase contamination that migrates downward

Answer

DNAPL (dense NAPL) sinks through the saturated zone and serves as a long-term source releasing dissolved-phase contamination that can extend deep into the aquifer.

(CEA) Certified Environmental Auditor Practice Test

(CEA) Certified Environmental Auditor Practice Test

CEA Soil Contamination Assessment 3